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The research proposal is central to your application to undertake doctoral study in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. You should read the following guidelines to ensure that your proposal includes the information we need to assess your application.

To support your application for a PhD place in the School of Mathematical & Physical Sciences, you should either:

• write a new project proposal in a specialised subject, which will appeal to our faculty, naming one or more preferred supervisors.
• write a general personal statement describing a broad topic of interest to you and our faculty. You should show how your areas of academic strength would benefit the topic. If you have more than one such topic, clearly address each one separately. You may indicate preferred supervisors and research groups.
• write a specific personal statement about why you are the right person for one of our advertised research projects. (Not all research groups advertise projects.)

As appropriate, you can

• explain your interest and motivation to carry out the research
• specify the questions you wish to investigate, including references to research literature
• indicate which methods and techniques are adequate to achieve the research aims, and state whether you are able to apply them or wish to develop skills in them.

Your document can be from half to four pages in length, as necessary. Please upload it to your application in pdf format.

Details of our Research Groups can be found on the research webpage .

In the Financial Information section of the online form, you should:

• Tell us which studentship you would like to be considered for. They are advertised on the scholarships web pages . Check your eligibility in the advertisement.
• Tell us if you have another way of funding your studies should we be unable to offer you a studentship.
• Tell us the name of your sponsor, or intended sponsor, if you will be funded by a third party. Inform us of any important deadlines.

• How to Write a Great PhD Research Proposal | FindAPhD.com

How to Write a Great PhD Research Proposal

Written by Mark Bennett

You'll need to write a research proposal if you're submitting your own project plan as part of a PhD application. A good PhD proposal outlines the scope and significance of your topic and explains how you plan to research it.

It's helpful to think about the proposal like this: if the rest of your application explains your ability to do a PhD, the proposal demonstrates the actual PhD you plan to do. Of course, being able to effectively plan and explain a research project is one of the key qualifications for being able to complete one, which is why the proposal is such an important part of the PhD application process.

Thankfully, the secret to writing a good research proposal isn't complicated. It's simply a case of understanding what the proposal is for, what it needs to do and how it needs to be put together.

On this page

What is a phd research proposal.

First things first, do you need a research proposal for your PhD? It depends on the kind of project you want to do:

• If your PhD is advertised by a university, you probably won't need to submit a research proposal for it. The broad aims and objectives for your PhD will already be defined: you just need to prove you're the right person to do it.
• But, if you're proposing your own research topic to research within a university's PhD programme, you will need to write a proposal for it (the clue is in the word "proposing")

As a rule, advertised PhDs are very common in STEM subjects, whereas Arts, Humanities and Social Science students are more likely to propose their own PhDs.

Some PhD programmes actually wait and ask students to develop their research proposal during the degree (usually after they've completed some initial training). This is normal in the USA , but it's becoming more common for some UKRI-funded UK PhDs.

For the purposes of this guide we're going to assume that you do need to write a good research proposal for your PhD application. So let's explore what's involved in that.

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What should a research proposal for PhD admission include?

It's natural to be a little intimidated at the thought of structuring a PhD proposal, particularly if you've never written anything like this before.

But here's the thing: a research proposal isn't a fiendish test designed to catch you out and stop you ever doing a PhD. It's actually much more boring than that.

All a research proposal really is is a document that demonstrates three things:

• Your PhD is worthwhile
• Your PhD is feasible
• You are capable of completing it at this university

Or to put it even more simply: the PhD is worth doing, it's doable and you can do it.

Demonstrate your PhD is worthwhile (the what and the why)

A successful PhD project has to make a significant original contribution to knowledge. If it doesn't, it won't meet the criteria for a doctoral degree and will probably fail the viva exam .

Your PhD proposal itself doesn't have to meet those criteria (or pass a viva!) but it does need to indicate that your PhD project eventually will.

It does that by first demonstrating that your research topic is original. That means nobody else has studied this same topic (or one very similar) before.

There are all sorts of ways a PhD can be original. You might examine new data or primary sources, to look at existing material from a fresh perspective, or deal with the impact of new events. It doesn't matter how your project is original, so long as your proposal is really specific about what makes it original.

You also need to explain why your proposed research will be academically significant. To do this properly, you'll need to acknowledge relevant existing scholarship and explain how your research will relate to it. You don't need to be exhaustive at this point, but you should be able to show how your PhD will contribute to its field and – ideally – indicate some of the gaps in knowledge it will aim to fill.

The final step in demonstrating your PhD is worthwhile is to suggest what will become possible as a result of your research. How could other researchers use or build upon your results? What might closing those gaps in academic knowledge mean for audiences outside the unviversity?

Demonstrate your PhD is feasible (the how)

It isn't enough just to show that your research is worth doing; it also needs to actually be doable.

The length of a full-time PhD is around three to four years in most countries (it's longer in for a PhD in the USA , but you don't spend all that time doing research).

Three years may seem like a long time, but researching a PhD is a lot of work and you'll probably spend at least some of your time on other activities like teaching, conference presentations or even publication.

So, one of the things your proposal needs to do is demonstrate that your project is feasible: that it fits within the scope of a PhD.

The most important criteria for this is to be clear about what you plan to do. It should be obvious from your proposal what the scope of your project is – what is and isn't included within it.

You also need to outline how you plan to go about your research. Where will you start and what order do you expect to proceed in? Is the logic for that obvious? If not, it's probably a good idea to explain it.

Finally, you need to explain the methodology you plan to use. This could include techniques for collecting data and sources, theoretical perspectives for analysing them – or both. You may also need to detail specific equipment you expect to use or fieldwork you'll need to undertake (including trips to archives or other external resources).

None of this needs to be exact or completely final. The key word here is 'plan' – but you do need to have one.

Demonstrate that you can complete it at this university (the who and the where)

So far we've thought about the project itself: what makes it worth doing and how it's going to get done. But your proposal also needs to address the who and the where: why are you the right person to carry out this research, and why do you want to do it at this particular university?

The first part of this is easier than it probably looks. Writing a good research proposal demonstrates enthusiasm for your project much more convincingly than simply saying you're very interested in it (a classic case of 'show, don't tell').

You also don't need to repeat your grades and academic achievements (other parts of your PhD application will cover those). Instead, try to underline experiences that relate to this project. Has a particular module or Masters dissertation topic prepared you with useful subject knowledge or methodological skills? If so, highlight it.

It's also fine, within reason, to be honest about the skills you don't have and to identify your training needs. This shows you're being practical about your project and thinking seriously about what it will require. Just make sure you can realistically acquire the skills and training you need within the time available (this goes back to the feasibility).

Showing your project is a good fit for the university is also relatively simple. There should already be some reasons why you've chosen this university for your PhD so make sure you explain what they are. Perhaps there's a particular supervisor you'd like to work with , or facilities and resources your research could use. The key is to emphasise the fit between the project and the university – so don't just say you want to research there because it's highly ranked .

PhD research proposal structure

Hopefully the above sections have given you a few ideas for the things your proposal needs to include. Let's be honest though, the scariest thing about a proposal isn't deciding what to include: it's actually writing it.

But, if we flip that on its head, we remember that all a research proposal really is is a piece of writing that follows a pretty standard format. And that's a lot less scary.

Research proposal structure

Because proposals for PhD all have to do the same things, they mostly follow a similar structure. Yours will probably go something like this:

• Title – Keep it simple and descriptive: the clever alliteration and quotes can come later when you write up your thesis. For now, you just want the person reading this to know exactly what your research is about and, perhaps, which prospective supervisor to send it to.
• Overview – Start by defining your research question (the what) and explaining how it contributes to current work in your field (the why). This is also a good place to reference one or two pieces of scholarship: the full literature review can wait until your PhD begins, but you should show that you have some understanding of relevant academic research.
• Methodology – Make sure the reader understands the practical and / or theoretical approaches you'll take to your research. What data will you collect, how will you collect it and how will you analyse it? Ideally refer to relevant research methods and models. It's also a good idea to provide some sort of roadmap for how you'll go about things. Don't worry, you can change it later (and you will).
• Outcomes and impact – What will exist as a result of your research (other than just another PhD on a library shelf) and what will it make possible? You don't need to identify every specific outcome from your project (blue sky research is fine) but you should think about what some potential outcomes might be.

You probably won't need to include a specific conclusion - it should be obvious, by now, what your project is doing, how you're going to do it and why that matters. A quick summary sentence is fine though, if you think it will help.

Writing tips

Being able to effectively communicate academic concepts, ideas and results is a key skill for PhD research in all subjects . Think of your proposal as a chance to demonstrate this.

