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Department of Physics

We are one of the UK's top Physics departments and have a reputation for high-quality teaching, driven by outstanding research, performed in an inclusive and welcoming community.
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Welcome to the Department of Physics at Durham

The Physics Department is a thriving centre for research and education.

We are proud that our Department closely aligns the teaching and learning experience for its students with the research-intensive values and practices of the University. Research-led teaching is embedded at all levels from first year laboratory reports to our final year MSci flagship individual research projects.

The Department incorporates the Ogden Centre for Fundamental Physics, is home to the Institute for Particle Physics Phenomenology and the Institute for Computational Cosmology. The Ogden Centre is also the base for our innovative outreach programme for school children and their teachers.

A graphic showing an on-campus scene of students walking past the modern, glass-sided library building with the University's Physics and Astronomy Top 100 ranking emblazoned on it

Find out more about us
2nd in the Guardian University Guide 2024
3rd for Physics and Astronomy in the Complete University Guide 2024
96%
96% of our research outputs are world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)
3rd in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023
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Just got your grades?

We look forward to welcoming you to Physics. Find out what to do next below.

Before you arrive Welcome and Induction

What's new?

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Final findings from Kilo-Degree survey confirm cosmology model

A major international research effort has confirmed the standard model of cosmology using data from 41 million galaxies.

Research news
The Kilo-Degree Survey has taken images of 41 million galaxies in its eight years of observation. This image shows a section of the data set.

Scientists help create biggest 3D map of the universe and it’s changing what we know about Dark Energy

Our scientists have played a leading role in creating the largest-ever 3D map of the universe, using data from 15 million galaxies and quasars.
Global research
DESI maps distant objects to study dark energy. The instrument is installed on the Mayall Telescope, shown here beneath star trails.

Durham astrophysicists’ key contributions to cosmic discoveries

Scientists from our Centre for Extragalactic Astronomy and our Institute for Computational Cosmology are playing a crucial role as part of a major international space mission to map the Universe.
Global research
This image shows examples of galaxies in different shapes, all captured by Euclid during its first observations of the Deep Field areas

Spotlight on: Professor Carlos Frenk – shaping modern cosmology

Welcome to the next instalment of our ‘Spotlight on’ series where we celebrate the world-leading work of our academics. Professor Carlos Frenk’s pioneering work on dark matter has fundamentally shaped modern cosmology and our understanding of the Universe.
Global research
Professor Carlos Frenk smiling into the camera with a the a radio microphone in the foreground and the edge of some blue branding behind him

Spacecraft regularly burn up in the atmosphere - is this causing harm?

Physics fellow Dr Fionagh Thomson will explore the potential risks of decommissioning satellites in the atmosphere in a project funded by the UK Space Agency. 
Research news
Polar stratospheric clouds above buildings

Euclid space telescope discovers stunning Einstein Ring 

An international space mission currently mapping the dark Universe has discovered a rare ‘Einstein Ring’ in a galaxy not far away.
Research news
Euclid’s fuzzy view of galaxy NGC 6505 with an Einstein Ring around its centre, embedded in its cosmic neighbourhood. This wide field shows the extended stellar halo of NGC 6505 and showcases the Einstein Ring, surrounded by colourful foreground stars and background galaxies.

Durham’s strengths in space and quantum research focus of German Ambassador’s visit

Our strengths in space and quantum research were the main focus of a visit to Durham University by the German Ambassador to the UK.
Global research
Two men look through a panel into the interior of a large box which contains machinery and wires.
More news

Final findings from Kilo-Degree survey confirm cosmology model

A major international research effort has confirmed the standard model of cosmology using data from 41 million galaxies.

The Kilo-Degree Survey has taken images of 41 million galaxies in its eight years of observation. This image shows a section of the data set.

The Icy Durham Practical Course (CDT in Fusion Power).

Shortly after the New Year's festivities had finished, twenty-five PhD students braved the ice and snow to come to Durham University to make some critical current measurements on HTS superconductors for ~ 3 days in January 2025.
The students and staff at the CDT Fusion Power practical course in Durham.

Spacecraft regularly burn up in the atmosphere - is this causing harm?

Physics fellow Dr Fionagh Thomson will explore the potential risks of decommissioning satellites in the atmosphere in a project funded by the UK Space Agency. 
Polar stratospheric clouds above buildings

Prof. Tom Lancaster co-author's must-have book on the most famous of all modern theories of physics

Prof Tom Lancaster has co-authored a must-have book for all budding physicists. General relativity lies at the heart of modern physics and represents the pinnacle of Albert Einstein’s celebrated work. Despite being mentioned as a motivation in huge numbers of applications to university physics courses, many future physicists leave university without having engaged with perhaps the most famous of all modern theories of physics!

