Particle Physics (Research)

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2025). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.

The DPhil in Particle Physics is a research-based course investigating fundamental particles and forces via high-energy accelerators and cosmic observations. Topics include neutrinos, dark matter, dark energy, and physics beyond the Standard Model.

The course is hosted by the Particle Physics sub-department, one of six sub-departments of the Department of Physics. The sub-department is one of the largest in the UK and is well equipped to carry out research in a wide range of topics, from the study of particles produced at high energy accelerators to neutrinos, dark matter and dark energy in the Universe. The work of this world-class sub-department is in experimental particle physics, particle astrophysics and accelerator physics.

As a DPhil student, you will join an existing research group which typically consists of academics, postdocs, fellows and current students. Your research work begins on day one and will be underpinned by a taught graduate course in the first year that runs in parallel.

Whilst working on your research project you can engage in skills training including workshops and seminars in transferable skills, generic research skills and specific research techniques. There are also numerous seminars and lectures held in the department by local and visiting physicists, and you will be provided with opportunities to meet experts in various fields. There will be routine opportunities for you to present your work at informal collaboration meetings, as well as form conferences.