Postgraduate research courses

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• Apply for a PhD or EngD

  Successful applicants will normally hold a first degree with Honours at 2.1 (UK) or the overseas equivalent in physics, astronomy or a related subject.

  Your application must include a 1-2 page CV and 1 page personal statement. A template (Word) is available that provides guidance on what the personal statement should include.

  You must apply through the online application portal which can be accessed from here.

  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 please see the School's equality and diversity website and the University's equality and diversity website.

  We review applications to ensure those we admit are able to complete a research degree undertaking work on a topic at the forefront of modern research. 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 in the School of Physics and Astronomy please contact the Postgraduate Admissions Secretary (email: physpg@st-andrews.ac.uk, phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3100).

• Application deadlines

  Applicants interested in applying for the Bell Burnell scholarship must (1) submit their application to St Andrews before 4 January 2025 for pre-selection, and (2) notify physpg@st-andrews.ac.uk by 4 January that you are interested in being considered for the Bell Burnell scholarship.
  China Scholarship Council applications must also be submitted in early January (see the linked website for details).

  Astronomy

  Applications for STFC and University/School-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 and University/School-funded positions in physics will be considered as they arrive until positions are filled. However, you should aim to submit your application by 4 January 2025, 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 positions to be awarded to international applicants, with the remainder restricted to UK residents. The doctoral training centres in Applied Photonics and NextGenTech also award scholarships. The School awards 1-2 scholarships every year funded by donors and internal funds, and may also be able to cover the difference between home and international fees for externally awarded scholarships.

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

  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.

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

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• Apply for an MSc (res)

  Successful applicants will normally hold a first degree with Honours at 2.1 (UK) or the overseas equivalent in physics, astronomy or a related subject.

  Your application must include a 1-2 page CV and 1 page personal statement. A template (Word) is available that provides guidance on what the personal statement should include.

  You must apply through the online application portal which can be accessed from here.

  We review applications to ensure those we admit are able to complete a research degree undertaking work on a topic at the forefront of modern research.

  Many astrophysics students looking for further study beyond a BSc will find our taught MSc in Astrophysics programme to be more suitable, which includes two separate research projects. You should include in your personal statement the reasons why you are applying for the MSc (res) rather than the taught MSc.

  If you have questions about applying to carry out postgraduate research in the School of Physics and Astronomy please contact the Postgraduate Admissions Secretary (email: physpg@st-andrews.ac.uk, phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3100).

• Application deadlines

  In order to benefit maximally from our course, we prefer MSc (res) students to join us at the start of the University year (the beginning of September).
  We recommend applying early if you will be requiring a visa, or before 31st March for all others. 

• MSc (res) funding

  There are limited funding opportunities open to UK, EU and international students listed on the University's postgraduate scholarships page.

  International students may also consider applying for national scholarships.

  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.