Physics and Astronomy University of Birmingham

The School of Physics and Astronomy has a rich history of distinguished research and has delivered breakthrough discoveries which continue to transform our understanding of the universe, its laws and fundamental characteristics in a number of themes: Astrophysics and Space Research? Condensed Matter Physics? Metamaterials? Molecular Physics? Nanoscale Physics? Nuclear Physics? Particle Physics? Positron Imaging? Solar and Stellar Physics? Theoretical Physics? and Ultra Cold Atoms.

Studying a PhD offers you a wealth of opportunities to expand and transform your thinking through independent inquiry. From working alongside world leaders in physics and astronomy, you'll have the stimulation, support and challenges you need to succeed.

We have a long tradition of advancing discovery through distinguished research originating from the time of John Henry Poynting, the first Professor of Physics at Birmingham, whose work included the theory of the transfer of electromagnetic energy. Today, however, the School offers research projects across the breadth of the discipline: from nuclear and particle physics experiments at the large hadron collider at the smallest scales, to the role of dark matter at cosmological scales. In between, we cover areas of quantum matter in both experiment and theory which includes ultracold atomic gases, metamaterials, nanoscale physics and condensed matter. Our astronomers are renowned for work in astroseimology, gravitational waves and for extragalactic astronomy.

Research groups hold regular seminars with many distinguished external speakers and the vast majority of our research activity involves national or international collaboration, often with industrial partners. The School also hosts conferences and meetings on various research topics, bringing in leading scientists from around the world.

Entry requirements for this course

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