Physics (Distance Learning)

Overview

Physicists observe natural phenomena – the way matter and energy interact – and create laws to explain them. They explore physical matter on every scale, from stars to sub-atomic particles, and energy in all its forms, such as light, motion and gravity.

When you join us to study for a postgraduate research degree, you'll have the opportunity to make your own contribution to the pioneering work we're doing – and play a part in transforming our research into impact.

Our physicists are working to advance knowledge and unlock advanced technology – and from researching new information processing and quantum computing to exploring new materials, we're using our expertise in Physics to power the future, improve industry, security, defence and the environment.

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2014), 96% of our research outputs have been judged world-leading or internationally excellent, making Portsmouth the top-ranked new university in Physics.

Support and facilities

When you join us, you'll be supported by our Graduate School, alongside your assigned supervisory team, who'll help you get the most from our facilities. The Graduate School will help you become part of our thriving, collaborative research community, and help grow your skills as a researcher through the Graduate School Development Programme, which offers training, workshops and events.

Along with a supercomputer facility in the ICG, our facilities include a quantum optics lab including lasers, nonlinear crystals, optics and photon detectors, and a time-resolved photoluminescence system. Our LabLine plasma sputtering tool is the only one in Europe, and we are the company’s demo site. We also 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?

Once you complete your postgraduate research degree, you'll be a highly-skilled researcher with the knowledge and skills to make an impact in many different industries.

Your postgraduate research qualification demonstrates to potential employers that you're an intelligent, capable and motivated person, with provable abilities and experience in critical thinking, problem-solving, project management, communication, leadership and creativity.