Physics Research (MPhil/PhD)
Pursue physics research that expands fundamental understanding and enables new technologies.
Key information
PhD
Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
Fees (UK / Overseas): Annual tuition fees apply and vary by student status and study mode.
See fees and funding
Start date: April 2026 / October 2026 / February 2027
Other research degree routes
MPhil:
A shorter research degree, often a pathway to PhD
PhD by Publication:
For researchers with an existing body of published work
Course summary
- Explore the laws of nature and study how matter and energy interact across every scale, from stars and galaxies to sub-atomic particles, and energy in all its forms, such as light, motion and gravity.
- Contribute to research spanning new information processing and quantum computing through to the discovery and development of advanced materials.
- Turn research into real-world impact and help drive work that supports progress in industry, security, defence and environmental solutions through cutting-edge physics.
- 100% of our research outputs were rated world-leading or internationally excellent, placing Portsmouth as the top-ranked modern university in Physics. (REF 2021).
Find a supervisor
Why choose Physics at Portsmouth for research?
Research leadership with global visibility
Work in a research culture that includes internationally recognised academics such as Professor Claudia Maraston, featured in Research.com’s ranked list of physicists worldwide.
Specialist facilities for ambitious experiments
Access resources including a supercomputer facility, quantum optics and photoluminescence systems, Europe’s only LabLine plasma sputtering tool (and demo site), and labs for materials and microscopy testing.
Supportive, research-active environment
Join a collaborative postgraduate community and work closely with experienced supervisors in a research-active school.
Top
modern university for research quality in Physics.
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
PGR Research Excellence Framework — Physics 1100%
of our research outputs were judged to be internationally excellent or world-leading.
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
PGR Research Excellence Framework — Physics 2100%
of our impact was rated as having very considerable or outstanding reach and significance.
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
PGR Research Excellence Framework - Physics 3
Research areas in Physics
Explore the work we're doing across the five areas of expertise in our Physics research. Including funded and self-proposed research opportunities.
View available PhD projects and see funded opportunities.
Condensed Matter Physics
We're looking for solutions to issues around energy harvesting, efficiency and storage, medical technologies, security, and the environment. Explore our condensed matter physics research.
Quantum optics and quantum foundations
Our work in this area is studying the particle-like properties of photons, and wave-like behaviour of massive objects, such as electrons and atoms.
Quantum information and sensing technologies
We're conducting research into new quantum technologies, including applications for high-precision measurements, computing, and secure communication.
Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation
Researchers at our Institute of Cosmology & Gravitation explore the evolution of our Universe and aim to inspire the next generation of scientists.
School of Mathematics and Physics
Explore the School of Mathematics and Physics at the University of Portsmouth, and find out more about the teaching and research activities taking place within the School.
Research degree options in Physics
We offer several postgraduate research routes in Physics, including PhD, MPhil and PhD by Publication. Find out about our research degree opportunities below, including how to apply, entry requirements and funding your degree. You can apply for an existing project or propose your own research idea. For more detailed information about the application process, visit our How to Apply pages.
Available PhD and MPhil projects
You can apply for a pre-approved PhD or MPhil project, or develop your own research proposal.
There are currently no funded PhD projects available in this area — for more information on funding your own research project, visit our pages on funding your research degree.
- Quantum sensing with squeezed light
- Quantum computational supremacy in multiphoton interferometry
- Quantum optical networking and communication
- Development of multicaloric technologies for low carbon efficient cooling and heating systems
- Resilient pharmaceutical supply chain design – case studies in drug discovery
- Complex differential equations with algebraic singularities
- Gaining insight into the dynamics of drug-cancer cell interactions with the aid of continuous and hybrid multiscale models
- Data-driven spatial models of human societies
If you already have a research idea, find a supervisor whose research interests match yours by searching our Find a PhD Supervisor page. Once you've identified someone suitable, contact them to discuss your idea.
PhD by Publication
A PhD by publication is a postgraduate research degree based on research you've already undertaken and had published (excluding self-publishing) before registering with us.
Eligible research outputs include peer-reviewed academic papers, complete books or chapters in anthologies, and other materials accepted for publication, exhibited or performed. You'll have to submit these materials for examination between 6–12 months after registering with us.
From October 2026, all PhD by Publications will be completed by distance learning. However, there is no expectation that any student applying for a start date before this should be on campus.
