Physics, Ph.D. / Ph.D. Distance Learning CERN / MPhil
Swansea UniversitySingleton Park Campus, United Kingdom
Course overview
Start dates: PhD/MPhil - 1st October, 1st January, 1st April & 1st July. You will undertake a physics research project over two years (MPhil) or three years (PhD), supported by our globally esteemed researchers. The project will be shaped by your participation in research activities such as seminars, workshops, laboratory activity and fieldwork, as well as your involvement in one of our established research groups.
Swansea is a research-led University and physics makes a significant contribution, meaning you will benefit from the considerable experience and skills of our expert staff. We have three main research groups. The Atomic, Molecular and Quantum Physics Group (AMQP) is supported by grants from EPSRC, the EU, The Royal Society, the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales and various industrial and government sources.
The areas of research are: Analytical laser spectroscopy, Ultrafast Dynamics, Imaging and Microscopy, Optomechanics Antihydrogen, positronium and positrons Cold atom physics Nano-scale physics and the life sciences The Applied Physics and Materials (APM) Group is supported by grants from the European Union, Welsh Government, National Science Foundation, Australian Research Council, Welsh European Funding Office, and EPSRC. The areas of research include: Biophotonics: Nano- and micro-structured materials, biomimetics, analyte sensing and light-tissue interaction Nanomedicine Sustainable Advanced Materials: next-generation semiconductors, bioelectronic materials and devices, optoelectronics including photodetection, solar energy conversion, advanced electro-optics and transport physics of disordered solids The Particle Physics and Cosmology Theory (PPCT) Group is one of the five largest particle physics groups in the UK. It is supported mainly by STFC, but also has grants from EPSRC, the EU, the Royal Society and the Leverhulme Trust.
The areas of research include: Amplitudes in gauge and supergravity theories Hot and Dense matter, High-performance computing Gauge/string duality, Higher spin holography, Integrability, Large-N gauge theories, supersymmetry and duality Holography and lattice theories in physics beyond the Standard Model Quantum fields in curved spacetime and t heoretical cosmology We are ranked: Top 201-250 in the World (QS World University Rankings 2025)
Entry requirements
- Degree: 2:1 — or above
- Master's degree: Merit — PhD: Applicants for PhD must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level or a master’s degree with a minimum overall grade at ‘Merit’ (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University).
Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships
International Postgraduate Alumni Bursaries
First Class - £5,000 per year; Second Class, First division - £3,000 per year; Second Class, Second division - £1,000 per year; Taught Masters to Research Degree - £3,000 per year subject to satisfactory progress.
Swansea University International Postgraduate Research Excellence Scholarship (SUIPRES)
The SUIPRES Scholarship covers the difference between the International and the Home tuition fee rate for the duration of the PhD/Professional Doctorate programme.
Cost of study
UK/Home: £5,006 per year | International: £24,550 per year
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 Swansea University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
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