university of sussex phd physics

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Physics PhD

Entry requirements.

You’re normally expected to have a Merit (an average of 60% overall) in a Masters degree OR an upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree.

Your qualification should be in physics although we do accept applications from students who have studied in different subject areas such as mathematical physics, chemical physics or materials science. You may also be considered for the degree if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.

Months of entry

January, May, September

Course content

Our research lies at the forefront of fundamental physics – ranging from quantum information processing, quantum optics and cold atom physics through a programme of top-rated particle physics experiments to the theoretical understanding of space, time and matter.

You’ll be guided and supervised through your research project by experts in their fields. You’ll work in a department with a truly international character, with collaborations in Europe, North America, South East Asia and Australia.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

• Campus-based learning is available for this qualification

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Physics PhD University of Sussex

Course options

Qualification.

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

University of Sussex

SEP-24, JAN-25, APR-25

• TUITION FEES
• ENTRY REQUIREMENT
• UNIVERSITY INFO

Course summary

Our research lies at the forefront of fundamental physics - ranging from quantum information processing, quantum optics and cold atom physics through a programme of top-rated particle physics experiments to the theoretical understanding of space, time, and matter.

You will be guided and supervised through your research project by experts in their fields. You’ll work in a department with a truly international character, with collaborations in Europe, North America, Southeast Asia, and Australia.

For a PhD, your research work makes a substantial original contribution to knowledge or understanding in your chosen field.

Tuition fees

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£ 21,500 per year

Tuition fees shown are for indicative purposes and may vary. Please check with the institution for most up to date details.

University information

University League Table

Campus address.

University of Sussex, Sussex House, Brighton, Brighton & Hove, BN1 9RH, England

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Subject ranking.

34th out of 48 3

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University of sussex: physics.

Doctor of Philosophy - PhD

Full-time, 4 years starts may 2025.

Our research lies at the forefront of fundamental physics – ranging from quantum information processing, quantum optics and cold atom physics through a programme of top-rated particle physics experiments to the theoretical understanding of space, time and matter.

You’ll be guided and supervised through your research project by experts in their fields. You’ll work in a department with a truly international character, with collaborations in Europe, North America, South East Asia and Australia.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

Part-Time, 6 years starts May 2025

Full-time, 4 years starts jan 2025, part-time, 6 years starts jan 2025, full-time, 4 years starts sep 2024, part-time, 6 years starts sep 2024, full-time, 4 years started may 2024, part-time, 6 years started may 2024, full-time, 4 years started jan 2024, part-time, 6 years started jan 2024, full-time, 4 years started sep 2023, part-time, 6 years started sep 2023, full-time, 1 years starts sep 2024.

This course is for you if you’re interested in atomic, molecular and optical physics, as well as experimental particle physics.

Our research lies at the forefront of fundamental physics, including:

- quantum information processing

- top-rated particle physics experiments

- the theoretical understanding of space, time and matter.

The Department is a founder member of SEPnet, the South East Physics Network of physics departments, which supports vital research, teaching and development in the South East.

Part-Time, 2 years starts Sep 2024

Full-time, 1 years started sep 2023.

Our research lies at the forefront of fundamental physics, including: - quantum information processing

Part-Time, 2 years started Sep 2023

We are a research-intensive campus university with an excellent international reputation, located within the vibrant seaside city of Brighton & Hove. We welcome spirited students who want to study in a creative and intellectually-challenging environment.

We have been ranked 1 st in the world for Development Studies for seven consecutive years in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2017-2023 .

A uniquely Sussex education

We offer over 200 postgraduate courses designed to enable you to make a positive difference in the world. From American Studies to Robotics, Applied Linguistics to International Management, Philosophy to Human Rights, we have stimulating …

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Course type

Qualification, university name, phd degree at university of sussex.

61 courses available

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1-20 of 61 courses

Course type:

• Full time PhD
• Part time PhD

Qualification:

Related subjects:.

