Study Here
Whether you are interested in a PhD level research degree with us or undergraduate level study there are plenty of opportunities. Expand the options below to find out more.
UNDERGRADUATE COURSES IN THEORETICAL PHYSICS.
Members of the Theory Group are actively involved in teaching all aspects of the undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in the School of Physics at the University of Birmingham. In addition we have two specialist theory programs:
Students on these courses are guarenteed to have a theorist as their tutor and become active members of the research group when, in their fourth year, they undertake a research project with us.
In the past the group kept copies of lectures notes here. These resources can now be accessed by Birmingham students using Canvas.
POSTGRADUATE THEORY COURSES.
Postgraduate students in the Theory Group become members of the Midlands Physics Alliance Graduate School – known as MPAGS. This is a joint activity under the auspices of the Midlands Physics Alliance – a strategic alliance between us the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Nottingham and the Department of Physics of the University of Warwick. There are about 15 to 20 taught modules given each term and many of these are given by Staff in the Theory Group. Postgraduate Research Students will typically take two courses per term in the first year or two of their PhD.
The program of taught modules varies from term to term. The current term’s modules are available here. Students can also attend courses from the University of Birmingham’s MSci programs (and postgraduate courses provided by the other research groups) covering areas such as General Relativity, Cosmology, Particle Physics etc.
The current resources are available to students via the MPAGS website.
PHDS IN THEORETICAL PHYSICS.
Our graduate program offers research opportunities for PhD research within the Theoretical Physics Group. You can get a flavour for our research by browsing the research pages and interests of members of the group:
If you would like more information about specific research areas then please contact members of staff directly.
Requirements
Prospective PhD students will in general have or expect to obtain a first class degree in physics or mathematics.
Funding
EPSRC and university funded studentships are available for home students, which cover the PhD student fees and provide a stipend. For international students the College of Engineering and Physical Science offers a very small number of fully-funded places. Please apply early if you want to be considered for one of these places.
PhD students are also expected to carry out some teaching activities during their studies, for which they are paid by the university in addition to the stipend.
How and when to apply
To apply for a PhD place with us, visit this page and click “apply now”. This part of the process is the same regardless of funding source. While there is no application deadline, most applications are received between December and February for places starting the following October. We welcome enquiries at all times of the year.
Further information can be found at:
Research Student Life
Our research students form a vibrant community within the Research Group. There are numerous activities laid on by the Research Group to support our PhD researchers, including: