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About the Department of Physics

The Department of Physics, or the Cavendish Laboratory as it is widely known, has a long history of world leading research and teaching. The Cavendish is home to approximately 430 graduate students  and admits students to six different programmes although the  the majority are studying for a PhD in one of the 14  research groups . 

Our seven research themes span the full range of research activities being carried out in the Laboratory and reflect national research priorities. Many themes cover the work of more than one research group, encouraging new associations and cross-disciplinary collaboration. While the core of our research programme is in experimental physics, essential theoretical support is provided by theorists embedded within the astrophysics and high energy physics research groups, while the condensed matter theory group are strongly cross-disciplinary and contribute to most of the themes.

9 courses offered in the Department of Physics

Computational methods for materials science cdt - mphil + phd.

The development of new materials lies at the heart of many of the technological challenges we currently face, for example creating advanced materials for energy generation. Computational modelling plays an increasingly important role in the understanding, development and optimisation of new materials.

This four-year doctoral training programme on computational methods for material modelling aims to train scientists not only in the use of existing modelling methods but also in the underlying computational and mathematical techniques. This will allow students to develop and enhance existing methods, for instance by introducing new capabilities and functionalities, and also to create innovative new software tools for materials modelling in industrial and academic research.

The first year of the doctoral training programme is provided by the existing MPhil course in Scientific Computing, which has research and taught elements, as well as additional training elements. The final three years consist of a PhD research project, with a student-led choice of projects offered by researchers closely associated with the CDT. ( https://ljc.group.cam.ac.uk ) 

More Information

Data Intensive Science - MPhil

The MPhil in Data Intensive Science is a 10-month cross-departmental programme in the School of the Physical Sciences which aims to provide education of the highest quality at the master’s level. The programme covers the full range of skills required for modern data-driven science. The course covers material from the fields of machine learning and AI, statistical data analysis, research and high performance computing, and the application of these topics to scientific research frontiers; primarily in Astronomy, Cosmology and Particle Physics.

The course structure has been designed in collaboration with our leading researchers and industrial partners to provide students with the theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and transferable skills required to undertake world-leading data-intensive scientific research. Students will gain the broad set of skills required for scientific data analysis, covering traditional statistical techniques as well as modern machine learning approaches.  Both the theoretical underpinnings and practical implementation of these techniques will be taught, with the later aspect including training on software development best practice and the principles of Open Science. The course also aims to provide students with direct experience applying these methods to current research problems in specific scientific fields. Students who have completed the course will be equipped to undertake research on data-intensive scientific projects. Beyond academic disciplines, students will be well prepared for a career as a data science professional in a broad range of commercial sectors.

This course will equip students with all the skills required for modern scientific data analysis, enabling them to participate in large experimental or observational programmes using the latest statistical and machine learning tools deployed on leading-edge computer architectures. These computational and statistical skills will also be directly applicable to data-driven problem-solving in industry.

Interdisciplinary Nanoscience and Nanotechnology - PhD

The vision of this PhD programme is to deliver bespoke cohort-based interdisciplinary training that promotes holistic problem-focused thinking for nanoscientists, drives new scientific directions, and impactful and responsible translation of research to technologies. A particular emphasis will be exposure to a broad range of world-class research environments to allow students to discover their individual research and technology interests and develop strong ownership of their PhD topic.

The first six months of the programme will provide advanced-level training, specifically designed for students, through an integrated lectures + practicals module on Applied Nanoscience, a module on System Integration for Experimentalists and one short and one longer experimental project prior to the final selection of an interdisciplinary PhD research project between two research groups in the Departments of Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Materials Science or another relevant department within the University. An additional module on Innovation for Scientists will help students develop a wider perspective, including training on innovation, sustainability and responsible research.

Throughout the programme, there will be an environment that supports creativity, resilience, peer-to-peer learning, networking, and connectivity. The programme will offer professional skills training to support students on different career paths in industry, academia, and beyond, and it will help students discover and nurture their leadership approach in varied contexts. Cross-cohort events will include student-led conferences, research seminars, onsite and offsite research, career development workshops led by internal and external experts, and other activities.

Physics - MPhil

The MPhil is offered by the Department of Physics as a full-time period of research and introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge. Students are integrated into the research culture of the Department by joining a research group. They are expected to attend the Department’s programme of research seminars and other postgraduate courses but most research training is provided within the group structure and overseen by their supervisor.

Physics - PhD

The PhD in Physics is a full-time period of research that introduces or builds upon research skills and specialist knowledge. Applications for part-time study may also be considered, but attendance requirements need to be fulfilled. 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. Details of the various research groups can be found on the Research Groups page on the Department of Physics website.

