Research opportunities
Opportunities exist for study leading to the research degrees of MPhil and PhD, both of which are examined by the submission of a thesis. An MPhil degree usually requires two years of full-time study while a PhD degree usually requires three years of full-time study.
In the case of a PhD, initial registration is usually for an MPhil degree thus giving the option of either completing an MPhil after two years or transferring to a PhD if progress is satisfactory.
Next steps
If you are interested in joining our team of PhD researchers you can find details of current funded and self-funded opportunities in the prospectus or, if you prefer, you can browse our research pages to see the areas of research we are involved with. You can then enquire directly to a particular member of staff and they will be happy to help you develop your research proposal. We also recommend you visit the Department to see our facilities and to meet our academic staff and research students.
Research opportunities in the online prospectus
Find out more about our funded and self-funded PhD degrees in the online prospectus.
- Self-funded degress are existing projects which have already had a topic and supervisor allocated, but which do require you to provide your own funding.
- Funded PhD degrees are funded studentship opportunities within the Department of Physics.
Funding opportunities
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and University Research Studentships, tenable for three years, are normally available each year to support postgraduate research leading to the degree of PhD. For all studentships, UK students are eligible to receive both fees and a maintenance grant.
EPSRC studentships are open to all EU citizens but provide fees only for non-UK students. University studentships provide a maintenance grant and fees at the rate applicable to EU citizens. Please note that overseas students are charged fees at a higher rate. See further details about grants on the Fees and Financial Support website.
Eligibility
The conditions of eligibility for EPSRC studentships are available on the EPSRC website. University studentships are open to all but provide fees only at the EU student rate.
Applications
If you wish to be considered for a studentship for entry in October your application should reach the university by the end of June of the same year at the latest. However, you are strongly advised to apply as soon as possible. Furthermore, you should state clearly on your application form that you wish to be considered for a studentship. To be considered for funding applicants should have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second class honours degree in Physics or a related subject area.
English language qualifications
A candidate for admission whose first language is not English must have a qualification in the English language before admission to a postgraduate programme. The qualifications given below are acceptable:
- An overall 6.5 pass in the International English Language Testing Scheme (IELTS) examination.
- A pass in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) at grade 550 (old system) or 213 (new system).
- A student whose first degree studies were conducted at a university in an English-speaking country need not possess one of these qualifications, provided an academic referee is able to confirm proficiency in English.
How to apply and more information
Application forms are available electronically and can be submitted through the university website.
For more information about the university in general, the town of Loughborough, and the student's union, please look at the university's postgraduate prospectus.
For more information email: sci-pgr@lboro.ac.uk