The good news is that the key principles of good proposal writing aren't that different from other work you've probably done as a Bachelors or Masters student:

• Be clear – The person reading your research proposal should know exactly what it is you're proposing to research, with no room for ambiguity and confusion. This is important on a practical level (they need to know where to send it) but it's also important to the success of your application: a confusing proposal suggests a confused project. Try having a friend read it and ask them "do you know what it is I'm proposing to do here?" (even if they don't understand the details).
• Be concise – You will have more ideas than you can include in your proposal. That's fine. Choose the best ones and leave the others for your interview .
• be coherent – Follow something like the structure above. Don't start with your methodology, then say what it is you want to research.

How long should a PhD research proposal be?

Honestly? As long as the university asks for it to be. Most will have guidelines and you should follow them closely if so.

If you honestly can't find a suggested word count for your proposal, then consider asking a prospective supervisor . If you still aren't sure, aim for somewhere between 1,000-2,000 words .

As a very general rule, Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences are a bit longer than STEM proposals (and a lot of STEM students don't have to write one anyway, as we've explained).

Research proposal for PhD admission - dos and don'ts

Research proposals are a popular topic over on the FindAPhD blog , where we've shared stories of how students wrote theirs , along with mistakes to avoid and a counter-intuitive look at the things a PhD proposal doesn't actually need to do .

Here are a few general tips and mistakes to avoid:

#1 Give yourself enough time to do a good job

Preparing to write a PhD proposal takes time and effort. None of this is wasted as the process of evaluating and framing your ideas for a proposal will improve your project plan immensely. So will the need to decide which ideas to include.

But you need time and space to do that, so make sure you get it. How long it will take to write your PhD proposal is heavily dependent on your personal working style, but you'll likely need to give yourself at least a few weeks to do a good job.

#2 Set out to impress

A good proposal isn't a begging letter. You're approaching the university with a great idea that's going to contribute to and enhance their research. Be honest, be realistic, but don't be unnecessarily humble. They should want you and your project.

#3 Demonstrate original thinking!

You may not need to present original research findings yet, but your proposal does need to present original ideas – and it should be clear why and how those ideas are original.

Make sure you indicate how your project is going to expand, enhance or even correct existing work in your field. Remember that making an "original contribution to knowledge" is a key part of what a PhD is .

#1 Send the same proposal to several universities

A good proposal needs to explain why you want to do your research at a particular university. That's a big part of the feasibility (the fit between project, person and place) and methodology (how are you going to use this university's equipment and archives; when and where will you need to travel).

It's OK to apply to more than one university in parallel, but, in that case, you're writing research proposals .

#2 Use online proposal templates (without evaluating them first!)

It can be tempting to search for PhD proposal samples on the internet, but make sure you evaluate what you find. Some websites may host old proposals from previous PhD students, but there's no way of knowing how relevant these are to your subject and university – or if they were even successful! More 'generic' research proposal examples can offer guidance, but they won't be tailored to your specific project.

The best place to look for a PhD proposal sample is your university. Consider asking your supervisor if they can share a good proposal from a previous student in your subject – or put you in touch with a current student you can ask.

#3 Confuse the proposal with the PhD

We've covered this on the blog , but it's simple enough to include here too.

You're setting out to do a PhD, but you (probably!) haven't done one yet. So you don't need to include research findings, in-depth analysis or a comprehesive literature review. You need to make a case for the research and analysis you want to do.

#4 Ignore your university's help and guidance

The advice on this page is necessarily quite general. We're considering adding guides to writing PhD proposals in specific subjects in future but, for now, the best place to get specific advice for your academic field is probably the university you're applying to.

See if you can get some subject-specific tips by contacting a supervisor , or just checking with the admissions team for your department.

And remember: if they give you a structure and a word count, stick to it.

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We've answered some of the most frequently asked questions about PhDs, covering course types, applications, funding and the benefits of further study.

Getting ready to apply for a PhD? Our guides explain research proposals, references and entry tests for doctoral programmes.

Our guide explains how to contact a potential PhD supervisor to discuss your proposal or ideas with them before applying.

A checklist of the things you'll need to do when making an international PhD application, from meeting the entry requirements to sorting out your visa.

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How to write a research proposal

What is a research proposal.

A research proposal should present your idea or question and expected outcomes with clarity and definition – the what.

It should also make a case for why your question is significant and what value it will bring to your discipline – the why. 

What it shouldn't do is answer the question – that's what your research will do.

Why is it important?

Research proposals are significant because Another reason why it formally outlines your intended research. Which means you need to provide details on how you will go about your research, including:

• your approach and methodology
• timeline and feasibility
• all other considerations needed to progress your research, such as resources.

Think of it as a tool that will help you clarify your idea and make conducting your research easier.

How long should it be?

Usually no more than 2000 words, but check the requirements of your degree, and your supervisor or research coordinator.

Presenting your idea clearly and concisely demonstrates that you can write this way – an attribute of a potential research candidate that is valued by assessors.

What should it include?

Project title.

Your title should clearly indicate what your proposed research is about.

Research supervisor

State the name, department and faculty or school of the academic who has agreed to supervise you. Rest assured, your research supervisor will work with you to refine your research proposal ahead of submission to ensure it meets the needs of your discipline.

Proposed mode of research

Describe your proposed mode of research. Which may be closely linked to your discipline, and is where you will describe the style or format of your research, e.g. data, field research, composition, written work, social performance and mixed media etc. 

This is not required for research in the sciences, but your research supervisor will be able to guide you on discipline-specific requirements.

Aims and objectives

What are you trying to achieve with your research? What is the purpose? This section should reference why you're applying for a research degree. Are you addressing a gap in the current research? Do you want to look at a theory more closely and test it out? Is there something you're trying to prove or disprove? To help you clarify this, think about the potential outcome of your research if you were successful – that is your aim. Make sure that this is a focused statement.

Your objectives will be your aim broken down – the steps to achieving the intended outcome. They are the smaller proof points that will underpin your research's purpose. Be logical in the order of how you present these so that each succeeds the previous, i.e. if you need to achieve 'a' before 'b' before 'c', then make sure you order your objectives a, b, c.

A concise summary of what your research is about. It outlines the key aspects of what you will investigate as well as the expected outcomes. It briefly covers the what, why and how of your research. 

A good way to evaluate if you have written a strong synopsis, is to get somebody to read it without reading the rest of your research proposal. Would they know what your research is about?

Now that you have your question clarified, it is time to explain the why. Here, you need to demonstrate an understanding of the current research climate in your area of interest.

Providing context around your research topic through a literature review will show the assessor that you understand current dialogue around your research, and what is published.

Demonstrate you have a strong understanding of the key topics, significant studies and notable researchers in your area of research and how these have contributed to the current landscape.

Expected research contribution

In this section, you should consider the following:

• Why is your research question or hypothesis worth asking?
• How is the current research lacking or falling short?
• What impact will your research have on the discipline?
• Will you be extending an area of knowledge, applying it to new contexts, solving a problem, testing a theory, or challenging an existing one?
• Establish why your research is important by convincing your audience there is a gap.
• What will be the outcome of your research contribution?
• Demonstrate both your current level of knowledge and how the pursuit of your question or hypothesis will create a new understanding and generate new information.
• Show how your research is innovative and original.

Draw links between your research and the faculty or school you are applying at, and explain why you have chosen your supervisor, and what research have they or their school done to reinforce and support your own work. Cite these reasons to demonstrate how your research will benefit and contribute to the current body of knowledge.

Proposed methodology

Provide an overview of the methodology and techniques you will use to conduct your research. Cover what materials and equipment you will use, what theoretical frameworks will you draw on, and how will you collect data.

Highlight why you have chosen this particular methodology, but also why others may not have been as suitable. You need to demonstrate that you have put thought into your approach and why it's the most appropriate way to carry out your research. 

It should also highlight potential limitations you anticipate, feasibility within time and other constraints, ethical considerations and how you will address these, as well as general resources.

A work plan is a critical component of your research proposal because it indicates the feasibility of completion within the timeframe and supports you in achieving your objectives throughout your degree.

Consider the milestones you aim to achieve at each stage of your research. A PhD or master's degree by research can take two to four years of full-time study to complete. It might be helpful to offer year one in detail and the following years in broader terms. Ultimately you have to show that your research is likely to be both original and finished – and that you understand the time involved.

Provide details of the resources you will need to carry out your research project. Consider equipment, fieldwork expenses, travel and a proposed budget, to indicate how realistic your research proposal is in terms of financial requirements and whether any adjustments are needed.

Bibliography

Provide a list of references that you've made throughout your research proposal. 

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GW Department of Physics Guide to the PhD

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The purpose of this guide is to clarify the formal steps required to successfully propose and defend a PhD in physics at GW. It is assumed that students have passed all other formal requirements (coursework, etc., as specified in the CCAS Virtual Student Handbook and departmental requirements) prior to entering their PhD research project. If you are uncertain what these requirements are, ask the physics director of graduate studies . In this guide, the abbreviation DGS refers to the director of graduate studies or the DGS’ designated representative.

