Institut Polytechnique de Paris

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Institut Polytechnique de Paris

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ENSTA

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Télécom SudParis

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PhD track in Physics

PhD track in Physics

WHY ENROLL IN THIS PROGRAM?

Get ready for a PhD by starting research at an early stage

Be closely associated with the research activities carried out in a world-renowned innovation cluster

Benefit from individual and personalized supervision by a faculty member

  • Description
  • Associated laboratories
  • PhD Tracks Research Projects

As our world faces tremendous challenges related to environmental needs, energy, transport, information technologies, biotechnology or space engineering, physics provides both a means to address some of the most urgent societal issues and a marvelous intellectual challenge. Physics, in synergy with chemistry, materials science, biology, pure and applied mathematics, computer science, mechanical engineering or economics has been and will remain the driving force for technological progress. Thanks to its versatile methodologies it is moreover a key tool even for problems that are inherent to these neighboring disciplines. Last but not least, physics harbors some of the most mind-bugling scientific revolutions of the last century, such as quantum mechanics or relativity, providing us breathtaking insights into the structure of matter, the nature of light, the life of stars or the Big Bang. Modern research is both a consequence and a direct continuation of this intellectual adventure, continuing the quest for understanding the world around us.

The Institut Polytechnique de Paris with its world-class Research Center covering all fields of physics as well as its interfaces with chemistry, pure and applied mathematics, biology, mechanical engineering, computer science or economics provides a unique environment for students motivated by a PhD Track program.

This five-year PhD Track starts with a two-year period with advanced courses related to the chosen field of study. Students also participate in research projects carried out by Institut Polytechnique de Paris Laboratories involved in the track and attend research seminars. Supervised by faculty or senior  researchers, they benefit from first-class research experience. At the end of the second year, the students who meet the academic requirements receive a Master Degree. Those who have achieved outstanding results and identified a thesis subject and a supervisor in one of the involved Labs are allowed to start a three-year PhD program.

  • Provide a coherent training program to students attracted by research, from theory and modeling to experimental physics and applications in various domains
  • Acquire a high level knowledge of the scientific basis related to physics or plasma physics and to their applications
  • Choose a specialization among a variety of fields related to theoretical and experimental condensed matter physics, mathematical physics, statistical physics, high-energy physics, biophysics, nanosciences, macroscopic physics and complex systems, lasers and optics, thermonuclear fusion, laser-produced plasmas, space plasmas and low-temperature plasmas, within the rich offer of IP Paris.
  • Integrate into the world of research by spending time within the research Labs, conducting a research project under the supervision of a faculty member, writing a research report and preparing a first manuscript for publication in an international peer-reviewed journal.

The five-year curriculum of the PhD track trains students in cutting-edge research for them to pursue international careers in prestigious universities or leading companies in their domain.

The first two years of the PhD track are based on the Physics [1] Masters year 1 and year 2 at Institut Polytechnique de Paris. Every year, the program of every student has to be discussed and validated by his/her tutor, who is a member of the IP Paris faculty. According to the student’s specialization wishes, the course program will be individualized as much as possible.

The academic year of M1 physics is divided in three periods. During quarters 1 and 2 students will follow courses and participate to Research Projects in the laboratories of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris.  During quarter 3 students will complete a research internship in one of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris laboratories or in an external institute (which could be in France or abroad).

Students choose  three core courses and one optional course  among the ones that correspond to their major. Note that depending on the major, some core courses are mandatory. The optional course can be replaced by a Research Project in one of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris laboratories (to be defined on site). 

Core courses

Elective courses

Students choose three core courses and one optional course among the ones that correspond to their major. Note that depending on the major, some core courses are mandatory. The optional course can be replaced by a Research Project in one of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris laboratories (to be defined on site). 

