Overview

The Physics and Astronomy programme from University of Birmingham will put you in an excellent position to pursue a wide range of careers, including a future in research, academia or industry, finance and data science.

Career opportunities

With a PhD from the School of Physics and Astronomy, you'll be well-equipped to enter diverse career fields, including industry, IT, data science, finance, and consultancy.

You may wish to pursue academic careers, taking on positions such as Research Fellow, Lecturer, or Postdoctoral Researcher at universities and institutions worldwide.

The demand for physicists spans numerous sectors, reflecting the strong employability record.

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Programme Structure

Research areas are:

Astronomy and Gravitational Waves (Research Groups: Astrophysics; Institute for Gravitational Wave Astronomy; Sun, Stars & Exoplanets)

Particle and Nuclear Physics (Research Groups: Particle Physics; Nuclear Physics)

Quantum Matter and Photonics (Research Groups: Cold Atoms and UK Quantum Technology Research Hub in Sensing, Imaging and Timing (QuSIT); Metamaterials and Nanophotonics; Theoretical Physics; Experimental, Condensed Matter Physics)

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Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 42 months
Part-time
- 72 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00

More details

If you are submitting your own research proposal, applications are accepted all year round, but if you wish to start in September, you should apply by 1 June.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

80

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PTE Academic

64

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IELTS

6

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Birmingham, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Physics Astronomy & Space Sciences View 95 other PhDs in Physics in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

80

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

64

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

2:1 Honours degree

It welcomes applications from all qualified applicants, and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented groups in physics and astronomy.

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

29310 GBP / year

≈ 29310 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

5181 GBP / year

≈ 5181 GBP / year

Additional Details

UK: £2,591 (part-time)

Living costs

Birmingham

United Kingdom

765 - 1134 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Physics and Astronomy.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Career opportunities

Get more details

Programme Structure

Check out the full curriculum

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

Explore more key information

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Make sure you meet all requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Birmingham

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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