university of cambridge phd physics

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HEP Graduate Admissions

The HEP Group welcomes applications from students wishing to study for a PhD in experimental or theoretical High Energy Physics. We normally have projects available on each of our active experiments, and on various theoretical topics.

A PhD takes between three and four years to complete. We also offer one year MPhils (but only in exceptional cases).

We have a limited number of PhD places each year funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council. These pay the full costs for UK citizens. We have no direct funding for non-UK citizens, but often offer places to students with funding from scholarships, such as those offered by the Gates Cambridge Trust or from other sources. There are many funding opportunities at Cambridge from a wide variety of sources including the Cambridge Trust, Gates Cambridge, Colleges, departments, Research Councils and central University funds.

The deadlines for applications vary depending on the funding sources - there is some information on this page .

High Energy Physics (Experimental)

The main focus of our research is with the LHCb and ATLAS experiments at the LHC and with the current and future neutrino experiments MicroBooNE and DUNE. We are also involved in smaller experiments, such as searching for ultra-light dark matter using novel atom interferometers (MAGIS and AION). As a member of one of these collaborations you will benefit from access to rich and varied datasets and you will have the opportunity to make leading contributions to the analysis of a physics topic chosen with your supervisor. You will develop new analytical skills and learn state-of-the-art methods for the exploitation of the data. You will be part of a large and dynamic international collaboration with many opportunities to engage with your co-researchers both in Cambridge and at CERN or Fermilab.

Our group also plays a leading role in R&D activities for future detectors and upgrades with an emphasis on silicon sensors for tracking and single-photon-sensitive sensors for particle identification and we encourage our students to become involved in our R&D work. We are currently offering a PhD studentship jointly with RAL to explore novel techniques to exploit high precision timing information for a future LHCb RICH upgrade.

High Energy Physics (Theoretical)

Our group is interested in a range of theoretical problems with a phenomenological emphasis (that is, with relevance to current or future experiments). We have close contacts with the Cavendish experimental high energy group and with the more mathematical theory group in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP) . There are also collaborative projects with groups at CERN and elsewhere in Europe and the UK.

• High Energy Physics Theory Group homepage
• Cambridge Pheno Working Group homepage

Current research interests include:

• Search strategies at the LHC for new physics beyond the Standard Model, for example supersymmetry, black holes etc.
• The development of improved Monte Carlo simulations for high-energy collisions incorporating higher-order perturbative corrections.
• Determination of the probability distributions of partons in the proton to high accuracy, with particular emphasis on implications for LHC physics.
• The effective Lagrangian approach to understanding Quantum Chromodynamics at low energies, and its application to the properties and interactions of hadrons.

More details on possible projects are available here .

11th October 2023 for Gates Trust funded graduate students (USA residents) , 2nd December 2021 for non-USA residents.

5th December 2023 for Cambridge Trust funded graduate students.

10th December 2022 for Research Council funded graduate students.

The 2024 interviews for prospective Trust funded and Research Council funded graduate students will be held in January and February 2024.

Applications for alternatively funded places will be considered at regular intervals throughout the year.

How can I find out more?

We've tried to answer most common questions on the FAQ page , so please read this first.

If you have further questions please contact the Rutherford Hub Administration by email , by phone (+44 (0)1223 76 8138 or +44 (0)1223 33 7478) or by post at:

HEP Group, Cavendish Laboratory, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, United Kingdom.

Further details can be obtained here together with application forms.

Further details on research opportunities can be obtained from:

• Paula Alvarez Cartelle ( email , phone +44 (0)1223 33 7228) for experimental research,
• Ben Gripaios ( email , phone +44 (0)1223 76 1014) for theoretical research.

The University also has a lot of information for Prospective Graduate Students .

Related links

• Cavendish Admissions
• Cambridge University Admissions

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PhD in Physics

University of cambridge, different course options.