Physics - MASt

The MASt in Physics is a taught master's-level course in which students who applied from outside the University of Cambridge work alongside students taking the final year of the integrated undergraduate-and-master's course in Physics. This year is designed for students who wish to pursue a professional career in physics, (in academic or industrial research) and who are already familiar with the physics covered in a typical three-year UK bachelor's physics programme.

MASt students study alongside the fourth-year students taking the physics part of the integrated Cambridge Natural Science course, commonly referred to as Part III physics. Details of the current Part III physics course can be found on the Department of Physics website.

The MASt in Physics should not be confused with the MASt courses in Mathematics and in Astrophysics, each of which provides an alternative taught master's course with physics components.

Scientific Computing - MPhil

The MPhil programme in Scientific Computing provides world-class education on high performance computing and advanced algorithms for numerical simulation at continuum and atomic-scale levels. The course trains early-career scientists in the use of existing computational software and in the underlying components of the simulation pipeline, from mathematical models of physical systems and advanced numerical algorithms for their discretisation, to object-oriented programming and methods for high-performance computing for deployment in contemporary massively parallel computers.  As a result, course graduates have rigorous research skills and are formidably well-equipped to proceed to doctoral research or directly into employment. The highly transferable skills in algorithm development and high-performance computing make our graduates extremely employable in all sectors of industry, commerce and finance.

The MPhil in Scientific Computing is suitable for graduates from any discipline of natural sciences, technology or engineering, who have good mathematical and computational skills.  

Superconductivity: Enabling Transformative Technologies EPSRC CDT - PhD

This PhD course is part of the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) programme in Superconductivity: Enabling Transformative Technologies led by the University of Bristol.

The CDT will create a step change in superconductivity training in the UK by using a cohort-based approach to provide a diverse new generation of researchers with the interdisciplinary and teamwork skills required to develop transformative technologies needed to engineer Net-Zero, advance healthcare, and deliver novel quantum devices.

Bringing together the universities of Bristol, Oxford, and Cambridge, the CDT will deliver comprehensive graduate training across their Physics, Materials Science, Engineering, and Chemistry departments.

The programme will be co-delivered with partners encompassing industry, research facilities, and the educational sector. The CDT will serve as a vibrant hub for the wider UK superconductivity community, with the added value of providing training and networking opportunities to those outside of the CDT.

Sustainable Energy Materials Innovation - PhD

The Sustainable Energy Materials Innovation PhD course at the University of Cambridge will provide diverse training in the design and discovery, development, scale-up, life-cycle analysis, and systems integration of advanced energy materials and devices in areas strongly guided by the needs of the ‘net-zero’ industry. It will train the future leaders needed for a rapid transition to a zero-carbon society and make transformational, incremental, and disruptive materials discoveries facilitating the energy transition.

6 courses also advertised in the Department of Physics

2d materials of tomorrow epsrc cdt - phd.

From the Department of Engineering

Advanced Materials for the Energy Transition - MPhil

From the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy

The MPhil in Advanced Materials for the Energy Transition is an 11-month Master's Programme that is designed to deliver outstanding postgraduate level training in the sciences related to the development of new materials for low-carbon energy technologies.

Global warming and energy challenges are putting strong constraints on our society and will lead to major economic and societal changes in the future. To overcome these challenges and promote a sustainable modern society, it is necessary to develop new technologies with minimum environmental impact for example with low energy consumption and low carbon production.

The development of these energy-materials-based new technologies necessitates an interdisciplinary expertise in scientific and technological domains such as Physics, Chemistry, and Materials Science. This interdisciplinary training is necessary to understand and model new materials properties, find ways to synthesize them, and develop new zero-carbon energy technologies.

The Master's level degree responds to this demand and it is shaped to address it. It combines core elements with general and specialised training with a strong research project element. The training will combine different scientific disciplines.

Biological Sciences - PhD - Closed

From the School of the Biological Sciences

The Cambridge Biosciences DTP is a four year fully-funded PhD programme that aims to create highly skilled and employable people. The programme offers training across 23 University Departments/Institutes and 3 Partner Institutes providing access to a wide range of research areas related to the strategic themes of the BBSRC. We offer three types of DTP studentships:

• DTP Standard

During the programme, DTP Standard and Targeted students will undertake two ten-week rotations in different labs before commencing their PhD. They will receive training in a variety of areas including but not limited to statistics, programming, ethics, data analysis, scientific writing and public engagement. Students will also undertake a 12-week internship (PIPS).

iCase students are not required to undertake rotations but may do so if they feel that this training would be useful. They must undertake a placement with their Industrial Partner for a minimum of three months and a maximum of 18 months.

Students will be expected to submit their thesis at the end of the fourth year.

Part-time study, whilst not the norm, may be viable, depending on the project, 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.

