PhD Studentship in Mathematics and Theoretical Physics

Physics World; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 21,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in the UK offers a full-time PhD Studentship in Mathematics and Theoretical Physics starting in October 2026. Applicants must have an upper second class honours degree in a relevant discipline and may apply until 2nd February 2026. The studentship includes fees and a tax-free stipend expected to be around £20,780 per year. Candidates are encouraged to engage with the academic staff for research topic inquiries. Interviews will be conducted in March 2026.

Qualifications

• Candidates should hold or be close to obtaining an upper second class honours degree in a relevant field.
• Certification of English language competence (minimum IELTS 6.5) is necessary.
• Two academic references required with direct submission to the Doctoral College.

Responsibilities

• Potential candidates can inquire informally with academic staff about research topics.
• Provide completed application with references and degree documents by the closing date.
• Attend interviews scheduled for March 2026.

Education

Upper second class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline

Job description

PhD Studentship in Mathematics and Theoretical Physics

• Qualification type: PhD
• Subject area: Mathematics and Theoretical Physics
• Location/Campus: Hatfield, College Lane, UK
• Start date: 1 October 2026
• Closing application date: 2 February 2026, 9am
• Duration: Full-time - three and a half years

The Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (MTP) Research Centre at the University of Hertfordshire is offering PhD positions to commence in Oct 2026. Some illustrative examples of possible PhD research projects are available.

We welcome informal enquiries from potential candidates; in the first instance, you are strongly encouraged to contact members of academic staff to ask about possible research topics. General enquiries about the process may be addressed to Dr Dan Smith, Postgraduate Tutor for the Department of Physics, Astronomy and Mathematics.

Entry requirements

At the point of application, candidates must hold (or be in the final stages of obtaining) at least an upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.

Eligibility

Applications are welcome from UK residents and international applicants alike.

How to apply

Applicants are required to provide the following documents via email to the Doctoral College by the closing date noted above:

• a completed application form, including details of two academic references who have agreed to write on your behalf. You should arrange for your referees to send their reference directly to the Doctoral college (these must come direct from the referees; we do not accept references forwarded on by candidates). Both references must be received before the deadline for applications to be considered;
• copies of academic degree certificates;
• copies of academic degree transcripts.

Certification of English language competence (minimum IELTS 6.5 or equivalent) is also required for candidates for whom English is not their first language. Since there is cost associated with this, it is not normally required to provide this at the point of application, however it will be required before any offer can be made.

• interviews will take place: March 2026 (exact dates TBC);
• we anticipate being able to offer one or more fully-funded 3.5-year studentships this year;
• the studentships include fees, plus a tax‑free stipend at the UKRI rate (expected to be around £20,780 per year, though the exact figure is to be finalised) paid in monthly instalments;
• applicants who need a student visa will be required to pay for this themselves along with the Immigration Health Surcharge. For more information, please visit our website.

Student visa

Immigration Health Surcharge