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 Elementary Particle Theory
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