29Oct
BusinessCourse summary
The Physics department is a vibrant and dynamic centre for Physics research with research activity traceable back to the establishment of the institution in the late 1800s. Today we deliver our own individual research leadership and lead national and international research partnerships at the cutting-edge of the most exciting fields in physics. Our research portfolio is broad based and world-leading, ranging from theoretical and experimental work in fundamental curiosity driven research to developing practical solutions for today’s most important scientific and social problems. Available in any research area, Doctoral Level study provides a career-defining qualification in research and development for academia or industry. Find out about staff and research project opportunities on our Physics page here: https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/research-and-teaching/departments-and-schools/physics/studying-here/research-degrees/ Much of our research is carried out in collaboration with other leading universities and laboratories in Europe and worldwide, including CERN, the European Spallation Source, the National Physical Laboratory and high tech industry partners. Strong funding support is provided by the leading national and international science funding agencies, including the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), Innovate UK, the European Commission and the Royal Society. We also have joint PhD studentships with our research collaborations.
Assessment method
Research students in Physics join a lively research community and become fully involved in the research activities of the department, sharing their successes. The main outcome of the degree is a piece of independent research presented in the form of a dissertation.
How to apply
International applicants
https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studying-here/international-students/find-your-country/
Entry requirements
An Integrated Masters degree (MSci) qualification at 2:1 or equivalent in Physics, or MSc at Distinction level in Physics, is required for cosideration. Before applying we recommend securing a supervisor in order to apply for your research project. We advise getting in touch with the Director of Postgraduate Education making an informal enquiry for your chosen research degree to inquire whether there is any other additional material they require you to submit in your application. Physics PhD candidates do not require a detailed research proposal. A short statement explaining your reasons for choosing the research area and relevant experience, a CV and relevant transcripts should be uploaded instead. Upon application please select one of the following research disciplines from the pathway list within the application form: Quantum Materials and Technology or Particle Physics and Astronomy For Quantum Materials and Technology applicants, when submitting your application through ourApplicant Portal, please also email the supervisor named on your application. They will then contact you re availability of studentship and interviews etc
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Channel Islands | £5006* | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £5006* | Year 1 |
| EU | £26400 | Year 1 |
| International | £26400 | Year 1 |
| England | £5006* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £5006* | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £5006* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £5006* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Home (UK) students tuition fee per year*: £5,006
EU and International students tuition fee per year**: £26,400
* This figure is the fee for the academic year 2025/26 and is shown as a guide.Please note that for research courses, we adopt the minimum fee level recommended by the UK Research Councils for the Home tuition fee. Each year, the fee level is adjusted in line with inflation (currently, the measure used is the Treasury GDP deflator). Fees displayed here are therefore subject to change and are usually confirmed in the spring of the year of entry. For more information on the Research Council Indicative Fee please see the UKRI website.
** This figure is the fee for EU and international students enrolled on a full-time basis in the academic year 2026/27.
Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase fees for all students annually. For further information see fees and funding.
Provider information
Royal Holloway, University of London
Egham
TW20 0EX