How to Apply

*Please note: The University’s new admissions system is now open, and applications for both PhD and MScR programmes can be submitted using the links at the bottom of this page. We encourage applicants to review the entry requirements carefully. To avoid any potential issues with the new system going live, we recommend that you do not submit an application before mid-October.*

We strongly encourage applicants to submit their application by 15 December 2026, which is the departmental deadline.

Applications received by this date will receive full consideration for all available scholarships and funding opportunities. Applications submitted after the deadline will still be considered; however, eligibility may be limited to specific scholarships, depending on the timing of the application and individual funding deadlines.

Please see the entry and English language requirements below first.

Entry Requirements

PhD

For entry to a PhD you will be required to have achieved a First Class honours Bachelor's degree, or at least a 2:1 Integrated Master’s degree or a Master's degree in an appropriate subject, from a recognised university (or equivalent).

MScR

Applicants for the MSc by Research will be required to have achieved a 2:2 MPhys or a 2:1 Bachelor's degree.

International students - see equivalent entry requirements and any English language requirements on our Entry Requirements - Durham University page. The information is split up by country, so if you do not see your country listed or have further questions, please contact the International Office.

Language Requirements

Please see the University's minimal language requirements for postgraduate studies in the Department of Physics, for students whose first language is not English.

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1. Research section(s) of interest

Select one or more research sections from the following:

Please note: that you do not need to submit more than one application, even if you are interested in more than one project or research area within Physics. Please list your chosen research section under the 'Programme Related Information' section and remember to note the supervisor you are interested in.

2. Qualifications

Please indicate your current university and degree on the application form and ensure that all relevant academic certificates and transcripts are uploaded with your application.

If your university is not listed, please select ‘Other Establishment’ and click ‘Add Qualification’. A new section will then appear. Enter ‘Other Establishment’ in the Institution/School/College field and complete the remaining fields with the relevant information.

3. References

Please provide contact details (specifically email addresses) for 2 referees who we can contact for a reference. If you already have your reference then please upload it accordingly. However if you do please ensure it's on letter-headed paper with contact information to allow us to confirm it's an original.

When setting up your initial SITS account, please ensure that you tick the box giving consent for the University to contact your referees. This is an important step and may help avoid delays with your application. If you forget to do this, you can update your preferences later through your account settings by clicking the profile icon in the top right-hand corner.

4. Research Proposal

We suggest you provide a short document in pdf format (no longer than 1 page). This will give us an idea of your research interests.

If you are applying for one or more specific projects, please list the project title(s) and supervisor(s), and provide a cover letter-style statement outlining your interest in the project(s) and why they appeal to you.

If you are applying to a research area rather than a pre-defined project, please indicate the relevant research area(s) (from the five available) and any research staff you would like your application to be considered by. You should also provide a cover letter-style statement explaining your interest in these research areas and outlining the research topics you would like to pursue during your PhD.

5. CV/resume

Please upload this under the Experience section of your application. Select 'Yes' to the initial question and then upload your CV in the relevant section provided.

6. English Language requirements

For anyone whose first language is not English we require an English Language Certificate (sat within 24 months of the anticipated start date of your course). However, we will consider candidates for interview without formal English language certification. Please note that some scholarship applications might required them to be available at some stage during the evaluation process.

7. Funding source

Please provide details of any funding you have secured, or funding you intend to apply for, within the 'Additional Information – Funding Information' section of the application. For example, this may include CSC, DDS, STFC, or EPSRC funding. Please select 'Other Funding' and use the text box provided to enter this information. You can also provide this information under the 'Programme Related Information' section.

8. Next steps after final submission

Please download your application form and merge it with your CV and research statement into one document in pdf format. Once complete, send it to physics.postgraduate@durham.ac.uk. Please ensure your full name and SITS ID are included and name the document ‘application_summary’.

Please remember to check the admissions portal weekly to make sure you don't have any requests outstanding.

Please note: your application cannot be considered until we have all this information.

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There are no set deadlines for applications to the Postgraduate degrees in the Department of Physics, but there may be deadlines attached to certain studentships, awards or specific projects offered by the Department.

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