Physics PhD

University of Surrey

The School of Mathematics and Physics is home to PhD students from around the world, supported by 54 full-time, research-active academic staff. You’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with scientists around the world and take advantage of our strategic partnerships with organisations such as the National Physical Laboratory and the Royal Surrey County Hospital. We’re part of the South East Physics Network, which is made up of nine leading universities working to deliver excellence in physics (SEPnet). You’ll become part of SEPnet’s graduate network (GRADnet), the largest postgraduate research school in England. We have an excellent graduate employability record, with 92 per cent of our physics research students going on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes survey, 2024) and the collaborative, interdisciplinary and industry-relevant nature of our research means you’ll make contacts, gain skills and get practical experience that gives you an edge with employers. Our research ranges from fundamental topics in nuclear theory and astrophysics, to applied research in semiconductor devices and medical physics. Our nuclear physics group is the largest combined experimental and theoretical group in its field in the UK. Our research in astrophysics is dynamic and rapidly growing, and our latest research in quantum technology has resulted in articles published in top international journals. Our research often has strong practical applications, such as the strained layer laser that is today ubiquitous in information technology.