Postgraduate research courses

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• Apply for a PhD or EngD

  The School welcomes postgraduate applications. Successful applicants for PhD or EngD study will normally have a first degree with Honours at 2.1 (UK) or the overseas equivalent in physics, astronomy or a related subject.  Applications are particularly welcome from those with a willingness to commit to the School and University's aspirations towards equality, diversity and inclusivity. The School has Juno Champion status, which recognises physics departments who take action to embed better working practices for all staff and to address the under-representation of women in UK and Irish universities. For more information, including case studies, please see the School's equality and diversity website and the University's equality and diversity website.

  As a PhD is a research degree, undertaking work on a topic at the forefront of modern research, we review applications to ensure those we admit are able to complete such a programme. Among such applicants, in allocating studentships, our aim is to recruit those who show the most promise to benefit from our PhD programme, and to contribute to the life of our School. We recognise and value that these contributions may be of many forms, including working on important scientific problems, undertaking high impact public engagement and outreach, working with the School and University to improve the lived experience of under-represented groups, and identifying and developing novel applications of research.

  If you have questions about applying to carry out postgraduate research toward a PhD or EngD, please contact the Postgraduate Admissions Secretary (email: physpg@st-andrews.ac.uk, phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3100).

  Find out how to apply to study for a postgraduate research programme at the University of St Andrews.

• Application deadlines

  Astronomy

  Applications for STFC-funded positions in astronomy should be made by 1st February, as interviews are held in late February and early March. Applications that arrive after this date may still be considered until positions are filled.

  Physics

  Applications for EPSRC-funded positions in physics will be considered as they arrive until positions are filled. However, you should aim to submit your application by 1st January as interviews are held from January to March. Applications will continue to be considered while funding is available.

  Other scholarships may have other deadlines, please check specific information for these, and please contact your prospective supervisor(s) to enquire about these.

• PhD funding

  The School awards scholarships funded by the UK Research Councils (EPSRC, STFC and NERC), which can cover both fees and stipend. The research councils permit 30% of these studentships to be awarded to international applicants, with the remainder restricted to UK residents. The doctoral training centres in Quantum Materials and Applied Photonics also award studentships.

  There are several other funding mechanisms open to UK, EU and international students listed on the University's postgraduate scholarships page. Students currently attending a Scottish University may be eligible for a Carnegie scholarship.  Applicants from groups that are currently under-represented in physics may be eligible to apply for the Bell Burnell Graduate Scholarship Fund.

  Staff in the School regularly offer studentships funded through specific research projects including ERC and EU Horizon 2020.

  International students may also consider applying for Commonwealth Scholarships, other national scholarships, or a joint PhD programme with an overseas university such as Cotutelle internationale de thèse.

  If intending to apply for such scholarships, please contact your prospective supervisor in plenty of time before any external deadline.

  Recent Graduate Discount  (Entry 2024-2025)
  The University of St Andrews offers a 15% discount on postgraduate tuition fees to students who have graduated or are eligible to graduate from St Andrews in the last three academic years. The discount is available if you are applying for postgraduate degree programmes at the University.