PhD in Physics

Find a PhD in physics

Physics research areas:

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Biomedical imaging and technology
  • Computational biophysics
  • Materials Physics
  • Nanotechnology
  • Photonics
  • Renewable energy

PhD opportunities in Physics

Propose your own PhD topic

If you want to propose your PhD topic, you can use the contact details below to contact a staff member to discuss your proposal.

How to write your best postgraduate research proposal

Entry requirements

You should have an honours degree at 2.1 or above, and/or a Masters degree in a relevant discipline.

English language requirements

IELTS (overall) Reading Listening Speaking Writing
6.5 5.5 5.5 6.0 6.0

We also accept other English language qualifications

You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you are a national of certain countries.

Don't meet the English language requirements?

English language programmes

Prepare for university study and benefit from extra English tuition with an English language programme.

Research skills programme

If your previous degree did not include research skills you may be able to apply to our Structured PhD. This includes both research skills training and English Language tuition.

Engineering and Physics PhD tuition fees

  • Civil engineering
  • Mechanical engineering and mechatronics
  • Physics
Academic year of entry Scottish/Rest of UK fee status International fee status
2025/26 £5,006
per year of study		 £27,900
per year of study
Academic year of entry Scottish/Rest of UK fee status International fee status
2026/27 £5,238
per year of study		 £28,840
per year of study

Science and Engineering Masters by Research tuition fees

Academic year of entry Scottish/Rest of UK fee status International fee status
2025/26 £5,006
per year of study		 £27,900
per year of study
Academic year of entry Scottish/Rest of UK fee status International fee status
2026/27 £5,238
per year of study		 £28,840
per year of study

Tuition fee per year of study (subject to a 5% annual increase for Scottish, Rest of UK, and International students).

The tuition fee, and mode of attendance shown within the application system is provisional and confirmed when you are made an offer.

Part time study, where available, is charged on a pro-rata basis.

Scottish/Rest of UK fee status annual increase

Each year, UKRI sets a recommended fee and stipend level for Scottish/Rest of UK students, which we use as the basis for fees charged to this group.

UKRI usually increases its fee and stipend levels in line with inflation, based on the Treasury GDP deflator. 

Therefore, the Scottish/Rest of UK fees detailed in this table for 2026/27 (and beyond) can only be estimated according to the typical increase. 

The fee charged to you may differ, though only slightly, from the figure given.

EN and MN Lindsay Scholarship

Outstanding students who are eligible for home-UK fees may apply for the EN and MN Lindsay Trust Scholarship to support a PhD in Physics.

Candidates should discuss a research proposal with a potential academic supervisor prior to submitting an application.

Apply for a research degree

You can apply for a PhD or other postgraduate research degree using our Direct Application System.

We have three start dates per academic year.

PhD in Physics

Disabled students

The University of Dundee welcomes applications from disabled students.

Enquiries