All PhD students must read the complete guide and then download and submit the form acknowledging that you have read it. Linked on this page are several other forms that will need to be filled in at various stages as you progress through the project. All forms need to be signed and certified by the DGS. Also, various steps may require giving advance notice before going on to the next step. The time periods associated with these advance notices are firm requirements, not suggestions.

Approved by Physics Graduate Committee: March 23, 2017 Amendments Approved by Physics Graduate Committee: September 2017 Amendments Approved by Physics Graduate Committee: March 2019

Please download and sign the signature page to acknowledge that you have read and understood the instructions laid out in this guide.

Acknowledgment of Department Guide to the PhD (PDF)

Find a physics faculty member and agree with him/her on a Ph.D. project; this faculty member is going to be your Ph.D. advisor (also referred to as dissertation director, supervisor, etc.). If your primary advisor is not a physics faculty member at GW, you will need a GW physics faculty member as co-advisor. The expectation is that you present your dissertation proposal no later than the third year of your studies . Delay beyond that may indicate lack of academic progress and may lead to dismissal.

Start researching your project under your Ph.D. advisor’s guidance and prepare a proposal. You do not need to include already performed original work in the proposal; outline the project, its original content and scientific significance, resources needed, how you expect to achieve your goals and specify a tentative and feasible timeline. The narrative of the proposal should not exceed 15 pages , not counting references. If you have material for more than 15 pages, condense it into 15 pages. For a mandatory proposal document template contact the physics graduate studies advisor .

Timeline to Proposal: In the fourth semester, you take one of the advanced graduate courses “Astrophysics/Biophysics/Nuclear and Particle Physics I or II” and work with an advisor in a “Topics-In” class. You continue immersion in the research group during the following summer. By the end of that semester, you also have passed the General 1 Examination. By the beginning of your fifth semester, you thus should have developed a clear idea where your research interest lies. The department therefore expects that you present a dissertation proposal not later than in your fifth semester. In order to help you, the DGS tracks your progress towards that goal.

If you have not passed your dissertation proposal by the end of the fifth semester, the DGS will usually recommend to the CCAS associate dean of graduate studies that you be put on probation for the next (sixth) semester. You need to present a dissertation proposal by the end of the probation period. Before making such a recommendation, the DGS discusses with you and your advisor your progress, and whether you should be recommended for probation and consults with the Physics Graduate Committee. The DGS’s decision takes into account your annual candidate report and mitigating circumstances, including but not limited to: switching advisors, passing the general examination in the fourth semester (retake) and personal hardship. In such cases, the recommendation for probation can be delayed by one semester. That means you will definitely be recommended for probation for the seventh semester if you have not presented a dissertation proposal by the end of the sixth semester.

At the end of the probationary period, the DGS discusses again your progress with you and our advisor. If you have presented a dissertation proposal, the DGS recommends to the CCAS associate dean of graduate studies that the probation be lifted. If you have not, the DGS will, after consultation with the Physics Graduate Committee, decide whether to recommend that the associate dean of graduate studies terminate you from the program for lack of academic progress. The DGS’s decision takes into account your annual candidate report and, in addition, mitigating circumstances which were not considered when probation was recommended.

When you pass the general examination and as part of the feedback to each annual candidate report, you receive an email to remind you of these rules.

When your advisor agrees that your proposal is ready to be presented to the public, your advisor and you need to decide on your  Dissertation Research Committee , composed of your advisor (and your co-advisor if necessary) and two readers. The choice of readers needs to be endorsed by the DGS. The Research Committee stays in place for the duration of your dissertation project. Readers are physics faculty members who have an active interest in your project and have the necessary expertise to provide additional help and guidance for your project. (If at any time during the course of your Ph.D. research a reader should no longer be available to serve on the committee, the reader must be replaced immediately while your project is still on-going. This replacement requires the approval of the DGS. Such approval is also required if a reader is to be replaced for any other reason.)

The formal thesis proposal defense may be scheduled after the DGS receives written consent (use the Dissertation Proposal Research Committee Sign-Off form) from all members of the Research Committee that your proposal is ready for presentation. Announcements must be sent out to the entire Physics Department at least two weeks in advance. Announcement templates are available from the Physics Department . Please note: Unless the DGS agrees that there are valid mitigating circumstances, presentations should not be scheduled outside of regular lecturing or exam periods. (Inconvenience, scheduling problems, or being too busy otherwise are not mitigating circumstances. Plan ahead.)

The thesis proposal defense is conducted publicly in front of the entire Research Committee. The proceedings are chaired by the DGS. The Ph.D. candidate gives a 20-minute presentation followed by a public Q&A session between readers and candidate. After that, the chair may invite the public to pose questions. Following these, there is a discussion with the readers in a closed session. The advisor should not engage in presenting the project, but may provide brief clarifications if necessary. The chair does not participate in the discussion. The whole process lasts typically 90 minutes.

At the conclusion of the proposal defense, the Proposal Examination Form is filled in and certified by the chair and signed by the members of the Research Committee. In addition, the Advancement to Candidacy Form is filled in and signed by the DGS, certifying that you have satisfied all prerequisites for starting your PhD project and recording the members of your Research Committee. The DGS sends this document to CCAS as the official record of the start of your candidacy.

M. Phil. Degree:  Students who have advanced to candidacy and have completed at least 48 course credits are eligible for the M. Phil. degree. Upon request, the DGS files the necessary form, Degree Along The Way (M. Phil.) Form, with CCAS; the student applies to the registrar and pays a modest fee.

After passing the PhD general examination, you are required to submit a progress report to the DGS (with details as specified by the Physics Graduate Committee). If you do not have an advisor yet, it will detail your endeavors to identify and integrate with a research group.

Once a year,   usually at the end of spring semester, until the Ph.D. project is concluded, you and your advisor are required to submit a progress report to the DGS (with details as specified by the Physics Graduate Committee); the DGS gives copies of these reports to the readers. Doctoral students are also required to hold annual meetings with their entire research committee (the dissertation director(s) and readers should be present at the same time) and report the outcome of the meeting as a part of their regular annual reporting process. The student is responsible for organizing the meeting (with their dissertation director's assistance). The meetings should occur annually with the first meeting being held no later than 1 year after the thesis proposal defense (this new rule is effective starting June 1st, 2023). 

The readers provide advice and guidance and evaluate your progress between proposal and defense. You are encouraged to take advantage of their expertise. You and your academic advisor must inform the DGS and the readers immediately of major changes in the project’s scope or direction.

As of 2019, GW has revised the steps necessary before graduation. Keep these steps in mind when you plan your dissertation. Confirm all of the following dates with CCAS or Electronic Theses and Dissertations Submission (ETD) at GW , not with the DGS.

Intent to Graduate:  You must apply to the registrar for PhD graduation in spring/summer/fall by early February/July/October; check exact dates with registrar’s office. This is an “intent to graduate;” your thesis need not be finished, you need not have defended. If your defense is delayed, you can roll the application over to the next semester without new costs.

Thesis Pre-Clearance:  Deadline for all these items is early April/July/November; check ETD for exact dates. You must have completed the ETD workshop on dissertation formatting and publishing requirements, and submitted a pre-version of your thesis for formatting clearance to the library/ETD. This makes sure there is no last-minute formatting scramble. Your thesis does not need to be final.

You also need to submit the Dissertation Examination/Defense Form (CCAS)  to the CCAS Graduate Studies Office. This does not certify that your defense is successful, but that you plan to defend your dissertation in the current semester. Signature of the DGS is required (“Defense Committee Chair”). All Readers and Committee Members must be listed.

Dissertation Defense Completion: The Dissertation Defense must be completed by mid-April/July/November; check CCAS/ETD for exact dates. After the successful dissertation defense, the DGS submits the Final Dissertation Committee Signoff Form to the CCAS Graduate Studies Office.

ETD Approval Completion:  Often, the Dissertation Committee will request changes. After these have been approved, upload your final, approved dissertation to Proquest via the university ETD site . ETD must certify that you have indeed successfully uploaded by early May/August/December; check ETD for exact dates. It is not enough to upload in time; by the deadline, ETD must have approved that your upload fulfils all specifications, including formatting. Not doing wild formatting changes after the pre-clearance is imperative for success.

When you finish research work on your project, write up your findings in a thesis document that must follow established guidelines; for a document template and further instructions contact the Physics Graduate Studies Advisor . You must then seek formal approval of your completed dissertation from the Research Committee. The state of the thesis at this stage should be a finished product in form, appearance, and scientific scope and content. It is bad practice to deliver an unfinished product and rely on post-examination revisions to correct deficiencies, and readers should not sign off on such unfinished drafts.