Quarter 3 - Internships

During the third quarter, students will follow one of the internships proposed by the program associated with the corresponding major. These internships of 4-6 months will take place at Institut Polytechnique de Paris or other institutions of excellence abroad. The internship is worth 20 ECTS

  • Fields and particles
  • Astrophysics and cosmology

Lasers, Quantum optics and Plasma

  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Semiconducting devices
  • Soft Matter, complex fluids and biomechanics
  • Lasers, Quantum optics and Plasmas
  • Quantum technologies and quantum materials
  • Center for Theoretical Physics (CPHT)
  • Photovoltaic Institute (IPVF)
  • Leprince-Ringuet Laboratory (LLR)
  • Laboratory for Applied Optics (LOA)
  • Laboratory for Optics in Biology (LOB)
  • Laboratory of Plasma Physics (LPP)
  • Laboratory of High Intensity Lasers (LULI)
  • Laboratory for Irradiated Solids (LSI)
  • Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics (PMC)
  • Laboratory for Interfaces and Thin Films (PICM)

Partner laboratory

International  Laboratory  For  Astrophysics,  Neutrino  And  Cosmology Experiments (ILANCE)

For updated information on current research projects and contact details of faculty members working in these areas, applicants are invited to check out the webpages of the laboratories as well as of the “Ecole Universitaire de Recherche” (EUR) in Plasma Science and Training (Plasma_ST).

Admission requirements

Academic prerequisites.

Completion of a Bachelor in physics , with highest honors, at Institut Polytechnique de Paris or equivalent in France or abroad.

Evidence of research potential is essential as the main goal of such a PhD program is to train first class researchers.

Students who have completed the first year of an equivalent program may be directly admitted into the second year (4-year PhD program).

Language prerequisites

A certificate of proficiency in English (level B2) is required (TOEIC, IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge ESOL), except for native speakers and students who previously studied in English.

How to apply

Applications are exclusively online. You will be required to provide the following documents:

  • Transcript 
  • Two academic references (added online directly by your referees)  
  • CV/resume 
  • Statement of purpose indicating which 2 choices of research subjects among the one listed on this page under the section "PhD Track Research Projects"

You will receive an answer in your candidate space within 2 months following the closing date of the application session. 

Fees and scholarships

Estimated fees for 2022-2023 are subject to increase

  • Regular fees: 243€
  • Engineer students enrolled in one of the five member schools of Institut Polytechnique de Paris (Ecole polytechnique, ENSTA Paris, ENSAE Paris, Télécom Paris and Télécom SudParis): 159€
  • Special cases: please refer to the "Cost of studies" section of the FAQs

Applications and admission dates

Coordinator.

  • Luca Perfetti

General enquiry

When applying to the PhD Tracks in Physics, you should describe your  preferred fields of study and research in your motivation  letter. You are ecouraged to choose two preferred  PhD  Track subjects among the list below.   Since the posted offers do not cover the full spectrum of our activities , you can also visit the web pages  of the 11 laboratories (CPHT, IPVF, LLR, LOA, LOB, LPICM,  LPMC, LPP, LSI, LULI, O mega) affiliated to the physics department  and  indicate the research lines that interest you the most.

PhD Track research projects in "Physics"

