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 studentships are available for UK citizens and there is also the possibility of fully-funded studentships for EU citizens. In addition, each year the department funds several elite teaching assistantships (with associated scholarships for up to four years). For non-EU citizens the College of Engineering and Physical Science offers a small number of fully funded Postgraduate Elite Scholarships which pays full fees, maintenance and give a research grant.
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 March for places starting the following October. Applications for Postgraduate Elite Scholarships need to be received by the end of December and Teaching Assistantships have an April deadline. We welcome enquiries at all times of the year.
Further information can be found at:
- Course information
- The University of Birmingham Postgraduate Prospectus
- The School of Physics and Astronomy site
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:
- Seminars: The Theoretical Physics Group runs a broad program of seminars. Physicists from other institutions (both in the UK and overseas) are invited to talk about their research.
- Group talks: This weekly meeting of the group provides a forum for group members to present their research to the rest of the group. We also provide an introductory background to the forthcoming seminars.
- Friday discussions: A very informal gathering over a sandwich lunch where the latest research breakthroughs, papers and ideas are up for free-flowing discussion.
- Our Postgraduate theory courses enable PhD students to get a strong grounding in many areas of theoretical condensed matter physics.