Partial screenshot of the book cover of General Relativity for the Gifted Amateur

Ariadna Calcines Rosario receives the ENDECAN Award for Scientific and Technological Talent

Ariadna Calcines Rosario received the ENDECAN Award for Scientific and Technological Talent in recognition of her professional career achievements in the design and development of image slicer technology for astronomy, her main research area at the Centre for Advanced Instrumentation at Durham University.
Ariadna Calcines-Rosario receives here ENDECAN award

Winners of 2024 Physics Award for Excellence Announced

Congratulations to the winners of The 2024 Physics Award for Excellence this year’s winners are -
Stocki image of a winners trophy and confetti

Scientists help create biggest 3D map of the universe and it’s changing what we know about Dark Energy

Our scientists have played a leading role in creating the largest-ever 3D map of the universe, using data from 15 million galaxies and quasars.

DESI maps distant objects to study dark energy. The instrument is installed on the Mayall Telescope, shown here beneath star trails.

Durham astrophysicists’ key contributions to cosmic discoveries

Scientists from our Centre for Extragalactic Astronomy and our Institute for Computational Cosmology are playing a crucial role as part of a major international space mission to map the Universe.
This image shows examples of galaxies in different shapes, all captured by Euclid during its first observations of the Deep Field areas

Spotlight on: Professor Carlos Frenk – shaping modern cosmology

Welcome to the next instalment of our ‘Spotlight on’ series where we celebrate the world-leading work of our academics. Professor Carlos Frenk’s pioneering work on dark matter has fundamentally shaped modern cosmology and our understanding of the Universe.
Professor Carlos Frenk smiling into the camera with a the a radio microphone in the foreground and the edge of some blue branding behind him

Government Minister visits Ukraine summer camp

The UK’s Higher Education Minister has visited our campus to show her support for an education and recreation summer camp for Ukrainian young people.

Two women and a man standing behind a science desk, watching two young women point tuning forks at plastic tubes on a table

Condensed Matter Physics Research Section came together for an Away Day

The whole Condensed Matter Physics research section (CMP) in Physics at Durham came together for an Away Day at Ushaw House for training and development activities to strengthen our research capabilities and support career progression.
Images of CMP Away Day

Celebrating the next generation of North East Physicists

Physics students’ success from across the region has been celebrated at the recent School Physicist of the Year (SPotY) awards.
Student receiving a school's physicist of the year award

 

Study with us

Undergraduate study

Find out more about our BSc and MPhys courses.

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Postgraduate study

Discover more about our taught courses and research degrees.

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Our research

We are one of the top Physics Departments in the UK for research, as recognised in repeated assessments and league tables.

According to REF2014, 100% of our research impact and 94.2% of our research outputs were judged to be internationally excellent.
Find out more
Cosmic Ray Cosmo Simulation

Our history

2024 marked 100 years of the Department of Science in Durham University, years that have seen the service of thirteen different Heads of Physics, hundreds of staff and thousands of students. To celebrate this milestone, you can now discover the history of Physics at Durham through the centuries.

From Temple Chevallier to the researchers of today, scroll through our timeline and meet some of the key figures from our history. Watch as some of our most influential academics from past and present talk about their experiences of Durham through the years. Learn about the buildings that have shaped our history, from the creation of the Observatory in the 1800s to the first dedicated building for Physics in the late 1950s, to our major investment in Astronomy going forward.

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Look Closer at the Faculty of Science

Whether it’s our world-leading research that seeks to empower and inspire, our commitment to educational excellence across eight academic departments, or our focus on the next generation of scientists through our ground breaking science outreach and engagement. We push forward, break down barriers, asking the big questions and getting answers. Watch our short video to find out why there’s more to science at Durham than meets the eye.

Find out about the Faculty of Science

Find out more

 

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Open Days & Visits

We can offer personal tours of the Physics Department by arrangement, in addition to the University’s standard open day offerings. to discuss a department tour, please see ‘Arrange a personal tour’ below.

Undergraduate open days Postgraduate open days

Experience Durham by arranging a personal tour

Arrange to have a personal tour of our department buildings and facilities, meet departmental staff and get a feel for what it would be like to study here.

Arrange a personal tour

Arrange a personal tour

Find us on social media

Check out our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages

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Instagram
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Student updates

What it's been like studying Physics

3rd year Physics student Jack reflects on his studies during the pandemic

Physics Rochester Building

Day in the life of a 3rd year Physics student: My Industrial Project

Physics student Gabriel tells us about his Team Project module at Durham

Student pouring liquid nitrogen

Get in touch

Contact us to find out more about our department.

Department of Physics
Durham University
Lower Mountjoy
South Road
Durham
DH1 3LE
United Kingdom

Questions about studying here?

Check out our list of FAQs or submit an enquiry form.

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