Universities

University of Sussex

PhD in Physics

University of Sussex, East Sussex

School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

Help Me Decide

Pre-requisites

About course.

Program Duration

Degree Type

PhD in Physics at the prestigious University of Sussex is a prestigious degree that offers in-depth learning in Physics. Being a renowned university, University of Sussex receives enough funds to ensure the best education facilities for its students across all programs. This doctorate program offered full-time primarily focuses on the practical implementation of fresh ideas through rigorous study and research. The students are encouraged to add new aspects and findings to the existing area of knowledge. PhD in Physics at UOS is ranked globally by estimated organisations. Such recognition speaks volumes about the course’s importance and effectiveness in the present scenario. The top-notch faculty, modern facilities, and the aura of creativity and innovation in the UOS campus is a life-changing experience for the students looking forward to kickstarting or upgrading their careers. Overall, a PhD in Physics at University of Sussex is an excellent opportunity to grow into a learned professional and bring new developments in the world.

Official fee page

£25,000 / year

£1,00,000 / 48 months

5000+ Students

Availed education loan

Loan amount sanctioned

Assistance for loan process

Minimum english score required

• Online Application
• Research Proposal/ Research Statement
• Summary of Academic Interests 
• Degree Certificates
• Transcripts
• English Language Proficiency
• Two Academic References

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Admission Steps

Physics - phd, admission requirements.

Terms and Deadlines

Degree and GPA Requirements

Additional Standards for Non-Native English Speakers

Additional standards for international applicants.

For the 2025-2026 academic year

See 2024-2025 requirements instead

Fall 2025 quarter (beginning in September)

Priority deadline: February 1, 2025

Final submission deadline: August 14, 2025

International submission deadline: May 5, 2025

Winter 2026 quarter (beginning in January)

Priority deadline: October 1, 2025

Final submission deadline: December 9, 2025

International submission deadline: September 8, 2025

Priority deadline: Applications will be considered after the Priority deadline provided space is available.

Final submission deadline: Applicants cannot submit applications after the final submission deadline.

Degrees and GPA Requirements

Bachelors degree: All graduate applicants must hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university or the recognized equivalent from an international institution.

University GPA requirement: The minimum grade point average for admission consideration for graduate study at the University of Denver must meet one of the following criteria:

A cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the baccalaureate degree.

A cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) for the baccalaureate degree.

An earned master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution or the recognized equivalent from an international institution supersedes the minimum GPA requirement for the baccalaureate.

A cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all graduate coursework completed for applicants who have not earned a master’s degree or higher.

Official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), C1 Advanced or Duolingo English Test are required of all graduate applicants, regardless of citizenship status, whose native language is not English or who have been educated in countries where English is not the native language. Your TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test scores are valid for two years from the test date.

The minimum TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test score requirements for this degree program are:

Minimum TOEFL Score (Internet-based test): 80

Minimum IELTS Score: 6.5

Minimum C1 Advanced Score: 176

Minimum Duolingo English Test Score: 115

Additional Information:

Read the English Language Proficiency policy for more details.

Read the Required Tests for GTA Eligibility policy for more details.

Per Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) regulation, international applicants must meet all standards for admission before an I-20 or DS-2019 is issued, [per U.S. Federal Register: 8 CFR § 214.3(k)] or is academically eligible for admission and is admitted [per 22 C.F.R. §62]. Read the Additional Standards For International Applicants policy for more details.

Application Materials

Transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation.

Required Essays and Statements

We require a scanned copy of your transcripts from every college or university you have attended. Scanned copies must be clearly legible and sized to print on standard 8½-by-11-inch paper. Transcripts that do not show degrees awarded must also be accompanied by a scanned copy of the diploma or degree certificate. If your academic transcripts were issued in a language other than English, both the original documents and certified English translations are required.