Developing National Capability for Materials 4.0 EPSRC CDT - PhD

This PhD course is part of the EPSRC Centre of Doctoral Training (CDT) in Developing National Capability for Materials 4.0 led by the University of Manchester.

Success in achieving net zero, delivering a healthy nation and driving increased national resilience and productivity, will be critically reliant on novel materials and devices. This demands rapid delivery, but it typically takes up to 20 years to bring new materials to commercial use. To move faster we need scientists and engineers able to exploit new developments in high-throughput approaches to making, characterising and testing new materials, and able to deploy materials modelling and materials informatics to generate and exploit materials data. We need to digitalise the materials innovation process to accelerate development, certification and deployment of new materials, and materials systems. We need researchers adept at working across interfaces between machine learning, informatics, physical and cyber systems and modelling, learning from advances in other disciplines and breaking silos. In other words, we need graduates proficient in ‘Materials 4.0’.

The goal of this PhD program is to develop leaders in the field of Materials 4.0 and ambassadors for a broader cultural shift in the practice of materials science. Working across boundaries between fields, the students will develop and advocate for new capabilities (methods and techniques) to drive forward the digitalisation of materials research and innovation.

The CDT will develop the necessary skills in a significant number of new scientists, but our ambition is to build an even broader skills base for UK academia and industry. The training programme is therefore designed to take our students from learners to leaders over the course of the programme. The students will begin by learning core skills, but as they develop proficiency and confidence they will play a role in training others, within and external to the CDT. Their research projects will focus on developing new methods and tools within Materials 4.0 and in their last two years the students will take the lead in developing training materials for these new methods, delivering training and disseminating the new capability.

By training a new generation of researchers in the digitalisation of materials science, the CDT will provide the skilled recruits that UK industry and academia need to shorten time to market, improve productivity and resilience and maintain industrial competitiveness. Moreover, through the innovative delivery mechanism of our national CDT bringing together the strengths of three national institutes, we will drive broad culture change, disseminating skills across industry and academia, making Materials 4.0 a ubiquitous way of doing materials science.

Micro and Nanotechnology Enterprise - MPhil

The MPhil in Micro and Nanotechnology Enterprise is an exciting opportunity in which world-leading scientists and successful entrepreneurs are brought together to deliver a one-year master’s degree combining an in-depth multidisciplinary scientific programme with a global perspective on the commercial opportunities and business practice necessary for the successful exploitation in the rapidly developing fields of nanotechnology and nanomanufacturing.

The programme is intended for those with a good first degree in the physical sciences and relevant areas of engineering, who wish to develop research skills and commercial awareness of the cutting-edge disciplines of micro- and nanotechnology. The course will provide an unparalleled educational experience for entrepreneurs in these fields.

Planetary Science and Life in the Universe - MPhil

From the Institute of Astronomy

The MPhil in Planetary Sciences and Life in the Universe is a 10-month cross-departmental programme delivering outstanding postgraduate level training in the search for life’s origins on Earth and its discovery on planets beyond Earth.

The course structure has been designed by leading scientists to provide students with the theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and transferable skills required to undertake world-leading research in Planetary Sciences and Life in the Universe. Graduating students will be equipped with the discipline specific-specialisations and skills of a masters course, whilst gaining understanding in how the core areas that bridge PSLU fields form the cross-disciplinary foundation of this exciting new frontier.

Graduates of the course will gain valuable skills rooted in the study of the physics, chemistry, mathematics, and biology of planetary science and life in the universe. Transferrable skills training is delivered through the three group-based projects running over the year: these provide a unique opportunity for students to gain experience of leadership, collaboration, and written and oral communication.  The training provided will be an outstanding foundation for PhD research in planetary science, exoplanetary science, Earth system science, planetary astrophysics, astrobiology and allied disciplines, or for the wide range of careers where analytical skills, excellent communication, and experience of leading collaborations are key.

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PhD in Physics

• PhD in Interdisciplinary Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
• Sustainable Energy Materials Innovations PhD

PhD in Computational Methods for Materials Science 

Phd in 2d materials of tomorrow, epsrc centre for doctoral training in superconductivity, mphil in physics, mphil in data intensive science, mphil in scientific computing, mast in physics (9 months), mphil programme in advanced materials for the energy transition, mphil in planetary science and life in the universe.

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Postgraduate Programmes

Being a postgraduate student at the Cavendish is a unique experience that builds upon our illustrious history of discovery and innovation, and combines it with pathbreaking research across our 10 research themes and state-of-the-art facilities, including those at the new Ray Dolby Centre and the Collaborative R&D Environment (CORDE) .

