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Physics (Research)

2 Study options · PostgraduateSussex House

Course options

2025-20262026-2027
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Course summary

1st in the world for research impact in Physics (Shanghai Ranking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025)
7th in the UK for our research environment in Physics in REF 2021 (Times Higher Education)

Our research lies at the forefront of fundamental physics – ranging from quantum information processing, quantum optics and cold atom physics through a programme of top-rated particle physics experiments to the theoretical understanding of space, time and matter.

You’ll be guided and supervised through your research project by experts in their fields. You’ll work in a department with a truly international character, with collaborations in Europe, North America, South East Asia and Australia.

We provide PhD opportunities in each of our research groups and welcome applications from potential PhD students at any time. You can contact each group’s admissions coordinator, as well as prospective supervisors, if you have questions about a project or if you'd like to propose your own topic:

  • Astronomy Centre

  • Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics (AMO)

  • Experimental Particle Physics

  • Materials Physics

  • Mathematical Physics

  • Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies

  • Theoretical Particle Physics

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Sussex House

Study options

  • PhD • Full-time • 4 Years
  • PhD • Part-time • 8 Years

Start dates

  • 01/2027
  • 09/2026
  • 04/2027

Open days

Chat to student ambassadors

Discover what it's like to study Physics at University of Sussex: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.

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  • Zehra

    University of Sussex
    Law
    Hi! My name is Zehra, and I’m a first-year LLB Law student at the University of Sussex. I’m really excited to be part of the Student Ambassador Programme and to support students who are considering joining our community. My goal is to become a barrister, and I’m particularly interested in areas such as human rights, public, and employment law. I’m passionate about supporting and advocating for underrepresented communities. As a first-generation student, an ethnic minority immigrant from Turkey, a mature student, and someone living with a disability, I truly understand how important it is to feel supported, welcomed, and connected at university. That’s why I’m here — to share my journey, answer your questions, and help you feel confident in finding your own path. I speak both Turkish and English, and outside of my studies, I enjoy reading, watersports, chess, cinema, and music. I also have a cat who keeps me company during my study sessions! If you’re feeling unsure, curious, or just want to chat, feel free to reach out — I’m always happy to help.

  • Khadija

    University of Sussex
    Business, Management & Marketing
    Second-year business student who started with a foundation year. I’m really enjoying the course and hoping to work in operations or consulting after I graduate. Happy to chat about uni life or business.

  • Tomisin

    University of Sussex
    Politics
    I’m a British-Nigerian Politics and International Relations student. I’ve been enjoying the joint honour degree as it has personally helped me to expand my knowledge and connect the links between international history and British politics! I am also a Christian and passionate for Jesus! I enjoy attending church in Brighton, meeting more people and growing in faith 😄

  • Mykhailo

    University of Sussex
    Business, Management & Marketing
    I'm Mykhailo, a first year BSc Marketing student at University of Sussex. I would be happy to answer all your questions about the university, my course or student life.

  • Rudie

    University of Sussex
    Ecology and Conservation
    I'm a Mature and Neurodivergent Student who didn't have the most conventional education due to a lack of support at school. If you feel like you need advice on the support Sussex offers or if this is the right University for you, I can help. I also organise a variety of surveying and STEM outreach events, both with the School of Life Sciences and the NGO Shelltering Sussex. So, if you want to know what extracurricular activities Sussex has to offer for Life Sciences students, I'm your person.

  • Shubby

    University of Sussex
    Law
    I am Nigerian but was born in Canada. I aspire to be a civil litigation or corporate lawyer in the future as this has been a long desire passion of mines. I am very passionate about helping other individuals in anyway I possible can! I also enjoy taking part in societies and staying involved in the community through volunteering.

  • Hanna

    University of Sussex
    Psychology and Cognitive Science
    I'm a British/Egyptian postgraduate research student in psychology at Sussex. I am very enthusiastic about my course and my studies, and would be very happy to answer your queries. I will answer your queries asap, so please write to me!

  • Sarah

    University of Sussex
    Medicine
    Hi there! I’m Sarah, a fourth year medical student at Brighton and Sussex medical School. I am a mature student having worked for the UK Government for the past ten year, and a graduate, completing my first degree in Medical Neuroscience here at the University of Sussex. It really feels like I have come full circle now that I am back here studying medicine! I hope to become an obstetrician once I finish my degree, but we get so much exposure to different specialities I am also excited to explore. I enjoy yoga and cold water swimming which is great as I live by the sea for the first time!

  • Lily

    University of Sussex
    Psychology
    I'm a mature international student, and have just started studying this year, which comes with different challenges, but just as many rewards! As much as I love my course, I also love being able to be a part of so many different societies, and meet so many new and interesting people!

Fees and funding

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Sponsorship information

Studentships are available from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC); some graduate teaching assistantships or EU studentships may also be available; there is normally a small amount of paid work available for teaching in laboratories and for marking.

Our goal is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to regardless of financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique people.

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