Satisfactory state of your thesis is certified by the members of the Research Committee in the Dissertation Research Committee Approval Form . All members of the Research Committee unanimously agree that the Ph.D. dissertation draft presented to them is acceptable in its current form and suitable for distribution to the examiners (see following paragraph) in preparation for the dissertation defense. If only one member of the Research Committee disagrees, the form cannot be filed, the defense cannot go forward at this point in time and you need to continue working on improvements until all members are in agreement.

The form also specifies departmental and outside examiners for the dissertation defense. The Physics Department limits the number of examiners to two: one from within the department (preferably from a different area of expertise) and one from outside the department. None of the examiners can have had a direct role in the dissertation research process. (They may be affiliated with the same research group as the candidate, as long as they were not involved in any of the project’s work and have no vested interest in its outcome.) The two examiners plus the members of the Research Committee form your Defense Examination Committee . The DGS chairs the committee.

You send the completed form to the DGS, whose signature certifies approval of the Research Committee and proper appointment of the Examination Committee. The Ph.D. defense must not be scheduled without this certification. It is customary to informally discuss tentative defense dates with prospective committee members prior to DGS approval.

After this form is submitted to the DGS, get the DGS signature on the Dissertation Examination/Defense Form (CCAS)  and submit it to CCAS. Signature of the DGS is required (“Defense Committee Chair”). All readers and committee members must be listed. Be reminded that CCAS has an early-April/July/November deadline.

The CCAS Graduate Student Handbook  lays out requirements and best practices for PhD examinations in the Columbian College.

The Defense Examination Committee consists of the Research Committee formed at the time of the proposal defense augmented by two examiners — one from within the Physics Department and one from the outside, as specified in Step 2 — and by the DGS, who chairs the actual defense proceedings.

The version of the dissertation that is to be defended must be circulated to all examination committee members at least one month prior to the examination. Announcements of the examination must be sent out to the entire Physics Department at least two weeks in advance. Announcement templates are available from the Physics Department . Please note: Unless the DGS agrees that there are valid mitigating circumstances, examinations should not be scheduled outside of regular lecturing and exam periods. (Inconvenience, scheduling problems, or being too busy otherwise, are not mitigating circumstances. Plan ahead.)

The dissertation defense is conducted publicly in front of the entire Examination Committee. The DGS chairs the proceedings, but does not participate in the discussion. As part of the public part of the examination, you present your Ph.D. project and its scientific outcome in a 25-min lecture, followed by a Q&A session between examiners, readers and you. The advisor should not engage in presenting the project, but may provide brief clarifications if necessary. The chair may invite the public to pose questions as well. At the discretion of the chair, part of the examination may take place in a closed session. Further details of how to conduct the examination are specified in the CCAS Graduate Student Handbook .

The decision to pass the dissertation and defense is reached in closed session by majority vote of the two examiners and the two readers; director(s) and chair do not vote. A split 2-2 vote counts as ‘pass’. Possible outcomes are (a) dissertation accepted as presented; (b) dissertation accepted subject to successful completion of mandatory revisions within specified timeframe; or (c) dissertation is unacceptable. The outcome of the defense is certified by the signatures of all members of the Examination Committee in the Final Examination Committee Sign-Off (Physics) document. (The actual vote tally is not recorded.)

If revisions of the dissertation should be necessary, the form needs to clearly specify their scope, extent and the expected timeline for submission of the revised, final version, and the committee members (readers or examiners, not a thesis advisor) who will sign off. (Ideally, at this stage none of the revision requests should come from the Research Committee since they already had ample opportunity to request corrections prior to signing off on the thesis under Presenting Your Proposal.)

If the dissertation was accepted as presented, skip this step.

If revisions are necessary, the correspondingly revised thesis is examined by the committee members designated in the previous step. If revisions take significantly longer than the previously agreed upon expected timeframe, the DGS must be notified, who will then decide whether the delay warrants reconvening the examination committee for an executive session to assess the situation.

If the revised dissertation is found acceptable, the Final Dissertation Committee Signoff (CCAS) Form (PDF) is signed by the DGS certifying that all requirements have been successfully completed and you may be awarded a Ph.D. Degree. The DGS submits this form and the Application for Graduation Form  to CCAS. You upload the final version of the thesis to the ProQuest dissertation library (for further information, see the GW Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs website ). Students and their faculty advisors are responsible for complying with the ETD formatting requirements to ensure the final approval and acceptance by ProQuest.

The day you successfully upload the thesis to ProQuest is the day your thesis is finally approved. This day also determines the semester in which your degree is awarded. If a “graduation date” has been set for you (e.g., by granting an extension request), you need to have uploaded your thesis successfully to ProQuest by that date. Graduations are counted as “Fall term” when the upload is finished by early January of the following term. Ph.D. degrees are conferred only during May graduation. For exact dates and other terms, see the GW Academic Calendar .

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PhD in Physics

Our research community nurtures close to 150 research students, covering everything from nuclear physics and astrophysics to the physics of life. Join our rich and thriving academic community and deliver projects on key research areas in physics.

Your research

As a postgraduate researcher, the focus of your work will be an independent research project. You will work with leading researchers while gaining valuable skills through an integrated training programme in research methods.

You'll have access to advanced taught courses to help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to conduct your research.

You'll be part of one of our leading research groups, which brings together expertise in fields such as condensed matter and materials physics, nuclear physics, plasma and fusion science and technologies, physics of life, and quantum science and technologies.

Your research will culminate in a thesis and oral examination. Your thesis should effectively, clearly and concisely communicate the research question, methodology, results, analysis, and conclusions, with quality and depth appropriate for your PhD in Physics degree.

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You will be supervised on a one-to-one basis by a member of the academic staff. We also offer opportunities for co-supervision, within the School and across the wider University, to support interdisciplinary projects. Your supervisor will help guide your progress, supported by a thesis advisory panel.

Before applying, we encourage you to learn about our academics and how their work and expertise fit your interests. Our academic staff are happy to answer any questions on their research interests or discuss a project you might have in mind.

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Research excellence

Our physics research is ranked 13th in the UK according to the Times Higher Education’s ranking of the latest REF results (2021).

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We are proud to hold an Athena Swan Bronze award in recognition of the work we do to support gender equality in science.

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Gain access to our state-of-the-art research and laboratory spaces, working with world-renowned physicists to drive progress in science, industry and policy.

Training and support

Our research programmes combine training in specialist areas with wider scientific skills. We provide training which will equip you with skills in a wide range of research methods, supporting your growing expertise and enhancing your employability.

Alongside your research, taught modules will help you develop specialist skills and relate your project to developments in the field. You'll choose from a wide range of Masters and undergraduate modules in specialist areas to complement your research.

You'll also take part in a transferable skills programme, covering soft and hard skills.

Course location

This course is run by the School of Physics, Engineering and Technology.

You will be based on Campus West . Most of your training and supervision meetings will take place here, though your research may take you further afield.

Entry requirements

You should have, or expect to obtain, an MPhys degree at 2:1 or above, or an MSc in Physics.

We will also consider applicants with a Masters in a closely related field, applicants who have relevant industry experience, and applicants with a BSc at 2:1 or above where sufficient relevant experience can be demonstrated.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must provide evidence of your ability.

Advertised research projects

If you are applying for an advertised research project, please include the project name in your application. You should contact the project leader in advance, who may also ask you to submit a full research proposal.  Advertised research projects may be funded or self-funded, as indicated in the advert.

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Research proposals

If you are not applying for a particular research project, you should contact the member of the academic staff you wish to work with, who may provide you with a research/project outline.

The research proposal needs to describe the nature of your proposed study and give some indication of how you will conduct your research. The purpose of this exercise is to ensure that you and your potential supervisor(s) have matching research interests. The proposal should be 250 to 350 words in length. It must be in English, and be your own words.

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Careers and skills

Your PhD will help to extend your qualifications by training you to complete research in a specific area of experimental, computational or theoretical physics. You will become equipped with transferable skills around creativity and innovation, mathematics and problem solving to become an expert in your field, prepared for the next stage in your career.

Our dedicated careers team offer specific support including a programme of professional researcher development and careers workshops and 1:1 career support sessions. They will help you to build up your employability portfolio and to engage in activities that will build up your skills and experience within and outside of your research work.

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PhD Program

Graduate student guide -- updated for 2024-25, expected progress of physics graduate student to ph.d..

This document describes the Physics Department's expectations for the progress of a typical graduate student from admission to award of a PhD.  Because students enter the program with different training and backgrounds and because thesis research by its very nature is unpredictable, the time-frame for individual students will vary. Nevertheless, failure to meet the goals set forth here without appropriate justification may indicate that the student is not making adequate progress towards the PhD, and will therefore prompt consideration by the Department and possibly by Graduate Division of the student’s progress, which might lead to probation and later dismissal.

