PhD in Physics

University of Cambridge

The PhD in Physics is a full-time period of research that introduces or builds upon research skills and specialist knowledge. Students are assigned a research Supervisor, a specialist in part or all of the student's chosen research field, and join a research group that might vary in size between a handful to many tens of individuals. Although the Supervisor is responsible for the progress of a student's research programme, the extent to which a postgraduate student is assisted by the Supervisor or by other members of the group depends almost entirely on the structure and character of the group concerned. The research field is normally determined at entry after consideration of the student's interests and the facilities available. The student, however, may work within a given field for a period of time before their personal topic is determined. There is no requirement made by the University for postgraduate students to attend formal courses or lectures for the PhD. Postgraduate work is largely a matter of independent research and successful postgraduates require a high degree of self-motivation. Nevertheless, lectures and classes may be arranged, and students are expected to attend both seminars (delivered regularly by members of the University and by visiting scholars and industrialists) and external conferences. Postgraduate students are also expected to participate in the undergraduate teaching programme at some time whilst they are based at the Cavendish, in order to develop their teaching, demonstrating, outreach, organisational and person-management skills. It is expected that postgraduate students will also take advantage of the multiple opportunities available for transferable skills training within the University during their period of research.