Department of Physics research

We have a thriving research programme, encompassing physics on the smallest nanoscales to the most energetic processes in the Universe.

Research groups

Our research covers a wide spectrum of activities, from fundamental physics to technological applications.

Astrophysics

Section of the Hubble Ultra Deep Field snapshot showing thousands of galaxies with various ages, sizes, shapes, and colours. Credit: NASA, ESA, and S. Beckwith (STScI) and the HUDF Team.

We study exploding stars, growing galaxies and feeding black holes in an expanding Universe.

Nanoscience

We research how quantum mechanical and thermodynamic properties of molecules, nanostructures, multilayers and glassy materials can be modified.

Theoretical and computational physics

Simulation of angle-resolved photoemission spectrum of twisted bilayer graphene

We study how components of complex systems interact with each other, and how this leads to unusual behaviour and novel applications.

Research centres

We are involved in a number of cross-disciplinary research centres.

Centre for Photonics and Photonic Materials

World-leading research in the science and technology of light

Centre for Networks and Collective Behaviour

An graphical image representing a network

An interdisciplinary research centre for the modelling and analysis of complex interacting systems.

Centre for Space, Atmospheric and Oceanic Science

illustration of a satellite orbiting Earth

We study the environment of the Earth and near-Earth space and their effects on advanced technological systems

Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

We are an interdisciplinary research centre bridging science and engineering.

Join us

Find out how to join us as a PhD student or research fellow.

Physics PhD projects on FindaPhD.com

We offer projects over a broad spectrum of subject areas. Projects are available as part of Centres for Doctoral Training as well as on an individual basis.

Join Physics as an independent research fellow

Advice for postdoctoral researchers about how to apply for fellowships and join the Department of Physics.

Postgraduate research degrees in physics

Find out about our PhD programmes, funding opportunities and how you can apply.

RESEARCH EXCELLENCE

The results of the Research Evaluation Framework (REF) 2014 confirm the excellence of the research undertaken in the Department.

91% of physics research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in REF 2014

Department of Physics

Find out more about our department including our courses and staff.