Course Work

Graduate students are required to take a minimum of 38 units of approved upper division or graduate elective courses (excluding any upper division courses required for the undergraduate major).  The department requires that students take the following courses which total 19 units: Physics 209 (Classical Electromagnetism), Physics 211 (Equilibrium Statistical Physics) and Physics 221A-221B (Quantum Mechanics). Thus, the normative program includes an additional 19 units (five semester courses) of approved upper division or graduate elective courses.  At least 11 units must be in the 200 series courses. Some of the 19 elective units could include courses in mathematics, biophysics, astrophysics, or from other science and engineering departments.  Physics 290, 295, 299, 301, and 602 are excluded from the 19 elective units. Physics 209, 211 and 221A-221B must be completed for a letter grade (with a minimum average grade of B).  No more than one-third of the 19 elective units may be fulfilled by courses graded Satisfactory, and then only with the approval of the Department.  Entering students are required to enroll in Physics 209 and 221A in the fall semester of their first year and Physics 211 and 221B in the spring semester of their first year. Exceptions to this requirement are made for 1) students who do not have sufficient background to enroll in these courses and have a written recommendation from their faculty mentor and approval from the head graduate adviser to delay enrollment to take preparatory classes, 2) students who have taken the equivalent of these courses elsewhere and receive written approval from the Department to be exempted. 

If a student has taken courses equivalent to Physics 209, 211 or 221A-221B, then subject credit may be granted for each of these course requirements.  A faculty committee will review your course syllabi and transcript.  A waiver form can be obtained in 378 Physics North from the Student Affairs Officer detailing all required documents.  If the committee agrees that the student has satisfied the course requirement at another institution, the student must secure the Head Graduate Adviser's approval.  The student must also take and pass the associated section of the preliminary exam.  Please note that official course waiver approval will not be granted until after the preliminary exam results have been announced.  If course waivers are approved, units for the waived required courses do not have to be replaced for PhD course requirements.  If a student has satisfied all first year required graduate courses elsewhere, they are only required to take an additional 19 units to satisfy remaining PhD course requirements.  (Note that units for required courses must be replaced for MA degree course requirements even if the courses themselves are waived; for more information please see MA degree requirements).

In exceptional cases, students transferring from other graduate programs may request a partial waiver of the 19 elective unit requirement. Such requests must be made at the time of application for admission to the Department.

The majority of first year graduate students are Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs) with a 20 hour per week load (teaching, grading, and preparation).  A typical first year program for an entering graduate student who is teaching is:

First Semester

• Physics 209 Classical Electromagnetism (5)
• Physics 221A Quantum Mechanics (5)
• Physics 251 Introduction to Graduate Research (1)
• Physics 301 GSI Teaching Credit (2)
• Physics 375 GSI Training Seminar (for first time GSI's) (2)

Second Semester

• Physics 211 Equilibrium Statistical Physics (4)
• Physics 221B Quantum Mechanics (5)

Students who have fellowships and will not be teaching, or who have covered some of the material in the first year courses material as undergraduates may choose to take an additional course in one or both semesters of their first year.

Many students complete their course requirements by the end of the second year. In general, students are expected to complete their course requirements by the end of the third year. An exception to this expectation is that students who elect (with the approval of their mentor and the head graduate adviser) to fill gaps in their undergraduate background during their first year at Berkeley often need one or two additional semesters to complete their course work.

Faculty Mentors

Incoming graduate students are each assigned a faculty mentor. In general, mentors and students are matched according to the student's research interest.   If a student's research interests change, or if (s)he feels there is another faculty member who can better serve as a mentor, the student is free to request a change of assignment.

The role of the faculty mentor is to advise graduate students who have not yet identified research advisers on their academic program, on their progress in that program and on strategies for passing the preliminary exam and finding a research adviser.  Mentors also are a “friendly ear” and are ready to help students address other issues they may face coming to a new university and a new city.  Mentors are expected to meet with the students they advise individually a minimum of once per semester, but often meet with them more often.  Mentors should contact incoming students before the start of the semester, but students arriving in Berkeley should feel free to contact their mentors immediately.

Student-Mentor assignments continue until the student has identified a research adviser.  While many students continue to ask their mentors for advice later in their graduate career, the primary role of adviser is transferred to the research adviser once a student formally begins research towards his or her dissertation. The Department asks student and adviser to sign a “mentor-adviser” form to make this transfer official.  

Preliminary Exams

In order to most benefit from graduate work, incoming students need to have a solid foundation in undergraduate physics, including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics, special relativity, thermal and statistical physics and quantum mechanics, and to be able to make order-of-magnitude estimates and analyze physical situations by application of general principles. These are the topics typically included, and at the level usually taught, within a Bachelor's degree program in Physics at most universities. As a part of this foundation, the students should also have formed a well-integrated overall picture of the fields studied.

The preliminary examination, also called “prelims”, is designed to ensure that students have a solid foundation in undergraduate physics to prepare them for graduate research. The exam is made up of four sections.  Each section is administered twice a year, at the start of each semester.  

For a longer description of the preliminary exam, please visit Preliminary Exam page

Start of Research

Students are encouraged to begin research as soon as possible. Many students identify potential research advisers in their first year and most have identified their research adviser before the end of their second year.  When a research adviser is identified, the Department asks that both student and research adviser sign a form (also available from the Student Affairs Office, 378 Physics North) indicating that the student has (provisionally) joined the adviser’s research group with the intent of working towards a PhD.  In many cases, the student will remain in that group for their thesis work, but sometimes the student or faculty adviser will decide that the match of individuals or research direction is not appropriate.  Starting research early gives students flexibility to change groups when appropriate without incurring significant delays in time to complete their degree.

Departmental expectations are that experimental research students begin work in a research group by the summer after the first year; this is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged.  Students doing theoretical research are similarly encouraged to identify a research direction, but often need to complete a year of classes in their chosen specialty before it is possible for them to begin research.  Students intending to become theory students and have to take the required first year classes may not be able to start research until the summer after their second year.  Such students are encouraged to attend theory seminars and maintain contact with faculty in their chosen area of research even before they can begin a formal research program. 

If a student chooses dissertation research with a supervisor who is not in the department, he or she must find an appropriate Physics faculty member who agrees to serve as the departmental research supervisor of record and as co-adviser. This faculty member is expected to monitor the student's progress towards the degree and serve on the student's qualifying and dissertation committees. The student will enroll in Physics 299 (research) in the co-adviser's section.  The student must file the Outside Research Proposal for approval; petitions are available in the Student Affairs Office, 378 Physics North.   

Students who have not found a research adviser by the end of the second year will be asked to meet with their faculty mentor to develop a plan for identifying an adviser and research group.  Students who have not found a research adviser by Spring of the third year are not making adequate progress towards the PhD.  These students will be asked to provide written documentation to the department explaining their situation and their plans to begin research.  Based on their academic record and the documentation they provide, such students may be warned by the department that they are not making adequate progress, and will be formally asked to find an adviser.  The record of any student who has not identified an adviser by the end of Spring of the fourth year will be evaluated by a faculty committee and the student may be asked to leave the program. 

Qualifying Exam

Rules and requirements associated with the Qualifying Exam are set by the Graduate Division on behalf of the Graduate Council.  Approval of the committee membership and the conduct of the exam are therefore subject to Graduate Division approval.  The exam is oral and lasts 2-3 hours.  The Graduate Division specifies that the purpose of the Qualifying Exam is “to ascertain the breadth of the student's comprehension of fundamental facts and principles that apply to at least three subject areas related to the major field of study and whether the student has the ability to think incisively and critically about the theoretical and the practical aspects of these areas.”  It also states that “this oral examination of candidates for the doctorate serves a significant additional function. Not only teaching, but the formal interaction with students and colleagues at colloquia, annual meetings of professional societies and the like, require the ability to synthesize rapidly, organize clearly, and argue cogently in an oral setting.  It is necessary for the University to ensure that a proper examination is given incorporating these skills.”

Please see the  Department website for a description of the Qualifying Exam and its Committee .   Note: You must login with your Calnet ID to access QE information . Passing the Qualifying Exam, along with a few other requirements described on the department website, will lead to Advancement to Candidacy.  Qualifying exam scheduling forms can be picked up in the Student Affairs Office, 378 Physics North.   

The Department expects students to take the Qualifying Exam two or three semesters after they identify a research adviser. This is therefore expected to occur for most students in their third year, and no later than fourth year. A student is considered to have begun research when they first register for Physics 299 or fill out the department mentor-adviser form showing that a research adviser has accepted the student for PhD work or hired as a GSR (Graduate Student Researcher), at which time the research adviser becomes responsible for guidance and mentoring of the student.  (Note that this decision is not irreversible – the student or research adviser can decide that the match of individuals or research direction is not appropriate or a good match.)  Delays in this schedule cause concern that the student is not making adequate progress towards the PhD.  The student and adviser will be asked to provide written documentation to the department explaining the delay and clarifying the timeline for taking the Qualifying Exam.