  • Guiding electric discharges in air using femtosecond laser filamentation
  • Laser diagnostics of pulsed nanosecond plasma for biomedical application
  • Ionization waves at a plasma-semiconductor interface
  • H2 plasma for enabling phase-transformations during in-situ observations of the growth in the NanoMAX transmission electron microscope
  • Turbulence in Fusion Plasma; Wave propagation in turbulent plasma in presence of sheared flow
  • Collective plasma wave amplification for multiple laser beam configuration in the context of Laser MJ
  • Intense attosecond light pulses from a relativistic plasma mirror
  • Towards extreme beams and strong-field quantum electrodynamics experiments
  • Coherent Beam Combining femtosecond digital laser
  • Innovative concepts for particles plasma acceleration and radiation emission in laser
  • Modern approaches to hydrodynamics: effective actions and gauge/gravity duality
  • New approaches to quantum field theory
  • Branching processes and applications
  • Probabilistic and spectral insights onto diffusion-controlled reactions in chemistry and biology
  • Structural imaging of healthy and pathological tissues using multiphoton microscopy
  • Large-scale multiphoton microscopy of developing heart and brain tissue
  • Understanding quadruplex formation by C-rich DNA sequences: the i-motif
  • Corneal Transparency Diagnostics By Smart OCT and Deep Learning
  • Novel Modeling of Coherent Multiphoton Microscopy Contrasts
  • Mid-infrared femtosecond spectroscopy in proteins
  • Early Detection and Identification of Diseased Human and Vegetal Tissues Using Visible / Infrared Polarimetric Microscopy Combined with Conventional and AI-based Image Analysis
  • Mueller polarimetric imaging for biomedical diagnosis
  • Modeling of polarized ligth interaction with the uterine cervix
  • In vivo nonlinear optical microscopy of nervous tissue: lipid and metabolism imaging
  • Correlated quantum matter and quantum information
  • Ultrafast dynamics of electrons in quantum materials
  • Theoretical study of electron-phonon coupling and of carrier dynamics in materials for potential photovoltaic and thermoelectric applications
  • Collective electronic fluctuations and their influence on materials properties
  • Re-using model results to determine materials properties:connector theory approach
  • Structural, electronic and magnetic instabilities in two-dimensional complex oxides
  • Spin-dependent charge dynamics in dilute nitride and defect-engineered semiconductor quantum structures and devices
  • Electronic processes in nitride semiconductor quantum structures and devices
  • Plasmonic Nanocrystals for Infrared Optics: Synthesis & Application
  • Rare earth doped nanocrystals: Nano-sources of light for novel applications to medicine, energy harvesting, and quantum optics
  • Theory of Many-Body Quantum States
  • Theoretical study of the physical and optical properties of some metal oxide oxide surfaces for greenhouse gas sensing applications
  • Probing the quantum properties of spin defects in 2D materials
  • Uncovering a new law of physics in quantum materials
  • First-principles theory of high-performance permanent magnets 
  • Quantitative Acousto-Magneto-Plasmonics
  • Neutrino physics and astrophysics using neutrino observatories in Japan
  • Physics at the infinitely large and the infinitely small scales of our Universe
  • Study of the Higgs boson properties at the CERN LHC
  • Studies of jet quenching in the quark-gluon plasma with the CMS experiment at the LHC
  • From ordinary matter to deconfined matter using the Large Hadron Collider
  • UFR Droit Economie Management
  • UFR Médecine
  • UFR Pharmacie
  • UFR Sciences
  • UFR Sciences du Sport
  • AgroParisTech
  • CentraleSupélec
  • ENS Paris-Saclay
  • Institut d'Optique
  • Polytech Université Paris-Saclay
  • Accessibility

phd in physics europe

PhD PROGRAM PHYSICS - GRADUATE SCHOOL PHYSICS

The program involves all the PhDs related to the Physics Graduate School. It covers all fields of physics, from fundamental to applied, from theory, modeling and simulation to instrumentation, from laboratory experiments to large instruments placed on large research infrastructures or in space, from the disciplinary core to interfaces. 

It also integrates numerous socio-economic issues at the interface with physics (energy, health, environment, etc.). 

This program is linked with 4 Doctoral Schools: 

  • EDOM (Waves and Matter Doctoral School), 
  • PHENIICS (Particles, Hadrons, Energy, Nuclei, Instrumentation, Imaging, Cosmos and Simulation), 
  • AAIF (Astronomy and Astrophysics for Paris Area), 
  • EDPIF (Doctoral School for Physics in Île-de-France)

Physics (all fields)

Program content.

Waves and Matter Doctoral School (EDOM)

The Doctoral School Waves and Matter - EDOM - covers quantum physics, dilute matter and optics.

More precisely, the fields covered are quantum physics, optics, atomic and molecular physics, laser physics, plasma physics, nanophotonics as well as the interface fields of these themes such as biomedical imaging or condensed matter. All types of plasmas are represented at EDOM (cold and hot plasmas, stellar, interstellar and fusion), as well as their technological applications. In particular, EDOM is involved in magnetic confinement fusion.