Transcripts and proof of degree documents for postsecondary degrees earned from institutions outside of the United States will be released to a third-party international credential evaluator to assess U.S. education system equivalencies. Beginning July 2023, a non-refundable fee for this service will be required before the application is processed.

Upon admission to the University of Denver, official transcripts will be required from each institution attended.

GRE scores are optional for admission to this program. Applications submitted without scores will receive full consideration. Every application undergoes a comprehensive evaluation, including a careful review of all application materials. If you choose to submit test scores, you may upload your Test Taker Score Report PDF, which is considered unofficial. Official scores must be received directly from the appropriate testing agency upon admission to the University of Denver. The ETS institution code to submit GRE scores to the University of Denver is 4842.

University Standardized Test Policy

Three (3) letters of recommendation are required.  Letters should be submitted by recommenders through the online application.

Essays and Statements

Essay instructions.

Seven essay questions are provided on the online application.  Please answer each question in the text box provided.

Résumé Instructions

The résumé (or C.V.) should include work experience, research, and/or volunteer work.

Start the Application

Online Application

Financial Aid Information

Start your application.

Your submitted materials will be reviewed once all materials and application fees have been received.

Our program can only consider your application for admission if our Office of Graduate Education has received all your online materials and supplemental materials by our application deadline.

Application Fee: $65.00 Application Fee

International Degree Evaluation Fee: $50.00 Evaluation Fee for degrees (bachelor's or higher) earned from institutions outside the United States.

Applicants should complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 15. Visit the Office of Financial Aid for additional information.

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PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

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This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

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Physics MSc

Key information.

• 7th  in the UK for our research environment in Physics in  REF 2021   (Times Higher Education)

This course is for you if you’re interested in atomic, molecular and optical physics, as well as experimental particle physics.

Our research lies at the forefront of fundamental physics, including:

• quantum information processing
• top-rated particle physics experiments
• the understanding of space, time and matter.

The Department is a founder member of SEPnet, the South East Physics Network of physics departments, which supports vital research, teaching and development in the South East .

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

Flexibility while studying has meant I can tailor my course to my project – designing and building a 3D microscope. Staff have an open-door policy, which helps create the atmosphere that makes Sussex so unique. ” Maxwell Rowley Physics MSc

Masters and P h D events

Meet us on campus or online

Book your place

Entry requirements

• UK requirements
• International requirements

Please select your country from the list.

Philippines

Saudi Arabia

South Africa

South Korea

Switzerland

United Arab Emirates

My country is not listed

If your country is not listed, you need to contact us and find out the qualification level you should have for this course. Contact us

English language requirements

Ielts (academic).

Standard level (6.0 overall, including at least 5.5 in each component).

IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.  Find out more about IELTS

We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.

We do not accept IELTS Online.

Check full details of our English Language requirements and find out more about some of the alternative English language qualifications listed below

Alternative English language qualifications

Proficiency tests, cambridge advanced certificate in english (cae).

169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill.

We would normally expect the CAE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

We would normally expect the CPE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency

LanguageCert Academic SELT

Standard level (65 overall, including at least 60 in each component).

LanguageCert Academic SELT scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.  Find out more about LanguageCert Academic SELT

We only accept LanguageCert when taken at SELT Test Centres.

We do not accept the online version.  We also do not accept the non-SELT version.

LanguageCert International ESOL SELT

International ESOL SELT B2 with a minimum of 36 in each component.

LanguageCert International ESOL scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about LanguageCert SELT

We only accept LanguageCert when taken at SELT Test Centres. We do not accept the online version.

Pearson (PTE Academic)

Standard level (59 overall, including at least 59 in all four skills).

PTE (Academic) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about Pearson (PTE Academic)

We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.

TOEFL (iBT)

Standard level (80 overall, including at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, 17 in Writing). 

TOEFL (iBT) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about TOEFL (iBT)

We do not accept TOEFL (iBT) Home Edition.

The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Sussex is 9166.

English language qualifications

As/a-level (gce).