We offer a range of postgraduate programmes, including those allow you to delve deeply into your chosen area of research (PhD in Physics, MPhil in Physics), those that expose you to broader topics alongside a deep dive into research (Specialist PhD Programmes) or taught programmes that also include a short research project. Further details on each of the programmes is below:

PhD Programmes

PhD in Interdisciplinary Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (NanoDTC)

PhD in Sustainable Energy Materials Innovations

MASt and MPhil Programmes

Applications for admissions

Early applications are strongly encouraged. This increases your chances not only of acceptance but also of being considered for funding. 

All candidates should consult  the course directory  for funding deadlines and minimum requirements for each course.

All applications will be considered within the timescales advertised for each course. Once a decision is reached within the Department, your papers will be passed on for further consideration by the Colleges, the Degree Committee, and the Postgraduate Admissions Office. You should not take any steps to come to Cambridge before you receive an admission letter from the Postgraduate Admissions Office stating that you have satisfied all conditions.

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Take a look at this quick guide to applications in Physics here.

Postgraduate Open Days 

Virtual Postgraduate Open Days takes place every year. During the Open Day you can find out more about what it is like to be a Cavendish postgraduate, various research areas, the application process, student life and more. You will also get an opportunity to attend a Q&A session with the current staff.

This year the Postgraduate Open Day for Physics will take place on Thursday 7 th  November 2024.  You can find more information here.

Want to learn more about the PhD experience across different research groups at the Cavendish?

The above playlist features these research groups:  NanoPhotonics Research .

Our Postgraduates speak

Our postgraduates share their inspiration to do physics, their experience inside and outside the laboratory and their future aspirations.  

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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
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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 .

16th October 2024 for Gates Trust funded graduate students (USA residents) , 3rd December 2024 for non-USA residents.

3rd December 2024 for Cambridge Trust funded graduate students.

10th December 2024 for Research Council funded graduate students.

The 2025 interviews for prospective Gates/Trust funded and Research Council funded graduate students will be held in January and February 2025.

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

How can I find out more?

A great way to meet supervisors and learn more about the projects is to attend the Postgraduate Open Days , in which the HEP group at the Cavendish always takes part. This year the Postgraduate Open Day will take place between 4th and 15th November 2024.

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 .

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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 Secondary - Physics (English Medium)

Bangor university, pgce secondary - physics (welsh medium), mphil solar physics, university of central lancashire, ma by research solar physics, msc by research solar physics.

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PhD Admissions in High Energy Physics, General Relativity and Cosmology

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Information for External Applicants to the PhD

Every year DAMTP receives a large number of applications for PhD places in the High Energy Physics (HEP) and General Relativity & Cosmology (GR) research groups. In recent years the number of students admitted to these groups has fluctuated between eight and twelve depending on the number of available supervisors. There are typically over ten applicants for each available place.

In these subject areas, a large majority of successful applicants will have first taken   Part III of the Mathematical Tripos (MMath/MASt) . This is a one year graduate-level course offering lecture courses in a wide range of topics in mathematics and theoretical physics. For more information about Part III please see the   course webpage .

There are two reasons why most of our PhD students come through Part III. First, Part III provides the necessary preparation for research in theoretical physics at a level matched by only a few other courses worldwide. Starting PhD students are expected to have covered all the material in those Part III lecture courses which are most relevant to their research project. A description of the content of each Part III lecture course can be found in the   Guide to Courses .

Second, the Part III class typically provides fifty or so well-qualified applicants for the available PhD places. Many of these applicants were at or near the top of their undergraduate class at their previous university. Performance in Part III allows us to rank these candidates accurately. It is much harder for us to rank external applicants. For these reasons, if you are interested in doing a PhD in theoretical physics in Cambridge we would strongly encourage you to consider applying for Part III first.

Ultimately, the decision to accept any applicant as a PhD student is made by the faculty member who will become their supervisor. The HEP and GR groups cover research in a wide range of areas and the precise requirements of individual supervisors may vary. In particular, we continue to admit a few students (one or two per year) who have not taken Part III. These admissions are usually in areas which could be loosely described as being “less formal” such as lattice field theory, particle physics phenomenology and cosmology. Successful external applicants often have relevant research experience in one of these areas.

Deadlines and Offers

Applicants to the HEP and GR research groups should note that we anticipate making some offers to outstanding candidates in February/March – for full consideration you should submit your application to the Postgraduate Admissions Office by   15 December 2024   for full consideration   (this arrangement applies equally to UK, EU and Overseas applicants). These offers will be made on the basis of academic track record, and the applicant may also be invited to an interview and/or asked to sit a written admissions test. However, it is also expected that some of the PhD places in the HEP and GR groups may be offered in June once the Part III Mathematical Tripos results are available.

Please note that the deadline for funding is  7 January 2025.

More information about applying can be found on the   DAMTP PhD Opportunities webpage .

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