Join our rich and vibrant community of researchers. Together we’re understanding the physics behind the fabric of the Universe and how it affects the world we observe.
We are ranked in the top 5 physics and astronomy departments in the Russell Group for our research output. Our world-leading status has been confirmed in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.
You will be supported by a supervisor who'll help you shape your research topic. You'll also join one of our research groups. Being a member of a research group means that interested people are always on hand to hear your ideas, discuss your results and offer help and encouragement.
You'll be able to attend postgraduate lecture courses, classes and research seminars to broaden your knowledge. There will also be opportunities to attend short courses or summer schools, such as Institute of Physics workshops and NATO Advanced Study Institutes. These bring together experts to give lectures and lead discussions.
We'll encourage you to travel for conferences and research collaborations at other large laboratories and world-class observatories, such as CERN and The European Southern Observatory in Chile.
As a newly qualified PhD in Physics, you'll have many career options open to you. Our students head into non-scientific careers, or take up science-based appointments in the UK. Others go one to postdoctoral research, often in the United States, Europe or, increasingly, Japan.
We invite PhD applications to study within the following research areas:
The University of Southampton is pleased to announce that PGR students from EU and Horizon associated countries joining us in 2026-27 will pay the same as UK PGRs for their PhD.
You can either apply for a structured studentship or propose your own PhD idea.
Structured studentships are advertised PhD projects with a title, supervisor, remit and funding already in place. These projects have been set up through collaborations with industry, external partners or they may have been provided through one of several Centres for Doctoral Training which we take part in.
Taking one of our structured studentships will give you access to additional training, conferences and secondments.
This PhD project focuses on improving aircraft noise prediction for emerging technologies at early design stages. It involves developing whole-aircraft noise models, incorporating operational factors and fleet-level scenarios. The research supports Rolls-Royce’s noise prediction systems and informs certification standards and airport noise policies.
Supermassive black holes in quasars control the growth of their host galaxies by driving powerful outflows from the disks that surround them. Despite their importance, we know almost nothing about these disk winds. In this project, You will construct a physical picture of quasar outflows by modelling their observational signatures.
This project aims to find experimental ways to couple nuclear spin dynamics to the centre of mass motion/oscillation of optically trapped particles. This will allow to use the quantum features of the spins to control and prepare quantum states of motion, such as macroscopic Schrödinger cat states.
To develop reliable satellites “quickly and affordably”, small satellite missions accept higher risk, learning from failures across generations with risk assessment relying on individual team experience. This makes it almost impossible to achieve a general risk framework for this class of satellite. This research will apply Artificial Intelligence to analyse past small satellite missions to develop a global risk assessment framework.
This project aims to recalibrate early universe measurements and deliver precise and accurate supermassive black hole (SMBH) masses using the new GRAVITY+ measurements.
Do you want to shape the future of quieter, more sustainable aviation? This PhD develops efficient computational methods to simulate aeroengine noise, combining fluid dynamics, acoustics, and high-performance computing to create faster, more accurate tools that help reduce environmental impact.
How can we “see” sound in three dimensions? In this project, you will develop intelligent 3-D beamforming methods that fuse advanced acoustic modelling with data-driven learning.
The main aim of this PhD is to design advanced and novel mechanical metamaterials that can achieve high levels of noise and vibration isolation. This will be achieved through the application of machine learning and artificial intelligence methodologies to enable optimal design of these emerging noise and vibration control treatments.
Spin-based quantum sensing converts tiny quantum signals into detectable responses by aligning microscopic spins, for example in diamond nitrogen-vacancy centres. Can this alignment be exploited to amplify responses in other systems? This project addresses that question—theoretically and experimentally—via novel transfer protocols utilising periodic control fields and Floquet-engineering methods.
Nonlinear parametric photonics creates an interface between light and the atoms/ions and detectors used in quantum systems. This project combines novel fabrication approaches for nonlinear waveguides with established commercial materials to expand their operation into the ultra-violet and mid-infrared wavelength regions for use in practical quantum systems.
Join our dynamic research team to explore cutting-edge microscale optical resonator designs for quantum technologies. This PhD will combine photonics, quantum physics, and computational modelling to design devices that enhance the interaction between matter and light on the quantum level to unlock new capabilities in quantum computing, communication, and sensing.
Optical fibres can transport telecom signals over long distances. However, qubits or other quantum states such as multiple-entangled-photos are often generated at wavelengths where current optical fibres are unsuitable. There is an emerging class of new optical fibres pioneered in Southampton that could revolutionize transport of quantum signals and states.
This project aims to interrogate one of the most pressing problems of modern physics, can we describe gravity with quantum mechanics? A thought experiment wherein a test mass in superposition may or may not produce a superimposed gravitational field was proposed and this studentship will contribute to its realisation.
This project will advance levitated optomechanical technology, specifically a levitated gradiometer, through early-stage development for autonomous underwater vehicles. You will contribute to the design, modelling, and experimental realisation of a prototype levitated gradiometer comprising two (or four) levitated optomechanical sensors stabilised by an optical interferometer for common-mode noise rejection.
NMR on Long-Lived States (LLS) and Long-Lived Coherences (LLC) offers an approach for extending the lifetime for entangled nuclear spin states. A new theoretical model will be developed, with the aim to predict and optimise experimental lifetimes, aided by quantum optimal control methods.
Symmetry is a powerful tool for selection of NMR interaction and creation of correlated spin states. Many exquisite experiments are based on analytical calculation via average Hamiltonian or Floquet theory. A step change in efficiency and robustness may be obtained by combining Hamiltonian symmetry, periodicity and quantum optimal control.