Annual Progress Reports

Graduate Division requires that each student’s performance be annually assessed to provide students with timely information about the faculty’s evaluation of their progress towards PhD.  Annual Progress Reports are completed during the Spring Semester.  In these reports, the student is asked to discuss what progress he or she has made toward the degree in the preceding year, and to discuss plans for the following year and for PhD requirements that remain to be completed.  The mentor or research adviser or members of the Dissertation Committee (depending on the student’s stage of progress through the PhD program) comment on the student’s progress and objectives. In turn, the student has an opportunity to make final comments. 

Before passing the Qualifying Exam, the annual progress report (obtained from the Physics Student Affairs Office in 378 Physics North) is completed by the student and either his/her faculty mentor or his/her research adviser, depending on whether or not the student has yet begun research (see above).  This form includes a statement of intended timelines to take the Qualifying Exam, which is expected to be within 2-3 semesters of starting research.  

After passing the Qualifying Exam, the student and research adviser complete a similar form, but in addition to the research adviser, the student must also meet with at least one other and preferably both other members of their Dissertation Committee (this must include their co-adviser if the research adviser is not a member of the Physics Department) to discuss progress made in the past year, plans for the upcoming year, and overall progress towards the PhD.  This can be done either individually as one-on-one meetings of the graduate student with members of the Dissertation Committee, or as a group meeting with presentation. (The Graduate Council requires that all doctoral students who have been advanced to candidacy meet annually with at least two members of the Dissertation Committee. The annual review is part of the Graduate Council’s efforts to improve the doctoral completion rate and to shorten the time it takes students to obtain a doctorate.)

Advancement to Candidacy

After passing the Qualifying Examination, the next step in the student's career is to advance to candidacy as soon as possible.  Advancement to candidacy is the academic stage when a student has completed all requirements except completion of the dissertation.  Students are still required to enroll in 12 units per semester; these in general are expected to be seminars and research units.  Besides passing the Qualifying Exam, there are a few other requirements described in the Graduate Program Booklet. Doctoral candidacy application forms can be picked up in the Student Affairs Office, 378 Physics North.

Completion of Dissertation Work

The expected time for completion of the PhD program is six years.  While the Department recognizes that research time scales can be unpredictable, it strongly encourages students and advisers to develop dissertation proposals consistent with these expectations.  The Berkeley Physics Department does not have dissertation defense exams, but encourages students and their advisers to ensure that students learn the important skill of effective research presentations, including a presentation of their dissertation work to their peers and interested faculty and researchers.

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An research proposal examples on physics is a prosaic composition of a small volume and free composition, expressing individual impressions and thoughts on a specific occasion or issue and obviously not claiming a definitive or exhaustive interpretation of the subject.

Some signs of physics research proposal:

• the presence of a specific topic or question. A work devoted to the analysis of a wide range of problems in biology, by definition, cannot be performed in the genre of physics research proposal topic.
• The research proposal expresses individual impressions and thoughts on a specific occasion or issue, in this case, on physics and does not knowingly pretend to a definitive or exhaustive interpretation of the subject.
• As a rule, an essay suggests a new, subjectively colored word about something, such a work may have a philosophical, historical, biographical, journalistic, literary, critical, popular scientific or purely fiction character.
• in the content of an research proposal samples on physics , first of all, the author’s personality is assessed - his worldview, thoughts and feelings.

The goal of an research proposal in physics is to develop such skills as independent creative thinking and writing out your own thoughts.

Writing an research proposal is extremely useful, because it allows the author to learn to clearly and correctly formulate thoughts, structure information, use basic concepts, highlight causal relationships, illustrate experience with relevant examples, and substantiate his conclusions.

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Writing a PhD research proposal: AdS/CFT

• Thread starter as3906
• Start date Jan 23, 2010
• Tags Ads/cft Phd Research Writing
• Jan 23, 2010
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In which country? I've never heard of student having to write a proposal before, this is usually done by the thesis advisor or whoever is managing the project.  

I'm new to Physics Forums, and so you may have already got this: Thanks for the reply! In England, I'm applying to Dr James Sparks at Oxford, and indeed that has been the reponse I've gotten from so many. But unfortunately the DPhill Theoretical Physics application sclearly states the requirement of research proposal. Any suggestions of literature on Anti-de Sitter/Conformal Field Theory and its connection with M2-branes and such related matters that might help?  

Are you totally sure that the application states that you must write a research proposal? I've not heard that this is the norm-- usually a "research interests" type part of a PhD application is really just a place to write what you've specifically been interested in from your courses or work that you've done in your dissertation or equivalent. Have you contacted the admissions tutor of the department you're applying to and asked for clarification?  

cristo said: Are you totally sure that the application states that you must write a research proposal? I've not heard that this is the norm-- usually a "research interests" type part of a PhD application is really just a place to write what you've specifically been interested in from your courses or work that you've done in your dissertation or equivalent. Have you contacted the admissions tutor of the department you're applying to and asked for clarification?

Yeah, I think you're right-I do have a tendency to assume so much more is expected than what actually is. Indeed, I've been told that the idea of even a first year PhD student coming up with a rough draft of a contents page has only recently been introduced, and is dismissed by most. Thank you so much guys--you've really, really appreciated! I hope I could return the favour someday---You've turned what was going to be a truly agonising week around.  

*I really, really appreciate it--:S  

And thanks Cristo for the guidelines--I'll get better soon I promise!  

Related to Writing a PhD research proposal: AdS/CFT

A PhD research proposal for AdS/CFT serves as a roadmap for your research project. It outlines the research question, objectives, and methodology that you will use to investigate the AdS/CFT topic of your choice.

The length of a PhD research proposal for AdS/CFT can vary, but it is typically between 10-15 pages. This allows you to provide enough detail to demonstrate the significance and feasibility of your research project.

A PhD research proposal for AdS/CFT should include a clear research question, a brief literature review, a description of the methodology and data analysis techniques, a timeline for completion, and a list of references. It should also demonstrate your knowledge of the AdS/CFT field and your ability to contribute to it.

Choosing a research question for your PhD proposal in AdS/CFT can be challenging, but it should be a topic that you are passionate about and that has not been extensively researched. It should also be relevant to the current state of the AdS/CFT field and contribute to its advancement.

To ensure the success of your PhD research proposal for AdS/CFT, it is important to thoroughly research your topic and have a clear understanding of the current state of the field. You should also seek feedback from your advisor and peers, and be open to making revisions based on their suggestions. Lastly, ensure that your proposal is well-written, organized, and free of errors.

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Imperial College London Imperial College London

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• Department of Physics
• Faculty of Natural Sciences
• Departments, institutes and centres
• Research communities
• The Matter Community

PhD opportunities

We offer a wide range of PhD opportunities in our research area.

Find an up-to-date list of available projects in our prospectus  Matter Community PhD Projects 2024  . 

All applications should be made online via the postgraduate applications system My Imperial.

Apply via My Imperial

Applications

Please read the How to apply to Imperial guidelines carefully. 

Applications should be made online via the postgraduate applications system  My Imperial . 

The official application asks for a research proposal, but we do not expect any kind of lengthy or detailed proposal. It is sufficient for you to describe what you find most interesting in physics and which area or areas you might like to do research in. This will help in terms of pairing you with a potential supervisor. 

You can find a list of potential PhD projects for 2024 in this Prospectus. You can highlight your preference for a specific project in your application. However, we will consider you for all available projects. 

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview before being accepted. This provides an opportunity to discuss possible supervisors and research projects. Due to the large number of applicants we do not interview all candidates.

There will be a joint open day of the Matter and Light communities on January 24, 2024. A number of faculty and PhD students will be present to answer questions. We will also organise lab tours, present the avaialble projects and possible funding options.

Register for the Matter Community open day

Our main funding for PhD students is from the UK research councils, STFC and EPSRC and the European Reasearch Council (ERC). 

Home applicants (UK citizens and EU settled status):

We typically have a limited number of fully-funded PhD studentships that pay both your fees and your living expenses. These can be directly associated with a specific project (see our prospectus). 

Overseas applicants (including EU citizens):

Studentships for overseas applicants are very restricted. We typically take a few overseas students who have scholarships from their home country, or in some cases are self-funded. 

Scholarships for Home and Overseas Applicants:

Both Home and Overseas students are eligible for the Imperial College Presidents scholarships and the Schrodinger scholarship. These are very limited in number and therefore very competitive. Only students with an unusually strong academic profile are put forwards for them. To apply for one of these scholarships, all you need to do initially is tick the box on the PhD application form to indicate interest but DO NOT attempt to secure provisional acceptence from a potential supervisor at that stage.