• Key information

Course Summary

Tuition fees, entry requirements, similar courses at different universities, key information data source : idp connect, qualification type.

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Subject areas

Physics (General)

Course type

The PhD in Physics is a full-time period of research which introduces or builds upon, research skills and specialist knowledge. Students are assigned to a research supervisor, a specialist in part or all of the student's chosen research field, and join a research group which might vary in size between a handful to many tens of individuals.

Although the supervisor is responsible for the progress of a student's research programme, the extent to which a postgraduate student is assisted by the supervisor or by other members of the group depends almost entirely on the structure and character of the group concerned. The research field is normally determined at entry, after consideration of the student's interests and facilities available. The student, however, may work within a given field for a period of time before his or her personal topic is determined.

By the end of the research programme, students will have demonstrated:

• the creation and interpretation of new knowledge, through original research or other advanced scholarship, of a quality to satisfy peer review, extend the forefront of the discipline, and merit publication;
• a systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of an academic discipline or area of professional practice;
• the general ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation of new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the discipline, and to adjust the project design in the light of unforeseen problems;
• a detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry; and
• the development of a PhD thesis for examination that they can defend in an oral examination and, if successful, graduate with a PhD.

UK fees Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

International fees Course fees for EU and international students

Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK Masters (Pass). The Faculty Board of Physics and Chemistry normally requires applicants to have achieved the equivalent of a UK master's (pass). This requirement is in addition to satisfying the University minimum academic requirement. Applicants should obtain the equivalent of: at least a 2.1 in a UK four-year "integrated master's" (honours) degree, OR at least a II. in a UK three-year bachelor's (honours) degree plus a relevant one/two-year UK master's degree.

PGCE Physics

Ucl (university college london), physics and engineering in medicine msc, physics msc, physics and engineering in medicine by distance learning msc, pgce physics with mathematics.

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Centre for Quantum Information and Foundations

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Graduate Applications

The CQIF includes four members of DAMTP Faculty, two affiliated members, and several senior researchers.

We always have to turn away some outstanding applicants: if you are considering applying to us you should also apply widely elsewhere. Applicants who are not UK citizens should also carefully consider the information about funding below, and note the very early deadlines for applications for funding from Foundations and Trusts. Applications to start a PhD in October 2022 will be considered from November 2021 onwards.

Successful applicants are likely to have a first class undergraduate degree in mathematics, physics or computer science, and should ideally also have an M.Sc. or equivalent qualification. Candidates considering applying directly from an undergraduate degree are encouraged to consider applying first to take Cambridge's one-year Masters-level course, the Master of Advanced Study in Mathematics (Part III of the Cambridge Mathematics Tripos). The course includes one or more lecture courses on aspects of quantum information and foundations, as well as courses on a wide variety of other topics in theoretical physics and pure and applied mathematics.

Applications from graduate students to research centres in DAMTP are handled by the Board of Graduate Studies in the first instance, and then administered by the department. Applications for PhD places should thus be made to the Board of Graduate Studies in the first instance, specifying an interest in working at the CQIF in DAMTP. The information needed can all be found on this page . Note that the timetable for applications has some very early application deadlines.

The University's admissions process is quite slow and, beyond the initial acknowledgment of receipt of your application, past experience suggests it could be as late as May before you hear any more from the University. Once the application process has started, your application can be tracked using your self-service account .

Applications for the Part III course should also be made to the Board of Graduate Studies. The information needed can be found on this page .

Our standard method of funding UK and EU graduate students is by grants from the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. These are allocated by the department, mostly after the Part III results in mid to late June. EPSRC studentships provide full support for UK students, and cover tuition fees for EU students from outside the UK.

There are some other possible sources for funding (which are not generally restricted to EU students): for example the Gates Foundation, the Cambridge Commonwealth Trust, and a small number of the wealthier Cambridge Colleges. Decisions on these scholarships are made in May. Unfortunately (at least for us!), these funding sources are entirely outside our control or influence; in particular there is nothing we can do to get a decision from them sooner than May. Applications to these organisations and institutions need to be made separately. The University's Board of Graduate Studies web pages --- reached from the above-mentioned links --- have some information; anyone needing clarification or advice should contact either them or the relevant organisation. We have no independent sources of support for non-EU students.