 Learn more about EDOM

 Particles, Hadrons, Energy, Nuclei, Instrumentation, Imaging, Cosmos et Simulation (PHENIICS)

The PHENIICS graduate school (ED N° 576) is the Ile-de-France graduate school whose themes are centered on subatomic physics; its particularity is to federate students ranging from applied physics to fundamental physics in this field. It relies on a unique network of research units on this theme, located in the Paris-Saclay area.

Learn more about PHENIICS

Astronomy and Astrophysics for Paris Area(AAIF)

The "Astronomy and Astrophysics of Ile-de-France" Doctoral School offers graduates from physics and mathematics studies training in and through research in the vast interdisciplinary field of astronomy and all its techniques of observation, measurement and calculation.

The Doctoral School offers physicists and mathematicians training in and through research in the vast interdisciplinary field of astronomy and all its methods of observation, measurement and calculation. It covers a field whose development is considerable and unceasing: discovery of extrasolar planets, renewal of cosmology at the interface with particle physics, development of astrochemistry, in situ exploration of the solar system, space navigation, planetology at the interface with the sciences of planet Earth. Powerful observation tools are being prepared, both in space and on the ground, affirming the place of Europe, using a wide variety of advanced technologies (optics, metrology, cryogenics, automation, etc.).

Learn more about AAIF

Physics in Ile de France(EDPIF)

Its scientific field covers essentially the physics of fundamental interactions, the quantum physics of diluted or condensed matter, statistical physics, the physics of soft or biological matter, but also the fundamental aspects of optics, acoustics and hydrodynamics.

Its scientific position is that of fundamental physics, both theoretical and experimental, and the applications that naturally follow from it.

Learn more about EDPIF

  • Laboratoire de physique des deux infinis Irène Joliot-Curie (IJCLab, UMR 9012)
  • Institut d'astrophysique spatiale (IAS, UMR 8617)
  • Unité de recherche SOLEIL (SOLEIL, UR 1)
  • Signalisation, radiobiologie et cancer     (SCR, UMR 3347)
  • Département de Physique des Particules (DRF/IRFU, DPhP)
  • Département de Physique Nucléaire (DRF/IRFU, DPhN)
  • Département d'Electronique des Détecteurs et d'Informatique pour la Physique (DRF/IRFU, DEDIP)
  • Département des Accélérateurs, de la Cryogénie et du Magnétisme (DRF/IRFU, DACM)
  • Institut LIST (LIST)
  • Département des Matériaux pour le Nucléaire (DES/ISAS, DMN)
  • Laboratoire en Informatique Haute Performance pour le Calcul et la simulation (DAM, LIHPC)
  • Laboratoire Matière sous conditions extrêmes (DAM, LMCE)

External laboratories : 

  • Institut de Radioprotection et de sûreté nucléaire : IRSN
  • CEA Cadarache/IRESNE/DES/DER/SPRC/LPN
  • CEA Marcoule : DES/ISEC/DMRC/SASP/LAAT
  • Laboratoire Charles Fabry (LCF, UMR 8501)
  • Institut des Sciences Moléculaires d'Orsay (ISMO, UMR 8214)
  • Laboratoire de Physique des Solides (LPS, UMR 8502)
  • Laboratoire de physique des gaz et des plasmas (LPGP, UMR 8578)
  • Laboratoire Matière sous conditions extrêmes (LMCE)
  • Optique et techniques associées (DOTA)
  • Service de Physique de l'Etat Condensé (SPEC)
  • Laboratoire Interactions, Dynamiques et Lasers (LIDYL)
  • Centre de Nanosciences et de Nanotechnologies (C2N, UMR 9001)
  • Laboratoire de Physique des Plasmas (LPP, UMR 7648)
  • Physique, Instrumentation, Environnement, Espace (DPHY)
  • Institut de Chimie Physique (ICP, UMR 8000)
  • Laboratoire Aimé Cotton (LAC, FRE 2038)
  • Laboratoire Lumière, Matière et Interfaces (LuMin, FRE 2036)
  • Laboratoire de physique théorique et modèles statistiques (LPTMS, UMR 8626)
  • Institut de physique théorique (DRF, IPhT)
  • Service de Physique de l'Etat Condensé (DRF/IRAMIS, SPEC)
  • Unité mixte de physique CNRS/Thales (UMPhy, UMR 137)
  • Institut des Sciences Moléculaires d'Orsay (ISMO, UMR 8214)·    
  • Unité de recherche SOLEIL (UR 1)
  • Service de Recherches de Métallurgie Physique (DES/ISAS/DMN, SRMP)
  • Laboratoire Léon Brillouin (DRF/IRAMIS, LLB)
  • Fluides, Automatique et Systèmes Thermiques (FAST, UMR 7608)
  • Laboratoire de recherche en informatique (LRI, UMR 8623)
  • Laboratoire des Signaux et Systèmes    (L2S, UMR 8506)
  • Maison de la Simulation - DRF (MdlS)
  • UMS IOGS-CNRS (UMS 3676)
  • Astrophysique, Instrumentation et Modélisation de Paris-Saclay (DRF/IRFU/DAp, AIM)
  • Département d'Astrophysique (DRF/IRFU, DAp)
  • Laboratoire ATMosphères, Observations Spatiales (LATMOS, UMR 8190)  

