PhD in Theoretical Physics
We are very lucky to have a diverse and enthusiastic population of postgraduate students working with us at the Higgs Centre for Theoretical Physics. They work on a very rich spectrum of projects in different areas of Physics. So there is a lot of interdisciplinary conversation going on across shared seminar series, projects in co-supervision between the School of Physics and Astronomy and the School of Mathematics.
Anna Lisa Varri, UKRI Future Leaders Fellow in Mathematical Astrophysics and Higgs Centre Researcher
PhD Programmes
We run PhD programmes in a variety of subjects. A PhD in Theoretical Physics may be taken in:
Condensed Matter and Complex Systems
Visit our Postgraduate Research page to find out more about PhD projects, funding opportunities, student profiles and how to apply. Interested candidates are welcome to contact the Deputy Academic Administrator (Graduate School) Gill Law.
Before applying, interested candidates should contact a supervisor from the Higgs Centre to support their application. There is no need to write a detailed research proposal, just a brief description of the general topic agreed upon with the supervisor. The selection panel will take into account supporting statements from the prospective supervisor.
You may also apply for a PhD in Mathematical Physics (which requires a separate application through School of Mathematics).
You may also apply for a PhD in the Centre for Doctoral Training in Algebra, Geometry, and Quantum Fields. A separate application can be submitted through the AGQ website.
We aim to foster a lively and interactive environment for our PhD students. We have biweekly Colloquia with international speakers, many workshops throughout the year lead by specialists from around the world, and we host the annual Higgs School for PhD students, a week-long series of blackboard lectures on modern topics in theoretical physics.
Anton Ilderton, Reader in Theoretical Physics and Higgs Centre Researcher
In some years, Higgs Prize PhD Studentships may be available. Currently, we do not expect to offer these studentships for the 2025 application cycle.
The School of Physics and Astronomy is pleased to announce the launch of a new School-funded PhD scholarship, taking the place of the spots previously allocated to underwrite applications to the Bell Burnell Graduate Scholarship fund.
The Career Development Scholarship targets under-represented groups in Physics, and the school aim to recruit two CDS students for intake in the 2026-27 academic year.
Information on the scholarship can be found here and the application deadline is 24 November 2025.
Please consult the Higgs Centre recruitment page for fellowship announcements.
Contacts
Deputy Academic Administrator (Graduate School)
- Person
- Gill LAW
- Email address
- gradschool@ph.ed.ac.uk
Higgs Centre PhD Coordinator
- Person
- Gurtej KANWAR
- Email address
- gkanwar@ed.ac.uk
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