We may put you forwards for this funding if you are short-listed for one of our PhD positions and can be matched to a suitable supervisor. We will contact you if we wish to do this. The College scholarships have three deadlines throughout the year. The first one is very early in the year, usually in November, and has considerably fewer applicants than the later deadlines so there is some advantage in getting your application in early. 

Note that for students currently doing an MSc course, if the College offers one of their scholarships it will be conditional on a distinction. The College are very strict about this - there is no negotiation if this condition is missed very narrowly.

Please indicate in the application whether you will be able to accept an offer from us if we are unable to provide funding. Read more about fees and funding at Imperial.

For general enquires about postgraduate study in physics and the application procedure contact:

Ms Loli Sanchez The Physics Postgraduate Secretary Department of Physics, Imperial College London SW7 2AZ, UK Tel: +44 (0)20 7594 7512 Fax: +44 (0)20 7594 7777 Email: [email protected]

For enquiries directly related to study in the Matter Community contact Dr Stefan Truppe but please read this website carefully first since it addresses most common questions. Note also that due to the time required to process the very large number of applicants it may not be possible to answer all email queries in any detail.

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Physics PhD/MRes

• Full-time: Up to 4 years
• Part-time: Up to 8 years
• Start date: Multiple available for PhD/September for MRes
• UK fees: £4,786
• International fees: £28,600

Research overview

Join one of UK's leading physics and astronomy schools. 98% of our research is classed as ‘world-leading’ (4*) or ‘internationally excellent’ (3*) by the the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.

We conduct internationally leading research in a wide range of experimental and theoretical areas of physics and astronomy. Explore our research groups below to see what opportunities we can offer.

Research groups:

• Cold Atoms and Quantum Optics
• Condensed Matter Theory
• Experimental Condensed Matter and Nanoscience
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Particle Cosmology

Your PhD will be about conducting original research in an area of your choice under the supervision of academic staff members. You will be encouraged to participate in national and international conferences to present your work, and you will be supported in submitting your results for publication in scientific journals. You will participate in seminars and be part of the vibrant research community of our School.

Course content

Your PhD will be in an area of research you have chosen. Alongside this, you will do research training modules. The school and the Graduate School deliver these.

This formal training element is designed to provide you with transferable skills in writing and oral presentation needed to support your PhD. These modules can be tailored to your needs.

An MRes is a one-year course which combines a research project with 40 credits of taught modules. See below for example modules. 

You can also take up to 20 optional credits of generic training taken in the  Midlands Physics Alliance Graduate School (MPAGS) and/or the Researcher Academy.

Modules are taught by academic staff.

Example modules

In this module we will learn how physicists can harness the health benefits of using radiation, as well as measuring and controlling levels of radiation in the environment or therapy.

This module develops a range of modern astronomical techniques through student-centered approaches to topical research problems. You’ll cover a range of topics related to ongoing research in astronomy and astrophysics, and will encompass theoretical and observational approaches. This module is based on individual and group student-led activities involving the solution of topical problems including written reports and exercises, and a project.

This module will extend previous work in the areas of atomic and optical physics to cover modern topics in the area of quantum effects in light-matter interactions. Some basic material will be introduced in six staff-led seminars and you’ll have around two hours of lectures and student-led workshops each week. 

This module aims to provide you with a working knowledge of the basic techniques of image processing.

The major topics covered will include:

• acquisition of images
• image representation
• resolution and quantization
• image compression
• on-Fourier enhancement techniques

You’ll spend around four hours in lectures, eight hours in seminars and have a one-hour tutorial each week. 

This module introduces you to the key ideas behind modern approaches to our understanding of the role of inflation in the early and late universe, in particular through the formation of structure, the generation of anisotropies in the cosmic microwave background radiation, and the origin of dark energy. You’ll study through a series of staff lectures and student-led workshops.

You will complete a written thesis of up to 100,000 words, with expert support and advice from your academic supervisor(s). You will also take a verbal examination called a viva voce where you explain your project in depth to an examination panel.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.

Meeting our English language requirements

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional English course. Presessional courses teach you academic skills in addition to English language. Our  Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

For on-campus presessional English courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. For online presessional courses, see our CELE webpages for guidance.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

We recognise that applicants have a variety of experiences and follow different pathways to postgraduate study.

We treat all applicants with alternative qualifications on an individual basis. We may also consider relevant work experience.

If you are unsure whether your qualifications or work experience are relevant, contact us .

Use our  research webpages  and  staff  listings to find a research topic that we work on. In your application, you should tell us which area of physics you want to do a PhD in. You don't need to do a research proposal. 

We accept applications all year round for some groups but you may want to check specific deadlines with your supervisor or prospective funder.

Our step-by-step guide contains everything you need to know about applying for postgraduate research.

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice .

As a student on this course, we do not anticipate any extra significant costs, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses. You should be able to access most of the books and journals you’ll need through our libraries. 

UK applicants

Each year we offer a number of competitive funded places from a variety of funding sources. Some of these will be advertised on the  University's studentships page .  

There are many ways to fund your research degree, from scholarships to government loans.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

You'll be integrated into the school's research community as a member of your research group. You can also take part in research seminars and colloquia given by visiting speakers.

You will have at least 10 meetings per year with your supervisor.

Researcher training and development

The Researcher Academy is the network for researchers, and staff who support them. We work together to promote a healthy research culture, to cultivate researcher excellence, and develop creative partnerships that enable researchers to flourish.

Postgraduate researchers at Nottingham have access to our online Members’ area, which includes a wealth of resources, access to training courses and award-winning postgraduate placements.

Student support

You will have access to a range of support services , including:

• academic and disability support
• childcare services
• counselling service
• faith support
• financial support
• mental health and wellbeing support
• visa and immigration advice
• welfare support

Students' Union

Our Students' Union represents all students. You can join the Postgraduate Students’ Network or contact the dedicated Postgraduate Officer .

There are also a range of support networks, including groups for:

• international students
• black and minority ethnic students
• students who identify as women
• students with disabilities
• LGBT+ students

SU Advice provides free, independent and confidential advice on issues such as accommodation, financial and academic difficulties.

Where you will learn

University park campus.

University Park Campus  covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.

Most schools and departments are based here. You will have access to libraries, shops, cafes, the Students’ Union, sports village and a health centre.

You can walk or cycle around campus. Free hopper buses connect you to our other campuses. Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.

Whether you are considering a career in academia, industry or haven't yet decided, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Expert staff will work with you to explore PhD career options and apply for vacancies, develop your interview skills and meet employers. You can book a one-to-one appointment, take an online course or attend a workshop.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route . Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Many of our research students continue with an academic career. This may start with a postdoctoral research role. Others move into research within a company.

Outside of research, physics graduates can work in finance, energy, technology or science journalism to name a few.

100% of postgraduates from the School of Physics and Astronomy secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £28.997.*

*HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022 . The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on data from graduates who completed a full-time postgraduate degree with home fee status and are working full-time within the UK.

Related courses

Mathematics phd, computer science phd, research excellence framework.

The University of Nottingham is ranked 7th in the UK for research power, according to analysis by Times Higher Education. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a national assessment of the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.

• We're ranked joint 3rd of all the physics departments in the UK (overall, institutions ranked by subject)
• 90%* of our research is classed as 'world-leading' (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*)
• 100%* of our research is recognised internationally
• 51% of our research is assessed as 'world-leading' (4*) for its impact**

*According to analysis by Times Higher Education ** According to our own analysis.

This content was last updated on 05 June 2024 . Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.

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Apply using the Applicant Portal

The Apply Now button on the right will take you to the Applicant Portal. There, you can create and submit your application and supporting documents, and you can also request your references.

An application is only complete when:

• you have submitted your application and supporting documents via the Applicant Portal
• you have paid the application fee if applicable. For further information on application fees, and which courses require an application fee, see here .
• your referees have provided their references.

If you miss the deadlines specified in this section, you will not be able to submit your application.

All applications are considered as they are received (rolling admissions). However, the department operates internal review dates from January through to April in order to allocate funding. The deadlines for University-wide funding competitions are listed on the Postgraduate Admissions webpages and other studentship deadlines are listed on the departmental webpages , or College webpages.

Any applications received after these dates will be considered but funding opportunities may be limited.

Selection Process

Applicants are considered on a rolling basis and offers and funding decisions are made up until June 2024. In case applicants need a faster decision or updates on their application status they should get in touch with the postgraduate admissions office in the Department of Physics ( [email protected]) .

Selected candidates will be interviewed in person, remotely or by telephone.

Further information on How To Apply

Things You'll Need

In order to apply for this course you'll need to think about getting a few things ready before you apply.

• Two academic references  
• Transcript  
• Evidence of competence in English   If required - you can check using our tool

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

If you wish to be considered for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship you will also need to provide the following:

• Gates Cambridge Reference  
• Research Proposal (PhD applicants only)

See Gates Cambridge for more information.

