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 for Theoretical Physics Outreach Coordinator
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) Liz Paterson.
You may also apply for a PhD in Mathematical Physics (which requires a separate application through School of Mathematics).
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 for Theoretical Physics PhD Coordinator
Currently available are up to three Higgs Prize PhD Fellowships (deadline 20 January 2023). The Prize will cover fees and a four-year stipend, matching the level of the UK Research Council Maintenance Allowance rates (£17,668 2022/23 level), as well as research funds of £1.5k per annum to cover books, computing and conference costs. Applications are open to all students with no conditions on nationality. Furthermore, we value diversity, and we would like to strongly encourage applications from female and underrepresented candidates.
Before applying, interested candidates should get in touch with a supervisor from the Higgs Centre to support their application. Applicants are advised to include in their application a statement of interest regarding the Higgs Prize PhD Fellowship under the ‘Research Proposal’ category (there is no need to write a detailed research proposal, just a brief description of the general topic agreed upon with the supervisor). Please note on your application that you wish to be considered for this Prize Fellowship. The selection panel will take into account supporting statements from the prospective supervisors.
Please consult the Higgs Centre recruitment page for fellowship announcements.
Contacts

Higgs Centre PhD Coordinator
- Person
- Anton ILDERTON
- Email address
- anton.ilderton@ed.ac.uk

Deputy Academic Administrator (Graduate School)
- Person
- Liz PATERSON
- Email address
- gradschool@ph.ed.ac.uk
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