Graduate Studies
The Centre for Particle Theory is a combined research group in the Mathematics and Physics Departments
forming one of the largest particle theory groups in the UK. Both departments accept students for the
Ph.D. or M.Sc. degrees. Currently over 50 postgraduate students from around the world are enrolled in
the postgraduate programme. Students receive a thorough training in Particle Physics through a mixture
of formal lectures and personal supervision.
PhD Degree
We have a poster
summarizing opportunities for PhD study.
In the first year, students for the PhD are required to attend the
graduate lecture courses,
and to take the examinations in January and March, which form part of the first year assessment.
Each student will be assigned a supervisory team, who will be responsible for the research programme
followed by the student in the remainder of their period of study. The degree is awarded on successful
completion of a thesis based on original research. Non UK students may be required to register for the
MSc in the first instance and subsequently convert to the PhD, subject to satisfactory progress during the first year.
MSc in Particles, Strings and Cosmology
A one year advanced taught course. This course is intended for students who have already
obtained a good first degree in either physics or mathematics, including in the latter case courses in
quantum mechanics and relativity. The course consists of three modules: the first two are the Michaelmas
and Epiphany
graduate lecture courses,
which are assessed by examinations in January and March. The third module is a dissertation on a topic
of current research, prepared under the guidance of a supervisor with expertise in the area. We offer a
wide variety of possible dissertation topics. The dissertation must be submitted by September 15th,
the end of the twelve month course period.
The MSc course handbook
provides more detail on the structure of the course.
Students studying elsewhere for higher degrees are most welcome to spend a term or two
in Durham; an appropriate pro rata fee will be charged. There are also opportunities for a small number
of students to come to Durham under the Erasmus scheme.
Further Information
We welcome enquiries, and are happy to answer questions at any stage in the process. For further information, please contact one of the following:
Note also that further information on life in Durham, the structure of the degrees, funding and
application procedures is available from the university and departmental web pages below.
Useful Links
University's Postgraduate information Page
Maths Postgraduate information page
Physics Postgraduate information page |
Graduate Studies