For PhD positions starting in Autumn the application deadline is 1 January.
Applications received by this deadline will be considered for all available PhD studentships.
Interviews for PhD studentships will be held February.
When applying please select ‘PhD – Mathematical Sciences’ and include ‘Mathematical and Theoretical Particle Physics’ in the Field of Study box.
Select ‘PGR – Research Council Studentships’ under funding source to indicate you wish to be considered for all available PhD studentships.
We do not expect a detailed Research Proposal but please describe your scientific interests and why you would like to undertake a PhD in mathematical and theoretical physics.
The application asks you to submit the name of a Supervisor. This is not set in stone but an opportunity to indicate what broad area you are interested in.
We normally make offers of PhD studentships to work with a specific primary supervisor based on the candidate’s interests and available supervisors.
The potential supervisors this year are:
For answers to frequently asked questions, please see the FAQ below.
For further information please contact Mathew Bullimore at pg.cpt@durham.ac.uk.
Click here to return to the Apply for a PhD webpage.
What options to I select when applying?
Please select ‘PhD – Mathematical Sciences’ and include ‘Mathematical and Theoretical Particle Physics’ in the Field of Study box.
Please select ‘PGR – Research Council Studentships’ under funding source to be considered for all available PhD studentships.
What studentships are available?
We have several PhD studentships each year supported by STFC. The studentships cover fees and provide a UK-standard stipend for 3.5 years of supervised study.
Applicants may be eligible for additional internal studentships in Durham and applications submitted by 1st January will be considered for all available studentships.
Do we support candidates for external studentships?
We are happy to support strong candidates for external PhD studentships – please get in touch directly.
Do we consider self-funded students?
We welcome self-funded applications – please get in touch directly.
Should I apply to Mathematics or Physics?
There are two theoretical physics groups at Durham University – in the Department of Mathematics and Department of Physics – which come under the umbrella of the ‘Centre for Particle Theory’:
https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/academic/physics/particle-theory/
To ensure consideration for studentships in the Department of Mathematics, please submit an application via the online portal as instructed above.
You are welcome to apply to both departments.
What should I write in the research proposal?
We do not expect a detailed research proposal. Please do describe your scientific interests and why you would like to undertake a PhD in mathematical and theoretical physics. We look for evidence of enthusiasm and ability to make the most of the opportunities that a PhD studentship offers.
Will there be interviews?
Yes. We invite shortlisted applicants for interviews in late February or early March. This involves short interviews with potential supervisors where candidates are asked to solve a problem.
When will I hear back?
You will hear from us in late February whether your application has been shortlisted for interview. We cannot provide information on the status of your application before then.
We begin making offers in March following the interviews.
How are supervisors assigned?
We normally make offers of PhD studentships to work with specific primary supervisors. This is based on discussions of the candidates interests at interview and available supervisors.
Successful candidates also have a second supervisor working in a similar area and there is flexibility in supervisory arrangements.
Which lecture courses are available to PhD students?
PhD students are encouraged to attend lecture courses on the MSc in Particles, Strings and Cosmology. We appreciate many applicants have completed or will have completing a similar MSC programme and therefore attendance is not mandatory.
/prod01/prodbucket01/media/durham-university/departments-/mathematical-sciences/76436.jpg)