Quantum physics and artificial intelligence are converging to redefine how light–matter systems are explored and engineered. This project will develop Quantum Reservoir Computing as a new theoretical and computational framework, exploiting the dynamics of quantum systems to achieve efficient learning, prediction, and inverse design of photonic and quantum materials.
The project will focus on developing a new, adaptive meta-optical platform, combining micro-structured silicon with the tuneable layer made of liquid crystals for effective manipulation of near- and mid-infrared beams.
The project will focus on developing a new, adaptive meta-optical platform, combining micro-structured silicon with the tuneable layer made of liquid crystals for effective manipulation of near- and mid-infrared beams.
This project investigates thermonuclear (Type I) X-ray bursts on neutron stars through numerical simulations of flame spreading and ignition. You'll model burst dynamics, compare results with observations, and explore broader applications of the code to stellar flame propagation and exoplanetary atmospheres, developing strong computational and programming expertise.
This project will focus on designing and testing terahertz (THz) light modulators and manipulators using microstructured materials combined with liquid crystals. It will explore how such systems can resonantly amplify THz field, causing the adjacent layer of liquid crystals to locally reorient thus changing the optical transmission and beam path.
Binaries containing white dwarfs, neutron stars or black holes produce many key astrophysical systems, from supernovae to merging black holes. However, their long-term evolution remains poorly understood. In this project, you will develop a next-generation framework for determining the evolution compact binaries using the latest theoretical, observational and computational developments.
The detection of gravitational waves (GWs) has been a huge breakthrough in physics. Today's GW detectors are located on Earth, but the next big milestone will be a space-based GW observatory called "LISA". In this project, we will study a crucial, but overlooked, GW source population for LISA: contact binaries.
We offer a wide range of fully funded studentships. We run several of our PhD studentships in partnership with doctoral training centres, meaning you'll benefit from enhanced training and in some cases funding as well.
These studentships:
Doctoral training centres offer fully funded studentships which include:
Find out more about doctoral training centres.
In association with the UK joining the EU Horizon Programme, the University of Southampton will be introducing and applying an EU fee waiver for students joining us from EU and Horizon associated countries. This means that PGR students joining us from 2025-26 will pay the same fees as UK PGR students.
See here for full information terms and conditions
We offer scholarships and teaching bursaries ourselves. Your potential supervisor can guide you on what is available.
If you’re an international student you may be able to apply for a scholarship from your country.
Find out more about scholarships
Once you've found a supervisor, they can help you with potential funding sources. We offer match funding in some cases.
You'll need to state how you intend to pay for your tuition fees when you submit your application.
Find out more about funding your PhD
You may be able to fund your postgraduate research with funding from your current employer or from industry.
You can borrow up to £30,301 for a PhD starting on or after 1 August 2025. Doctoral loans are not means tested and you can decide how much you want to borrow.
Find out about PhD loans on GOV.UK
You may be able to win funding from one or more charities to help fund your PhD.
We charge tuition fees for every year of study. If you're applying for a fully funded project, your fees will be paid for you.
EU Fee Waiver: If your country is part of the Horizon Europe Programme, you will pay the same fees as UK students.
Find out if your country is part of the Horizon Europe programme
2025 to 2026 entry:
| Subject | UK and Horizon applicants | International fees |
|---|---|---|
| Physics and astronomy full time | £5,006 | £26,700 |
| Physics and astronomy part time | £2,503 | £13,350 |
| Quantum Technology Engineering full time | £5,006 | £26,700 |
| Quantum Technology Engineering part time | £2,503 | £13,350 |
2026 to 2027 entry
| Subject | UK and Horizon applicants | International fees |
|---|---|---|
| Physics and astronomy full time | To be confirmed Spring 2026 | £27,300 |
| Physics and astronomy part time | To be confirmed Spring 2026 | £13,650 |
| Quantum Technology Engineering full time | To be confirmed Spring 2026 | £27,300 |
| Quantum Technology Engineering part time | To be confirmed Spring 2026 | £13,650 |
You're eligible for a 10% alumni discount on a self-funded PhD if you're a current student or graduate from the University of Southampton. This will not apply for programmes that are externally funded. Please check the fees and funding section.
As a postgraduate student you'll join one of our research groups. We're ranked in the top five departments for our research output among the Russell Group universities.
Decide whether to apply to an advertised research project or create your own proposal.
It's a good idea to email potential supervisors to discuss the specifics of your project. It's best to do this well ahead of the application deadline.
You’ll find supervisors’ contact details listed with the advertised project, or you can search for supervisors in the staff directory.
You’ll need to send us
The application process is the same whether you're applying for a funded project, or have created a research proposal.
You should have a 2:1 honours undergraduate degree or an appropriate MSc qualification such as Master of Science in physics or a Master of Physics.
If English is not your first language, you'll need an IELTS minimum level of 6.0 with a 5.5 in writing, reading, speaking and listening.
Your awarded certificate needs to be dated within the last 2 years.
If you need further English language tuition before starting your degree, you can apply for one of our pre-sessional English language courses.
Check the specific entry requirements listed on the project you’re interested in before you apply.
Research degrees have a minimum and maximum duration, known as the candidature. Your candidature ends when you submit your thesis.
Most candidatures are longer than the minimum period.
| Degree type | Duration |
| Physics and astronomy PhD full time | 2 to 4 years |
| Physics and astronomy PhD part time | 3 to 7 years |