Grade C or above in English Language.

Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English.

GCE O-level

Grade C or above in English.

Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

GCSE or IGCSE

Grade C or above in English as a First Language (Grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).

Grade B or above in English as a Second Language.

Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate

If awarded before 1993: grades 1-6 in English language.

If awarded between 1993 and 2005: grades A-D in English language.

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

 Level 4, including at least 3 in each component in English Language.

Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)

The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only: 70%

Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English: 70% 

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)

English A or English B at grade 5 or above.

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

Grades A - C in English language

Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 1119/GCE O-level

If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-6 in English Language.

If taken from 2009 onwards: grade C or above in English Language.

The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).

West African Senior School Certificate

Grades A1-C6 (1-6) in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).

Country exceptions

Select to see the list of exempt english-speaking countries.

If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirement. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.

You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this, we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.

Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the University of Sussex.

List of exempt countries: 

• Antigua and Barbuda
• New Zealand
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• The British Overseas Territories
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Kingdom

** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.

English language support

If you don’t meet the English language requirements for your degree, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course

• Visas and immigration

Admissions information for applicants

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

For details on any additional costs, check out the Fees and scholarships section.

Application deadlines

1 August 2025 (international), 1 September 2025 (UK)

We strongly recommend an earlier application where possible, as some courses are in high demand and may close before the above dates. Find out more at How to apply for a Masters course

Full-time and part-time study

Choose to study this course full time or part time, to fit around your work and personal life.

On the full-time course, you study core modules and options in the autumn and spring terms. You work on the project throughout the year. In the summer term, you focus on examinations and project work.  Modules for the full-time course are listed below.

On the part-time course, you take the core modules in the autumn and spring terms of your first year. After the examinations in the summer term, you begin work on your project. Project work continues during the second year when you also take options.  For details  about the part-time course,  contact us .

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

• MSc Project Research Skills (PGT)

Spring and summer teaching

• MSc Project P&A (PGT)

Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. This list gives you a flavour of our options, which are kept under review and may change, for example in response to student feedback or the latest research.

While it’s our aim for students to take their preferred combinations of options, this can’t be guaranteed and will be subject to timetabling. Options may be grouped and if so, students will be able to choose a set number of options from the selection available in any particular group.

Autumn teaching

• Atom Light Interactions
• Computational Chemistry
• Data Analysis Techniques
• Galactic Astrophysics
• General Relativity
• Programming through Python
• Quantum Field Theory
• Quantum Optics and Quantum Information
• Symmetry and the Standard Model

Spring teaching

• Advanced Condensed State Physics
• Advanced Cosmology
• Advanced Quantum Field Theory
• Astrophysical Processes
• Beyond the Standard Model
• Electrons, Cold Atoms & Quantum Circuits
• Frontiers in Particle Physics
• Introduction to Nano-materials and Nano-characterisation
• Lasers and Photonics
• Monte Carlo Simulations (L7)
• Particle Physics
• Particle Physics Detector Technology
• Practical Quantum Technologies
• Stellar and Planetary Physics

MSc project

Your project is supervised by faculty. Supervisors and topics are allocated, in consultation with you, at the start of the autumn term. Often the projects form the basis of research papers that are later published in journals.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.

Check back in January 2025 for the modules running in the academic year 2025/26.

Our experts

The Astronomy Centre  is a large research group focusing on many areas of cosmology and astrophysics. Our research spans the early Universe, the cosmic microwave background, the epoch of reionization, the first stars, galaxy formation, observational astronomy and dark energy. PhD projects can be primarily observational, theoretical or computational, or a mixture.

