Particle Physics Postgraduate opportunities
The theme offers a range of postgraduate opportunities from masters by research to PhDs and offers an extensive postgraduate training programme, including attendance at two residential schools during the first year.
PhDs
Our diverse group is at the forefront of data analysis and operations for the CMS, LHCb, LZ and NA62 experiments. We work on the leading edge of research and development on novel detectors and systems for future experiments, such as the LHC upgrades, DUNE, Mu3e, XLZD, Linear Colliders and other related fields of study and research.
PhD students typically join one of these experiments, undertaking physics analysis as their main activity and getting involved in some aspect of the detector operation. If you are interested, there are also opportunities to focus on detector development and the upgrade programmes, including hardware research and development, and software simulation studies.
Available PhD Projects
- CMS - we specialise in searches for Dark Matter and Higgs boson physics, having recently led to publication the combination of LHC Run 1 and 2 data searching for Higgs bosons decaying to invisible particles. As a PhD student in 2025 you will analyse LHC Run 3 data on these topics while also having the opportunity to developing cutting-edge algorithms (including ML) for both the Level-1 trigger and the Tracker.
- DUNE - our group has a leading role in development of the DUNE data-acquisition (DAQ) system, and we are active in ProtoDUNE data analysis. As a PhD student starting in 2025, you will contribute to both areas. Potential DAQ projects include the DUNE timing system, data quality monitoring system, or real-time trigger processing. Physics topics will involve analysis of the ProtoDUNE Run 2 dataset to extract pion-Argon cross-sections and preparation for atmospheric neutrino physics
- LHCb - we search for new physics through precision measurements of matter-antimatter asymmetry and rare decays. These topics are brought together through innovative amplitude analyses of multi-body B- and D-meson decays, a technique we are world leaders in. Additionally, we are developing extremely fast pattern recognition algorithms for LHCb’s future particle ID detectors, the upgraded RICH and the novel TORCH, utilising modern computing architectures such as IPUs (AI-specific chip) and GPUs.
- LZ - Our group is engaged in the search for light signals expected from dark matter interactions with xenon nuclei. We focus on detecting high-energy nuclear recoil signals expected from effective field theory interactions that go beyond the minimal spin-independent and spin-dependent scattering. As a PhD student starting on LZ in 2025 you will contribute to dark matter searches with world-leading sensitivity to WIMP dark matter interactions.
- Mu3e – we are preparing to search for signs of new physics at the intensity frontier with this medium-scale but cutting-edge experiment at the world’s most intense continuous muon source at the PSI lab. Using advanced HV-CMOS silicon pixel technology, we aim to detect for extremely rare decays of muons. As a PhD student, you will participate in the building and testing of the pixel detectors and looking at new physics channels including the flagship µ->3e decay.
- Rutherford-Appleton Lab/Bristol - a joint PhD project; see RAL's website for details.
MScR (Master of Science by Research)
Our one-year, research-led masters follows part of the PhD programme and includes an intensive research project. The MScR is a degree on its own but can also be converted into the start of a PhD.
How to apply for postgraduate study
** Please note: Applications for 2025-26 are now closed. Applications received after 31 January 2025 will be considered for the 2026-27 academic year.
Complete the online application form (be sure to select 'Particle Physics', and press 'Submit' at the end).
Before you apply, you will need:
- Name and email addresses of two referees
- Degree certificate(s)
- Transcripts
- A personal statement
- English Language certificates (if applicable)
- CV / résumé
You do not need to include a research proposal in your application. We would, however, like to know which area(s) and experiments are of interest to you.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to visit the School to meet prospective advisers and discuss research opportunities. This happens at our Postgraduate Open Day.
Postgraduate Open Day
This is a full day event, so if you are invited you should plan to be available from 10am-5pm (with an optional social event at the end). The agenda varies, but usually follows a pattern, similar to:
- 10:00 - lunch a series of short talks on the various experiments and work that the group does
- 12:30/13:00 catered lunch is provided
- 13:30 – 17:00 building tours and interviews
- 17:00 social event with group
Interviews take place in a quiet space with you and two academics. We like the Open Day as it offers prospective students an opportunity to visit the city, observe the academic setting and meet our group. We are a friendly group and welcome people from all backgrounds.
The date of our next Open Day is not yet scheduled but is likely to take place in early 2026. For an informal chat or for further information about the Open Day, please email Sudan Paramesvaran.
PhD funding (current for 2025-26)
- Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) - UK and International students are eligible for:
- A tax-free stipend of £19,237 per year for 3.5 years. The scholarships also cover university fees in full for UK students. These studentships are available to international students, please enquire for further details.
- Support for travel and conference attendance
- The opportunity to live near and study onsite at an experimental laboratory (e.g. CERN), for 6-18 months depending on circumstance
Check your STFC funding eligibility
- China Scholarship Council (CSC): funding and applications
- Other funding for EU / International students:
For more information, visit the University's Fees and Funding page or you can email Sudan Paramesvaran.