PhD students admitted to the Phd program will have a public law doctoral contract. The duration of the contract is 3 years. The contractual Phd students are full-time employees with the sole or main mission of carrying out their doctoral project. They may also be entrusted with complementary missions of teaching, scientific mediation, valorization or expertise.

More information

Possible employers* for PhD students under contract to the program are :

  • Université Paris-Saclay (Faculties of Sciences of Orsay, Medicine, Pharmacy, Sports Sciences and Law-Economy-Management)
  • University of Versailles Saint Quentin en Yvelines
  • University of Evry Val d'Essonne
  • Centrale Supélec

* This list remains to be completed or specified

The Doctoral Schools of the GS Physics PhD program supervise the PhD students throughout their thesis, by appointing referents who interact with them regularly.

EDOM : During the course of their thesis, PhD students have access to an individual monitoring committee, an advisory body that ensures, through annual meetings with the student, that their doctoral training is going well. This committee monitors the progress of the PhD student in his/her ability to present his/her research work. It helps the PhD student to take stock of the progress of his or her doctoral training, as well as the state of preparation for his or her future career.

AAIF : The AAIF doctoral school organizes a post-thesis training during which PhD students can meet the presidents of the A&A sections of the CNRS, CNU and CNAP, meet company managers from the aerospace sector, and work on writing CVs and application letters under the supervision of recruitment professionals. In 2021, the AAIF ED has also established a partnership with PhDTalent to promote the skills of these PhD students on social networks (LinkedIn, Twitter), to post job offers selected from keywords adapted to their skills and expertise.  

  • EDPIF : For each PhD student, an individual monitoring committee is set up, independent of the thesis director. A meeting concerning the progress of the thesis and the future is organized with the monitoring committee, the PhD student and the supervisors at the end of each year of the thesis (at least). During this meeting, the monitoring committee must also discuss with the supervisor(s) in the absence of the PhD student and conversely with the PhD student without the supervisor(s). At the end of this meeting, the follow-up committee sends its report on the meeting to the ED and possibly makes recommendations on the continuation of the thesis and on re-registration. Additional meetings of the follow-up committee are organized for any thesis presenting specific problems, whatever their nature, or extending, as an exception, over all or part of a fourth year. For more details see : https://www.edpif.org/fr/parcours/suivi.php
  • PHENIICS : Each PhD student is supervised by a person who follows him/her throughout the thesis. The progress of the thesis work and the training courses followed are reviewed each year at the time of registration. A sponsorship system is also in place in most laboratories. In case of problems revealed either during the annual interview or during the course of the thesis thanks to the sponsorship system, a supervisory committee is set up to understand the nature of the problems and to propose solutions.

PhD students enrolled in the Doctoral Schools of the GS Physics program find employment in both the academic and private sectors.