While we try to be helpful where possible, there is normally little that we can add to the information given here. We cannot generally comment in advance on the chances of any individual application to the CQIF being successful or offer advice in putting together an application. Applicants may find it helpful, though, to look at the information on our group web pages, and especially useful to look at some of the recent papers of CQIF members, which can mostly be found on the quantum physics archive . (Some recent papers are also linked from CQIF members' personal pages on this site.)

We normally interview  selected candidates once applications have been reviewed: the timetable for these varies from year to year.

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Degree Committee for the Faculty of Physics & Chemistry

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The PhD oral (viva)

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How is it organised?

When the Degree Committee appoints your Examiners, we put your Internal Examiner (who is normally in Cambridge) in charge of arranging the viva. The Internal Examiner will be given your and the External Examiner's contact details and they should contact you within approximately 6 weeks of them receiving your thesis. It is the Internal Examiner who will be in charge of setting up a time and a place convenient to all three participants.

Where does the oral examination take place?

The oral examination is usually held in-person in Cambridge but, subject to the Degree Committee's approval, it may exceptionally be held elsewhere. If you are asked to travel to another location, you will be able to reclaim the fare (within reasonable limits).

You may also choose to be examined remotely by video conference. You will be invited to indicate your preference when you give notice of your intention to submit. Guidance for vivas by video conference is available on the Cambridge Students website.

What happens in the oral?

Your Examiners will question you on the thesis and the general field of your work. They may question you about any details they are uncertain about having read the work, including any sections in which there is any doubt about who actually did the work. They may ask you about possibilities of future work arising from your research. Some Examiners may ask you to give a structured presentation about your research at the start of the viva; if required your Examiners will notify you of the format of the presentation at least two weeks before the scheduled viva date.

You will defend your thesis (your idea) and clarify any uncertainties.

A PhD oral rarely lasts for less than 2hrs, but may be considerably longer.

In some cases, the Degree Committee may appoint an Independent Chair to oversee the oral. You will be notified if this is the case.

What can I take into my viva?

• a copy of your thesis (the same as that you submitted)
• plain paper and a pen/pencil for taking notes or sketching ideas
• a presentation in the form specified by your Examiners if requested - your Examiners will advise you in advance if a presentation is required
• any other provision agreed in advance with the Disability Resources Centre and Degree Committee

Will the examiners tell me the result?

Not exactly. The result is only confirmed after the Degree Committee has read the Examiners' reports and recommendation and made a decision on award of the degree. Occasionally the Committee may make a different decision to the examiners in borderline cases. But most candidates have a fairly clear idea of how things went by the time the oral has been completed.

If you can't find the page you are looking for or find a broken link do let us know (please use the email link in the 'Contact us' section below).

Ukraine - University resources

Coronavirus advice from the University

Office closures

The Degree Committee for the Faculty of Physics & Chemistry will be closed from 5pm on Thursday 28 March 2024 and will reopen again on Tuesday 2 April 2024. Research degree theses should still be submitted by your submission deadline even if that falls over the holiday period.

Meetings schedule

Meetings of the Degree Committee and Degree Ceremonies

Essential Links

Cambridge Students portal

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Degree Committee for Physics & Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, 17 Mill Lane, Cambridge, CB2 1RX. Tel: 01223 746764 / 746766

[email protected]

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PhD Programme in Advanced Machine Learning

The Cambridge Machine Learning Group (MLG) runs a PhD programme in Advanced Machine Learning. The supervisors are Jose Miguel Hernandez-Lobato , Carl Rasmussen , Richard E. Turner , Adrian Weller , Hong Ge and David Krueger . Zoubin Ghahramani is currently on academic leave and not accepting new students at this time.

