Overview
We welcome applications from those seeking to perform research for a PhD in Physics. Research opportunities are available within each of our research areas, which cover both theoretical and experimental aspects, and are grouped into the four broad research divisions of Astrophysics, Accelerator and Particle Physics, Experimental Condensed Matter, and Theory.
There is vigorous cross-divisional activity, which includes studies of new materials such as graphene and molecular nanowires, cosmological experiments in liquid helium, nonlinear dynamics of biological rhythm and IR spectroscopy, and nanoscale probe microscopy of biological objects.
Our degree schemes emphasise the development of transferable skills, such as critical thinking, communication skills, numeracy, literacy, team working, and computing and computational skills, which are in much demand amongst employers. Students will also have the opportunity to attend specialist training courses as well as the Faculty of Science and Technology Research Training Programme.
Entry requirements
Academic Requirements
2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in Physics, ideally supplemented by a relevant Master's-level qualification.
We may also consider non-standard applicants, please contact us for information.
If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.
English Language Requirements
We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.
We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 5.5 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications.
If your score is below our requirements, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language programmes.
Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email pgadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk
Fees and funding
| Location | Full Time (per year) | Part Time (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| Home | £4,786 | £2,393 |
| International | £26,492 | £13,246 |
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Additional costs
There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.
Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.
College fees
Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small College Membership Fee which supports the running of college events and activities. Students on some distance-learning courses are not liable to pay a college fee.
For students starting in 2023 and 2024, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses. Fees for students starting in 2025 have not yet been set.
Computer equipment and internet access
To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems.
The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.
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Application fees and tuition fee deposits
For most taught postgraduate applications there is a non-refundable application fee of £40. We cannot consider applications until this fee has been paid, as advised on our online secure payment system. There is no application fee for postgraduate research applications.
For some of our courses you will need to pay a deposit to accept your offer and secure your place. We will let you know in your offer letter if a deposit is required and you will be given a deadline date when this is due to be paid.
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What is my fee status?
The fee that you pay will depend on whether you are considered to be a home or international student. Read more about how we assign your fee status.
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Fees in subsequent years
If you are studying on a programme of more than one year’s duration, the tuition fees for subsequent years of your programme are likely to increase each year. Read more about fees in subsequent years.
Scholarships and bursaries
You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status and course. You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.
Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.
If you're considering postgraduate research you should look at our funded PhD opportunities.
| Scheme | Based on | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Based on {{item.eligibility_basis}} | Amount {{item.amount}} |
We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.
Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries.
Research Groups
Our postgraduate studies are closely aligned with our Research. Our research is divided into four main themes, and each of these contains sub-groups. In each group, you can find details of available research projects and academic supervisors.
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Astrophysics
The Astrophysics group contains teams investigating Observational Astrophysics, Theoretical Particle Cosmology and Space and Planetary Physics.
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Experimental Condensed Matter
The Experimental Condensed Matter group contains teams investigating Low Temperature Physics, Quantum Nanotechnology and Nonlinear and Biomedical Physics.
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Particle and Accelerator Physics
The Particle and Accelerator Physics group contains teams investigating Experimental Particle Physics and Accelerator Physics.
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Theoretical Physics
The Theoretical Physics group contains teams investigating Condensed Matter Theory, Mathematical Physics and the Theory of Molecular-Scale Transport.
Joshua Chawner's story
"Being a part of the physics research here at Lancaster University is an exciting experience. My experimental work in quantum electronics is both challenging and rewarding. The department has all the resources I need to allow the research to flow. I get many opportunities to share my work and learn more at various conferences around the world. I also enjoy helping undergraduate students learn to code, one of the many teaching opportunities available to postgrads. The physics community here is collaborative and helpful in the lab and a great laugh!"
Important Information
The information on this site relates primarily to 2024/2025 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.
The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.
More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.
Our Students’ Charter
We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.
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