Approximately half of our PhDs eventually find a job in the field of research in universities or large research organizations in France (CNRS, CEA, ONERA, etc...) or abroad. Industry is also a very important outlet. Most of our PhDs work in technical or technological fields that allow them to make the most of the skills they have acquired. They are divided between large groups (Thales, Saint Gobain, etc.), SMEs and technological start-ups. 

Over a 10-year period, about 30% of PhDs enter the world of academic research in France or abroad. Some go on to secondary education. Most pursue a career in the private sector with a very wide range of scientific and management professions in France or abroad. The number of unemployed PhDs is around 3%. 

While the historical career outlet of the PhD is higher education and research, a significant and growing number of PhDs are pursuing their careers in the private sector, in many types of functions, and not only in R&D. According to the statistical study conducted in 2017 by the MESR on PhDs who graduated in 2015, 46% of PhDs in physics have a job in the academic sector and exactly as many in the private sector, of which only 20% are in R&D. For more details see : https://www.edpif.org/fr/parcours/poursuite.php

More than half of the PhDs are employed in the academic world in France (universities and research organizations) or abroad. Many PhDs also join the R&D departments of large technology-based groups (Thales, Safran, Areva, EDF, etc.), while others find employment in small and medium-sized companies with high industrial and technological value or in start-ups, of which they may also be founders.

How to be admitted to the doctoral program in Physics ?

Find below the different steps to apply to the Physics Program - Graduate School Physics

Prerequisite 

The student must hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) and have the agreement of the thesis director.

Evaluation criteria

The main evaluation criteria are the quality of the candidate's academic record, the quality of his/her presentation and his/her answers to questions during the audition, as well as the relevance of the candidate's background in relation to the thesis topic and the host team.

Other relevant evaluation criteria are :

  • the results obtained by the candidate in the Master's program (M1 and M2) ;
  • the candidate's research skills, as assessed from the research internship periods;
  • letters of recommendation;
  • the candidate's motivation and ability to integrate into the research team;
  • the professional project expressed by the candidate and its consistency with the doctoral project.

phd in physics europe

Where and how to apply?

Have you found your subject?

Identify the doctoral school related to your subject

Consult below the application procedures of the doctoral school concerned

Submit your application on ADUM

How to apply to ED EDOM?

Application file format, audition format, jury – examination of the application, 2024 calendar - candidates.

  • All mandatory sections of ADUM,
  • A one or two page Curriculum Vitae,
  • An opinion from two former research internship supervisors according to a specific form,
  • One or two letters of recommendation,
  • Transcripts from the last year of the Bachelor's degree (or equivalent),
  • Transcripts from the different years of the Master's program (or equivalent),
  • A copy of the Master's degree or certificate of completion if available,
  • A copy of an identity card.

The audition lasts 25 minutes in total.

The candidate has 12 minutes for his/her presentation.

The remaining time is dedicated to questions from the jury.   Format The recommended format for the presentation is as follows

  • 1 sheet of CV,
  • 3-4 sheets presenting a research internship,
  • 2 sheets presenting the thesis project.

During the questions, the main focus is on the research internship presented by the candidate. The audition can be done by videoconference. The future thesis director is invited to the audition as an observer.

The eligibility jury (examination of the files) is made up of the EDOM office (director and assistant director).  

The audition jury is made up of members of the doctoral school's board. It meets in the form of 2 sub-juries. No member of the jury auditions a candidate from his/her own laboratory.

  • Tuesday April 9, 2024: Deadline for submission of thesis topics on ADUM
  • Tuesday April 23, 2024: Closing date for applications on ADUM
  • Monday June 3 and Tuesday June 4, 2024: Audition of candidates
  • Monday June 10, 2024: Announcement of results

How to apply to ED PHENIICS?

Jury - examination of the application, 204 calendar - candidates.

All sections of ADUM.  

If applicable, the most recent MASTER grades or transcripts

Exchange of about 20 minutes with the jury, no slide presentation is required.

The candidate first briefly explains his or her doctoral project (Why this thesis? What is the interest? What is the context? etc...)

then the discussion continues in the form of questions and answers.

The jury is made up of members of the board of directors, supplemented by members of the council in order to ensure the thematic coverage of the competition.