We encourage applications from outstanding candidates with academic backgrounds in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Engineering and related fields, and a keen interest in doing basic research in machine learning and its scientific applications. There are no additional restrictions on the topic of the PhD, but for further information on our current research areas, please consult our webpages at http://mlg.eng.cam.ac.uk .

The typical duration of the PhD will be four years.

Applicants must formally apply through the Applicant Portal at the University of Cambridge by the deadline, indicating “PhD in Engineering” as the course (supervisor Hernandez-Lobato, Rasmussen, Turner, Weller, Ge and/or Krueger). Applicants who want to apply for University funding need to reply ‘Yes’ to the question ‘Apply for Cambridge Scholarships’. See http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/students/gradadmissions/prospec/apply/deadlines.html for details. Note that applications will not be complete until all the required material has been uploaded (including reference letters), and we will not be able to see any applications until that happens.

Gates funding applicants (US or other overseas) need to fill out the dedicated Gates Cambridge Scholarships section later on the form which is sent on to the administrators of Gates funding.

Deadline for PhD Application: noon 5 December, 2023

Applications from outstanding individuals may be considered after this time, but applying later may adversely impact your chances for both admission and funding.

FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT COMPLETING THE ADMISSIONS FORMS:

The Machine Learning Group is based in the Department of Engineering, not Computer Science.

We will assess your application on three criteria:

1 Academic performance (ensure evidence for strong academic achievement, e.g. position in year, awards, etc.) 2 references (clearly your references will need to be strong; they should also mention evidence of excellence as quotes will be drawn from them) 3 research (detail your research experience, especially that which relates to machine learning)

You will also need to put together a research proposal. We do not offer individual support for this. It is part of the application assessment, i.e. ascertaining whether you can write about a research area in a sensible way and pose interesting questions. It is not a commitment to what you will work on during your PhD. Most often PhD topics crystallise over the first year. The research proposal should be about 2 pages long and can be attached to your application (you can indicate that your proposal is attached in the 1500 character count Research Summary box). This aspect of the application does not carry a huge amount of weight so do not spend a large amount of time on it. Please also attach a recent CV to your application too.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE CAMBRIDGE-TUEBINGEN PROGRAMME:

We also offer a small number of PhDs on the Cambridge-Tuebingen programme. This stream is for specific candidates whose research interests are well-matched to both the machine learning group in Cambridge and the MPI for Intelligent Systems in Tuebingen. For more information about the Cambridge-Tuebingen programme and how to apply see here . IMPORTANT: remember to download your application form before you submit so that you can send a copy to the administrators in Tuebingen directly . Note that the application deadline for the Cambridge-Tuebingen programme is noon, 5th December, 2023, CET.

What background do I need?

An ideal background is a top undergraduate or Masters degree in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering. You should be both very strong mathematically and have an intuitive and practical grasp of computation. Successful applicants often have research experience in statistical machine learning. Shortlisted applicants are interviewed.

Do you have funding?

There are a number of funding sources at Cambridge University for PhD students, including for international students. All our students receive partial or full funding for the full three years of the PhD. We do not give preference to “self-funded” students. To be eligible for funding it is important to apply early (see https://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/funding – current deadlines are 10 October for US students, and 1 December for others). Also make sure you tick the box on the application saying you wish to be considered for funding!

If you are applying to the Cambridge-Tuebingen programme, note that this source of funding will not be listed as one of the official funding sources, but if you apply to this programme, please tick the other possible sources of funding if you want to maximise your chances of getting funding from Cambridge.

What is my likelihood of being admitted?

Because we receive so many applications, unfortunately we can’t admit many excellent candidates, even some who have funding. Successful applicants tend to be among the very top students at their institution, have very strong mathematics backgrounds, and references, and have some research experience in statistical machine learning.

Do I have to contact one of the faculty members first or can I apply formally directly?

