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We have 70 Theoretical Physics PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships
Theoretical Physics PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships
We have 70 Theoretical Physics PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships
Are you fascinated by the mysteries of the universe? Do you have a passion for understanding the fundamental laws that govern our reality? If so, a PhD in Theoretical Physics might be the perfect path for you.
What's it like to study a PhD in Theoretical Physics?
Studying a PhD in Theoretical Physics is a thrilling and intellectually stimulating journey. As a theoretical physicist, you will delve into the deepest mysteries of the universe, exploring concepts such as quantum mechanics, general relativity, and particle physics. You will have the opportunity to work on groundbreaking research projects, pushing the boundaries of human knowledge.
During your PhD, you will spend a significant amount of time conducting independent research. This will involve formulating and testing hypotheses, developing mathematical models, and analyzing complex data. You will also have the chance to collaborate with other researchers, attend conferences, and present your findings to the scientific community.
Entry requirements for a PhD in Theoretical Physics
To pursue a PhD in Theoretical Physics, you will typically need a strong undergraduate degree in Physics or a related field. Most universities require a minimum of a 2.1 Honours degree, although some may consider applicants with a 2.2 if they demonstrate exceptional potential. Additionally, having a Master's degree in Physics can be advantageous but is not always a strict requirement.
PhD in Theoretical Physics funding options
Funding for PhDs in Theoretical Physics may be available from various sources, including governments, universities and charities, business or industry. See our full guides to PhD funding for more information.
PhD in Theoretical Physics careers
A PhD in Theoretical Physics opens up a wide range of exciting career opportunities. Many graduates go on to become research scientists, working in academia or research institutions. They contribute to cutting-edge discoveries, publish scientific papers, and collaborate with other physicists around the world.
Others choose to pursue careers in industry, applying their analytical and problem-solving skills to areas such as data science, finance, or technology development. The ability to think critically and approach complex problems from a mathematical perspective is highly valued in these fields.
Furthermore, a PhD in Theoretical Physics can also lead to teaching positions at universities, where you can inspire and educate the next generation of physicists. Additionally, some graduates may choose to venture into science communication, sharing their knowledge and passion with the public through writing, media, or outreach programs.
Embarking on a PhD in Theoretical Physics is a challenging but immensely rewarding journey. It offers the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of human knowledge, unravel the mysteries of the universe, and pave the way for future scientific breakthroughs. If you have a deep curiosity about the fundamental workings of the universe, a PhD in Theoretical Physics may be the perfect path for you. Start your journey today and unlock the secrets of the cosmos.
Optimal control methods for quantum thermodynamics
In recent years significant technological advancements in quantum control have dramatically improved the ability to manipulate and probe microscopic systems. Read more
Multidisciplinary Graduate Program Bridging Knot Topology & Chirality for Sustainability
About WPI-SKCM². As a research center under the Japanese government’s World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI), WPI-SKCM² pioneers a new interdisciplinary research paradigm known as "knotted chiral meta matter" (KCM²), which cross-pollinates topology and chirality across disciplines and scales. Read more
Devising computational methods for molecule-surface physics on a quantum computer
Quantum computers are on their way, and (as originally envisaged by Feynman) one of the most impactful application areas they are expected to disrupt is in the simulation of electronic structure for molecular and materials modelling. Read more
Exploring competing interactions in disordered quantum magnets
Applications are invited for a PhD opportunity in condensed matter physics at the University of Manchester. This is an exciting opportunity to explore exotic phases of matter driven by the complex interplay of spin, orbital, and lattice degrees of freedom in crystalline solids. Read more
The phase behaviour and dynamics of lubricants: a new, coarse-grained simulation approach
Hypothesis and Objectives. Novel coarse-grained computational simulations can predict the phase behaviour and rheology of lubricants. Read more
The effect of the residual elements on hydrogen embrittlement in high strength low carbon steels-towards low carbon recycled steels
This is a fully funded 4-year PhD studentship through the EPSRC Industrial Doctorate Landscape Award (IDLA) and Tata Steel. Read more
Quantum Many-Body Dynamics in the Presence of Interactions
Macroscopic matter is composed of a huge number of quantum particles whose dynamics are typically dominated by interactions. … Read more
Emergent Properties of Large Databases
The emergence of unusual or unexpected distributions in large data samples has resulted in some well-known laws, which includes Zipf’s Law in textual analysis [1], the Pareto distribution in the measurement of wealth [2], Benford’s Law in the distribution of first digits in real-world measurements [3], and Chargaff’s Second Parity Rule in genetics [4]. Read more
A Quantum Open Systems Approach to Black Hole Thermodynamics
The study of quantum fields in curved spacetime has led to surprising and novel features such as the Fulling-Davies-Unruh effect and Hawking’s black hole radiation laws. Read more
Practical Space-Time Limits of Quantum Applications.
One PhD position (UK applicants only) is available in the newly formed group of Asst. Prof. Simon Milz at the Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences (IPaQS) at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh. Read more
Computational and ML Modelling of Low Temperature Plasmas PhD (Co-Funded with Industry)
The University of Exeter and Oxford Instruments Plasma Technologies are offering a jointly funded PhD position in computational and machine learning modelling of low temperature plasmas. Read more
Superconductivity of kagome' metals (Ref: PH/JB-SF1/2025)
Applications are invited for a PhD position at Loughborough University to start in October 2025 or later. The project will be based in the Physics Department and will be supervised by Prof. Read more
Models of quantum reservoir computing (Ref: MA/TAN- SF1/2025)
While universal quantum computing is the stated Holy Grail of Quantum Technologies 2.0, its implementation on a scale to solve high-impact problems remains elusive. Read more
Quantum dynamics of electrons in emerging 2D devices (Ref: PH/MG-SF1/2025)
Two-dimensional (2D) materials are at the forefront of research in quantum phenomena in condensed matter, with many research groups worldwide currently exploring their fundamental properties and applications. Read more
Mirror symmetry for fibrations and degenerations of Calabi-Yau manifolds (Ref: MA/AT-Un1/2025)
Calabi-Yau manifolds are an important class of objects in algebraic geometry, yet many of their properties are still poorly understood. Read more