Dr Christian Byrnes

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Prof Ilian Iliev

Professor of Astrophysics

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Prof Antony Lewis

Professor of Cosmology

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Dr Jonathan Loveday

Reader In Astronomy

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Dr Eva-Maria Mueller

Ernest Rutherford Fellow

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Prof Seb Oliver

Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor Research

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Prof Kathy Romer

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Prof David Seery

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Prof Robert E Smith

Professor of Cosmological Physics

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Prof Stephen Wilkins

Professor of Astronomy and Public Understanding of Science

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The Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics Group is a leading centre for quantum technology research. We aim to change the world for the better – our research focuses on the development of quantum technologies, its applications and foundations:

• using trapped ions for quantum computing, simulation and networking, as probes for fundamental physics and for precision timing
• using laser-cooled neutral atoms to measure magnetic fields with unparalleled precision and to explore the foundations of quantum mechanics
• exploiting non-linear phenomena to create and apply THz radiation, build novel optical frequency combs and smart photonics
• using trapped electrons to explore quantum effects for applications in microscopy and radar
• quantum computing, metrology and quantum optics.

Prof Jacob Dunningham

Professor of Physics

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Prof Barry Garraway

Professor Of Quantum Physics

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Prof Winfried Hensinger

Professor of Quantum Technologies

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Prof Matthias Keller

Professor of Experimental Physics

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Prof Peter Kruger

Research Professor of Experimental Physics

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Dr Fedja Orucevic

Senior Lecturer

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Prof Jose Verdu Galiana

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The Experimental Particle Physics Group is exploring the boundaries where new physics might be found. We have well-established leadership in both the international LHC and neutrino physics communities.

• In collider physics, the core activity is the exploitation of the current ATLAS data. We are leading analyses on BSM, top, flavour and Higgs physics, and are preparing for experiments at future colliders.
• In neutrino physics, we focus on key questions in the field: What is the nature of the neutrino and do they violate CP symmetry? The core activity is the exploitation of current experiments (SNO+, NOvA). For the future, we have secured key leadership roles in the development of the DUNE experiment.

Dr Lily Asquith

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Prof Alessandro Cerri

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Prof Antonella De Santo

Professor Of Physics RSW Research MeritAward Holder

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Dr Elisabeth Falk

Reader in Physics

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Dr Clark Griffith

Senior Lecturer In Physics

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Dr Michael Hardiman

Associate Senior Lecturer

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Prof Jeff Hartnell

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Prof Simon Peeters

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Prof Fabrizio Salvatore

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Dr Kate Shaw

Senior Lecturer in Experimental Physics

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Prof Iacopo Vivarelli

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• printed electronics
• strain sensors
• energy storage devices
• bio-interface materials.

Dr Conor Boland

Lecturer in Materials Physics

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Prof Alan Dalton

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Dr Alice King

Senior Lecturer in Applied Materials andinterfaces

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The Theoretical Particle Physics Group includes leading experts in major areas of particle theory, in particular:

• collider and low-energy phenomenology
• particle astrophysics and cosmology
• quantum gravity.

If you're a prospective applicant, find out more about our current research and working on a PhD with us at Theoretical Particle Physics . 

Prof Andrea Banfi

Professor of Theoretical Physics

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Prof Xavier Calmet

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Prof Stephan Huber

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Prof Sebastian Jaeger

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Dr Jonas Lindert

Senior Research Fellow

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Prof Daniel Litim

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Prof Veronica Sanz

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Fees and scholarships

How much does it cost.

If you study part time over two years, you’ll be charged 50% of the equivalent full-time fee in each year of study. Your second-year fee – if you continue your studies without a break – will be subject to a 3% increase (subject to rounding).

If you’re a self-funded international student, you’re required to pay a tuition fee deposit. Find out more about Masters tuition fee deposits

• Living costs

Find out typical living costs for studying at Sussex

Find out about our terms and conditions

How can I fund my course?

Scholarships.

Our goal is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to regardless of financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique people.

Details of our scholarships are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2025/26.

Working while you study

Our Careers and Employability Centre can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work

Our graduates go on to take research degrees, or take up employment in a range of industries in roles such as:

• business/data analysis
• computer programming
• software development
• research and teaching technical support.

Explore our campus

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