Entry requirements
The entry requirements for a PhD, MPhil or Professional Doctorate include an upper second class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, or a master’s degree in an appropriate subject.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications may be considered. All applicants are subject to interview.
If English is not your first language, you'll need English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Fees and funding
April 2026
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Full-time and full-time distance learning: £5,006 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £2,503 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
(Including EU Scholarship)
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: £5,006 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £2,503 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: £19,200 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £9,600 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- External candidates: £5,006
- Members of staff: £2,000
- All fees are subject to annual increase. If you are an EU student starting a programme in 2025/26 please visit this page.
October 2026 and February 2027
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Full-time and full-time distance learning: £5,238 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £2,619 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: £19,950 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £9,975 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
EU students may be eligible to receive our EU Scholarship.
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: £19,950 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £9,975 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- External candidates: £5,238
- Members of staff: £2,100
- Tuition fees terms and conditions
Additional fees
Some PhD projects may include additional bench fees for equipment and other consumables. These will be added to your standard tuition fee. Speak to the supervisory team during your interview about any additional fees you may have to pay. Please note, bench fees are not eligible for discounts and are non-refundable.
Funding support
Government Postgraduate Loan
Eligible for MPhil full-time and part-time courses (UK/EU students).
Other funding options
For information on other sources of funding, visit our funding your postgraduate research degree page.
What do my tuition fees cover?
If you are self-funding your PhD, your tuition fees cover the full cost of your postgraduate research programme and access to a wide range of academic, professional and support services, including:
Research training and development
Bespoke training, professional development courses, seminars, workshops and researcher-led events delivered through The Doctoral College.
Research community and support
Access to our research environment, Research and Innovation services, and researcher networking (77% of our research is world-leading or internationally excellent, REF 2021).
Facilities, equipment and resources
Libraries, laboratories, computer rooms, laptops, electronic journals, specialist software (Microsoft Office, SPSS and Adobe Creative Suite), funding guidance and LinkedIn Learning. Explore our facilities.
Student support services
Including academic, financial, careers and wellbeing support, including access to personal tutors. Read more on our guidance support.
Your PhD programme
Registration, tuition, supervision, examinations and viva administration.
Conference and development support
A contribution towards attending conferences or research-related development activities.
Students' Union membership
Giving you the right to vote in elections, join clubs and societies, and get free independent advice.
Graduation
Your graduation ceremony will recognise the significant contribution your research has made to your discipline.
Support and facilities
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Support from our Doctoral College, helping you become part of a thriving, collaborative research community
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Guidance from a dedicated supervisory team throughout your research degree
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Access to the Doctoral Development Programme, offering specialist training, workshops and research events to develop your skills as a researcher
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Access a supercomputer facility in the ICG, quantum optics lab including lasers, nonlinear crystals, optics and photon detectors, and a time-resolved photoluminescence system.
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Our LabLine plasma sputtering tool is the only one in Europe, and we are the company’s demo site.
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Use have fully-equipped laboratories to test microstructure, magnetic properties, thermal properties, conduction properties, dielectric properties and microscopy.
What can a postgraduate research degree do for my career?
A postgraduate research degree develops advanced expertise and transferable skills valued across academia, industry and the public sector.
You’ll graduate with:
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Advanced research and analytical expertise
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Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
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Experience managing complex, independent projects
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Strong communication and presentation skills
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Leadership and research management capability
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Deep subject knowledge in your chosen field
How to apply
You can apply for a research degree in Physics by completing our online application form. For more detailed information about the application process, visit our How to Apply pages.
Not ready to apply just yet?
Get in touch
We're here to help. Feel free to ask us a question.
Come to an Open Evening
Why not come to our next open evening? Open evenings are the perfect place to talk to staff and students, visit our campus and get all the information you need.
- MPhil: 2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
- PhD: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
- PhD by Publication: 1 year part-time
We recommend you get in touch with the relevant subject area supervisor using our “Find a Supervisor” tool ahead of applying. You can discuss your research ideas with them and ensure we have supervisory expertise to support you.
Yes. You can apply with your own research proposal, or apply for one of our advertised funded projects.
Where next?
Find out more about Portsmouth's postgraduate opportunities and community.
Postgrad Research Degrees Webinar series
From applications to flexible study — get the insights you need to plan your research degree.
Find a PhD Supervisor
If you've already got your own research idea, start looking for a supervisor whose research interests match yours.
How to apply for postgraduate research
Read our guide on how to complete and submit your postgraduate research application. Take the next step in your academic career today.
