Physics and Astronomy

You must hold a UK undergraduate (Bachelors) degree with at least first class or upper second class honours or an equivalent qualification from a recognised overseas institution.

See academic entry requirements and the English language entry requirements.

1. Make sure we offer PhD/MPhil supervision in the area you want to work in.
   
   
2. Identify the research group(s) you would like to work in, and up to two supervisors you would like to work with. If you are applying for a funded position, please refer to the instructions provided for that project. For a list of our available scholarships/studentships, please visit our funded opportunities pages.
   
   
3. Draft a brief (1,000 words maximum) personal statement that includes:

• A brief description of your intended research and why you want to work in this area
• Names of potential PhD supervisors that have expertise in your chosen research area
• A description of any relevant research experience - for example, as part of a previous degree
• A list of any academic work you have published or which is awaiting publication

4. Prepare your supporting documents - with your application you need to include proof that you meet the academic entry requirements and the English language entry requirements:

• include all relevant certificates/diplomas and transcripts
• international applicants must provide official copies of their entire course transcripts including explanations of the mark schemes used
• supporting documents not in English must be provided with a certified English translation
• CV
• Enter contact details for two academic (not personal) referees who can comment on your suitability for the research degree programme in the space provided or upload letters of reference on signed headed paper if already available. Potential PhD supervisors cannot act as referees.
• In the funding section please state how you intend to fund your study
• In the proposal section please provide the name of the supervisors and project title 
  
   

5. Submit your online application using the Apply button at the bottom this page.

When to apply

We have intakes in January, April, July and September each year.

You should try to submit your application as far in advance of your preferred start date as possible. If you are an international applicant and require a visa to study in the UK you should submit your application at least 5-6 months before the proposed start date.

After you have submitted your application, it will take a minimum of six weeks for you to receive a decision about your application.

Tuition fees vary according to your fee status and the mode of study (full-time or part-time). For clarification please contact pgradmissions@le.ac.uk.

UK campus based

UK fees will rise each year of study in line with UKRI rates.

Full-time

• 2024/25 academic year: £4,786 per year
• 2025/26 academic year: To be confirmed in early 2025

Part-time

• 2024/25 academic year: £2,393 per year
• 2025/26 academic year: To be confirmed in early 2025

International campus based

Full-time

• 2024/25 academic year: £23,650 - £33,250 per year
• 2025/26 academic year: £23,650 - £33,250 per year

*International fees vary according to the nature of the research project to be undertaken. The applicable fee will be determined at the point an offer of admissions is made and will be stated on the offer letter.

Please note that owing to UK visa restrictions, part-time campus based registration is not normally available to international applicants.

Duration of study
The maximum registration permitted is four years full-time or seven years part-time.
The typical duration of a full time PhD is 3 - 3.5 years. PhD students may use the fourth year as a 'writing-up' year for which a reduced fee is payable if active research has been completed (currently £100).

Funding