It is not necessary, but if you have doubts about whether your background is suitable for the programme, or if you have questions about the group, you are welcome to contact one of the faculty members directly. Due to their high email volume you may not receive an immediate response but they will endeavour to get back to you as quickly as possible. It is important to make your official application to Graduate Admissions at Cambridge before the funding deadlines, even if you don’t hear back from us; otherwise we may not be able to consider you.

Do you take Masters students, or part-time PhD students?

We generally don’t admit students for a part-time PhD. We also don’t usually admit students just for a pure-research Masters in machine learning , except for specific programs such as the Churchill and Marshall scholarships. However, please do note that we run a one-year taught Master’s Programme: The MPhil in Machine Learning, and Machine Intelligence . You are welcome to apply directly to this.

What Department / course should I indicate on my application form?

This machine learning group is in the Department of Engineering. The degree you would be applying for is a PhD in Engineering (not Computer Science or Statistics).

How long does a PhD take?

A typical PhD from our group takes 3-4 years. The first year requires students to pass some courses and submit a first-year research report. Students must submit their PhD before the 4th year.

What research topics do you have projects on?

We don’t generally pre-specify projects for students. We prefer to find a research area that suits the student. For a sample of our research, you can check group members’ personal pages or our research publications page.

What are the career prospects for PhD students from your group?

Students and postdocs from the group have moved on to excellent positions both in academia and industry. Have a look at our list of recent alumni on the Machine Learning group webpage . Research expertise in machine learning is in very high demand these days.

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PhD in Astronomy

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Course closed:

Astronomy is no longer accepting new applications.

The Institute of Astronomy offers the opportunity to study for the PhD degree, for which the normal duration of study is three years. The format is almost entirely research-based and while projects may be exclusively theoretical or observational, many combine aspects of both. Many projects incorporate aspects of Data Science including machine learning and artificial intelligence.

It is normal for students to attend several relevant international conferences during their three years of study, often presenting their own research work. Some students, working on observational research projects, undertake observing trip(s) to major international observatories.

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the  Postgraduate Open Day  page for more details.

See further the  Postgraduate Admissions Events  pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.

Key Information

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

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

Funding Deadlines

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

Similar Courses

• Physics PhD
• Physics MPhil
• Planetary Science and Life in the Universe MPhil
• Astronomy MPhil
• Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics PhD

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Funding Opportunities

Postgraduate Students require funding in order to be able to follow their chosen course. There is a range of funding opportunities available in the University, with information available on the Postgraduate Admissions webpages . The website now includes a searchable Funding Database , which can be used to identify the sources most appropriate to the applicant.

In the Department of Physics, the main sources of funding are likely to be:

Home Fee Status:  

• Research Council Studentships (PhD only)
• Cambridge Home/EU Studentships Scheme (CHESS)

EU Fee Status:  

• Research Council Studentships (PhD only)  — either full studentship (if resident in the UK for at least three years before commencing the PhD course) or fees only
• Gates Cambridge Trust

Overseas Fees Status:

• Cambridge Trusts
• Vice- Chancellor’s Awards and Cambridge International Scholarships

Other Scholarships:

• Robert Gardiner Memorial Scholarships
• Schiff Foundation
• Sims Fund and Scholarship

Cavendish Laboratory Scholarships:

These scholarships, funded by our benefactors, are our most prestigious and are awarded to the most outstanding students in the field of applications. Separate applications for these funds are not required. Candidates will be selected from all of the applications received via the postgraduate admissions process.

• Winton Studentships
• P C Ho PhD. Studentships

Fees and Finance information

The University requires evidence of adequate financial support for the entire period of the course before admission can be confirmed. Students can supplement their financial support by teaching in the Colleges or in Department practical or examples classes, but the amount that can be earned is not sufficient for full support and cannot be used to satisfy the University's financial condition.

More information on finance is available on the Postgraduate Admissions pages here .

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