Overview
About the programme
We are particularly interested in ices (molecules in the solid phase) in space – such as the icy mantles which coat microscopic dust grains that make up the vast clouds of dust and gas from which stars and planets form, as well as ice-covered planetary bodies in our Solar System.
Since we cannot grab a handful of ice from space, we simulate astrophysical environments in the laboratory and carry out systematic investigations to unravel their physical and chemical properties.
We use in situ techniques to learn about their structure and composition and subject them to various types of processing, simulating cosmic rays and stellar winds, to learn about the molecular interactions that lead to the formation of complex organic molecules.
Laboratory Astrophysics work at The Open University UK is pivotal to understanding how the molecular building blocks of life are formed in space and goes hand-in-hand with astronomical observations.
Programme Structure
Potential research projects:- The search for realistic interstellar ice analogues: ice films, icy aerosols and molecular clusters
- Electronic structure and dynamics of adsorbed and condensed phase PAHs
- The physico-chemical properties and aggregation of interstellar dust and ice
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 36 months
- Part-time
- 72 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
- Apply before
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- Starting
- Apply before
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- Application period: January to April
Language
Delivered
Disciplines
Physics Astronomy & Space Sciences View 42 other PhDs in Astronomy & Space Sciences in United KingdomAcademic requirements
English requirements
Student insurance
Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:
- Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
- Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
- Liability
- Home contents and baggage
- Accidents
- Legal aid
We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.
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Other requirements
General requirements
Entry requirements
- Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent). If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English.
Tuition Fee
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International
15456 GBP/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 15456 GBP per year during 36 months. -
National
4712 GBP/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 4712 GBP per year during 36 months.
Living costs for Milton Keynes
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 Laboratory Astrophysics.
Available Scholarships
You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.
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