Physics PhD

Queen's University BelfastBelfast, United Kingdom

Course overview

The scientific research within the School of Mathematics and Physics was highly rated in the 2021 REF peer-review exercise, with 90% of research being judged as internationally excellent or world-leading. Physics and Astronomy at Queen's has been ranked 14th in the UK (Complete University Guide 2025) and joint 9th in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide 2025). Physics research activity in the School is focused into three specific Research Centres; all members of academic staff belong to one of these Research Centres, listed below.

Astrophysics Research Centre (PhD/MPhil) Find out more below, or email Professor Mihalis Mathioudakis ([email protected]) Centre for Light-Matter Interactions (PhD/MPhil) Find out more below, or email Professor Brendan Dromey ([email protected]) or Professor Hugo Van Der Hart ([email protected]) Centre for Quantum Materials and Technologies (PhD/MPhil) Find out more below, or email Dr Amit Kumar ([email protected]) Registration is on a full-time or part-time basis, under the direction of a supervisory team appointed by the University. You will be expected to submit your thesis at the end of three years of full-time registration for PhD, or two years for MPhil (or part-time equivalent).

Key highlights

90% of research rated internationally excellent or world-leading in REF 2021
Ranked 14th in the UK for Physics and Astronomy (CUG 2025)
Joint 9th in the UK for Graduate Prospects (CUG 2025)
Research within three dedicated Physics Research Centres
Specialisms in astrophysics, light-matter interactions and quantum materials
Research directed by a University-appointed supervisory team

Entry requirements

IELTS: 6 — 6.0 IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is require

Scholarships

International Postgraduate Taught Scholarship
Year one award of between £2000 and £5000.
Up to £2,000
The Burdett Trust MSc Nursing Scholarships
For Home Students: Tuition fees £7,665 Stipend £10,250. For International Students: Tuition fees £24,295 Stipend £17,000
Vice Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship - Postgraduate Taught
Value: 50% of tuition fees paid for up to a maximum of two years.
Up to 50% of fees

Careers this course leads to

Research scientist
Postdoctoral researcher
University lecturer
Astrophysicist
Quantum technology engineer
Laser physicist

Cost of study

UK/Home: £5,238 | International: £28,000

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Queen's University Belfast, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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