How to Find a Supervisor

Applicants should name at least one supervisor they want to work with in their application and are encouraged to make contact prior to applying. Naming a specific supervisor, and hence choosing a certain research direction, is more successful than a broad application to all areas in the Department of Physics. A list of current research interests and names of academics working in each research area can be found on the department website .

Please note: part-time study may not always be viable and will be considered on a case-by-case basis, so please discuss this option with your proposed supervisor before making an application for this mode of study.

Key Information

3-4 years full-time, 4-7 years part-time, study mode : research, doctor of philosophy, department of physics, course - related enquiries, application - related enquiries, course on department website, dates and deadlines:, lent 2024 (closed).

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Easter 2024 (Closed)

Michaelmas 2024 (closed), easter 2025, funding deadlines.

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.

Similar Courses

• Physics MPhil
• Planetary Science and Life in the Universe MPhil
• Scientific Computing MPhil
• Computational Methods for Materials Science CDT PhD
• Mathematics MPhil

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You are here, postdoctoral fellowship programs.

The University of Washington is pleased to host two prestigious postdoctoral fellowship programs in physics.

Hans G. Dehmelt Postdoctoral Fellows

Sponsored by the UW Department of Physics. Nominations are currently open for 2025 Dehmelt Fellows. Click here to nominate a candidate.

David J. Thouless Postdoctoral Fellows

Sponsored by the Thouless Institute for Quantum Matter . Nominations are open for 2025 Thouless Fellows. Click here to nominate a candidate.

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The plasma research effort at MIT is concerned with a wide variety of problems, ranging from astrophysical plasmas to laboratory and fusion-grade plasmas, as well as with using plasmas for environmental remediation. This work combines theory and experiment and involves faculty members from physics and other departments. The program has the goals of understanding the physics of plasmas and charged-particle beams and of designing plasma containment devices, with the ultimate aim of achieving the conditions in which a plasma can ignite by fusion reactions. Research is carried out not only on-site, but also at other major national and international laboratories.

Most of the volume of the universe is in the electrodynamic plasma state. Moreover, the dynamics of the universe on a grand scale is described as a gravitational plasma. The theory of galaxies as gravitational plasmas is well-developed and its results, for example, spiral arm structures, are relatively well-correlated with the experimental observations. While many aspects of laboratory plasmas are understood and correlate with experiments in relatively simple magnetic geometries, the physics of high-temperature plasmas on a microscopic scale continues to be an area of intensive investigation.

The dynamics of laboratory plasmas, charged-particle beams, and space and astrophysical plasmas are often strongly influenced by the excitation of collective modes with similar characteristics and common theoretical descriptions. The interaction of collective modes, both with each other and with charged particles, results in a variety of highly nonlinear phenomena of great importance for fusion, astrophysical and nonneutral plasmas, as well as for accelerators and coherent radiation sources.

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Find information on admissions, programs and frequently asked questions.

• Program Overview

Funding Resources

As with most universities, there are three broad classes of funding for graduate students at The University of Texas at Austin: Teaching, Research and Fellowships.

The Physics Department has over 100 Teaching Assistant (TA) positions each long semester (fewer in the Summer) for support of incoming and continuing doctoral students. New students typically receive a commitment for five years of funding as a TA (Teaching Assistant), GRA (Graduate Research Assistant), or Fellow, all are contingent upon adequate progress toward completing the degree.

First-year TA positions can be augmented with one of the department's endowed fellowships at the discretion of the Graduate Advisor. Dean’s Strategic Fellowships and Provost’s Graduate Excellence Fellowships are available for some students.

A selection of The Department’s endowed fellowships (available for recruitment purposes) includes:

• Lawrence C. Biedenharn, Jr. Endowment for Excellence,
• Cécile DeWitt-Morette and Bryce DeWitt Endowed Graduate Fellowship in Physics,
• A. Wilson Nolle Endowed Graduate Fellowship,
• The John A. Wheeler Fellowship in Physics, and
• The Robert N. Little Graduate Fellowship in Physics

All applicants are considered for a wide range of recruitment fellowships from the Department, the College of Natural Sciences, and The Graduate School—there is no separate application for funding and all doctoral students are funded as described above.

The Department actively encourages all of its students to take advantage of funding opportunities from  sources outside of the University , including those that are  wholly extramural . 

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U.S. National Science Foundation Research Traineeship Program

View guidelines, important information about nsf’s implementation of the revised 2 cfr.

NSF Financial Assistance awards (grants and cooperative agreements) made on or after October 1, 2024, will be subject to the applicable set of award conditions, dated October 1, 2024, available on the NSF website . These terms and conditions are consistent with the revised guidance specified in the OMB Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance published in the Federal Register on April 22, 2024.

Important information for proposers

All proposals must be submitted in accordance with the requirements specified in this funding opportunity and in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) that is in effect for the relevant due date to which the proposal is being submitted. It is the responsibility of the proposer to ensure that the proposal meets these requirements. Submitting a proposal prior to a specified deadline does not negate this requirement.

Supports interdisciplinary, evidence-based traineeships that advance ways for graduate students in research-based master's and doctoral degree programs to pursue a range of STEM careers.

The NSF Research Traineeship (NRT) program seeks proposals that explore ways for graduate students in research-based master’s and doctoral degree programs to develop the skills, knowledge, and competencies needed to pursue a range of STEM careers. The program is dedicated to effective training of STEM graduate students in high priority interdisciplinary or convergent research areas, through a comprehensive traineeship model that is innovative, evidence-based, and aligned with changing workforce and research needs. Proposals are requested that address any interdisciplinary or convergent research theme of national priority, as described in section II.D below.

The NRT program addresses workforce development, emphasizing broad participation, and institutional capacity building needs in graduate education. The program encourages proposals that involve strategic collaborations with the private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government agencies, national laboratories, field stations, teaching and learning centers, informal science centers, and academic partners. NRT especially welcomes proposals that reflect collaborations between NRT proposals and existing NSF Eddie Bernice Johnson Inclusion across the Nation of Communities of Learners of Underrepresented Discoverers in Engineering and Science (INCLUDES) Initiative , Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) , Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) ,   NSF Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) , and NSF STEM Ed Organizational Postdoctoral Fellowship program (STEM Ed OPRF) projects, provided the collaboration will strengthen both projects. Researchers at minority serving institutions and emerging research institutions are strongly encouraged to submit proposals. Collaborations between NRT proposals and existing NSF INCLUDES projects should strengthen both NRT and INCLUDES projects.

Updates and announcements

Nrt webinar video now available, program contacts.

Program events

• September 4, 2024 - NSF Research Traineeship Program (NRT) Webinars
• September 6, 2024 - NSF Research Traineeship Program (NRT) Webinars
• September 10, 2024 - NSF Research Traineeship Program (NRT) Webinars
• June 4, 2024 - Approaches to Broadening Participation in STEM Graduate Education
• April 23, 2024 - NSF's New Mentoring Requirements for Graduate Students
• August 30, 2023 - NSF Research Traineeship Program (NRT) Webinars
• August 24, 2023 - NSF Research Traineeship Program (NRT) Webinars
• August 21, 2023 - NSF Research Traineeship Program (NRT) Webinars
• June 21, 2022 - DBI Virtual Office Hour: Training Programs
• August 9, 2021 - NSF Research Traineeship Program Webinar

Awards made through this program

National Science Foundation Research Traineeship Program

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New Map of Quasars

Astronomers Unveil Largest-Ever Map of Universe’s Active Supermassive Black Holes

Classical and Quantum Computing

Researchers Show Classical Computers Can Keep Up with, and Surpass, Their Quantum Counterparts

Welcome to NYU Physics

Meet Professor Emily Davis, Professor Kota Katsumi and Professor Andrei Vrajitoarea

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The Center for Cosmology and Particle Physics researches fundamental questions at the intersection of particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology

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Apr. 18, 2024

Colloquium -- john eiler: body temperatures of dinosaurs.

Mar. 28, 2024

Colloquium -- arjun yodh: imaging and spectroscopy of (mostly) brain with diffusing light.

Mar. 14, 2024

Colloquium -- abhay narayan pasupathy: teaching an old dog some new tricks.

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Aug. 14, 2024

The physics department congratulates prof. glennys farrar on being elected to the prestigious american academy of arts and sciences..

Jul. 08, 2024

Congratulations to professor shabani, awarded the darpa synthetic quantum nanostructures (synquanon) grant 2024 to lead a multi-instituional endeavor to develop integrated low-noise, high-temperature, high-frequency josephson-array quantum devices and qubits..

Jun. 18, 2024

Congratulations to professor alexandra zidovska, for winning the nyu college of arts and science golden dozen teaching award 2023-2024..

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