The elected representatives of the PhD students on the board are invited as observers.

The ranking is established by the jury after the auditions.

  • Friday April 26, 2024: Deadline for submission of thesis topics on ADUM
  • Friday May 10, 2024: Application deadline on ADUM
  • Wednesday May 29 to Friday May 31, 2024: Audition of candidates

How to apply to ED AAIF?

2024 calendar - candidates.

All sections of ADUM.

A transcript of grades from a MASTER's degree or recent equivalent.

The audition lasts 20 minutes.

A 10-minute presentation should outline the candidate's previous research experiences (their scientific objectives, methodologies used and results obtained) and should show that the candidate understands the issues at stake in the proposed topic and how he or she is capable of making a significant contribution to it.

The candidate may spend 1 to 2 minutes introducing him/herself, 4-5 minutes describing his/her research experience (mainly the M2 internship) and 4-5 minutes on the thesis topic and its issues.

This presentation is followed by 10 minutes of questions.

The admissibility jury (examination of the files) is made up of the ED office (director and deputy director).

The audition jury is made up of members of the doctoral school's board.  

A first jury of the competition (beginning of June) reviews the applications, and is likely to attribute at most 1/3 of the available doctoral contracts. The selected candidates are notified directly by e-mail.

The final jury of the competition (beginning of July) allocates all the remaining available contracts and creates a waiting list. The selected candidates are asked to respond to this proposal within a week in order to allow a good management of the withdrawals.

  • Wednesday January 31, 2024 Thesis submission deadline
  • Friday April 19, 2024 Closing date for submission of thesis topics on ADUM
  • May 28, 29 and 30 - June 3 and 4, 2024 Audition of candidates
  • Friday June 7, 2024 Announcement of results

How to apply to ED PIF?

2024 calendar – candidates.

Applications are made online at :  https://www.edpif.org/fr/recrutement/candid.php

Candidates have ten minutes to introduce themselves with particular emphasis on their past research activities.

A maximum (indicative) of two slides should be devoted to the presentation of the thesis topic.  

The eligibility jury then asks questions for approximately five minutes.

Candidates may speak in English or French, as they wish.

The competition is managed by a competition committee made up of the four members of the doctoral school's board of directors and four teacher-researchers or researchers from the ED's laboratories, from each of the supporting institutions.

The competition jury is made up of the members of the competition committee, as well as researchers or teacher-researchers designated by the competition committee. The board and the jury, renewed in whole or in part each year, are composed in such a way as to best represent all the themes of the ED.

Their composition is submitted to the ED council.

  • The competition office carries out a pre-selection of candidates who will be selected for an audition.
  • The selected candidates are then auditioned by the competition jury, divided into 4 sub-juries.
  • The competition office finally establishes a ranking consisting of a main list and a supplementary list. This ranking is based on the evaluation of the academic file and on the audition. It takes into account the number of doctoral contracts awarded by each institution.
  • Finally, the ED council validates the distribution of funding on the basis of the ranking established by the jury
  • November 3, 2023 : Applications open
  • Thursday April 25, 2024: Deadline for submission of thesis topics
  • Monday April 29, 2024: Closing date for applications on ADUM
  • Monday June 3 to Thursday June 6, 2024: Audition of candidates
  • From June 8, 2024: Announcement of results

Communication tools

The employment status of graduate school physics phds as of december 1, 2019.

phd in physics europe

Physics (PHFY)

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Språkvelger

Phd programme in physics.

PhD programme (doctoral education)

Studier PHD-faktaboks

  • PhD Full time, 3 years
  • Campus Trondheim
  • Admission Application and admission
  • Application deadlines Ongoing admissions

The objective of the PhD programme in Physics is to prepare the PhD candidates for work that requires advanced scientific expertise and analytical skills and for a career in academia. 

The PhD programme in Physics is closely linked with our research groups and departments, and is a key component in the overall research strategy at the Faculty of Natural Sciences.

About the programme

The PhD programme in physics provides an education within experimental and theoretical physics and aims at giving the candidates a broad professional background in physics. The candidate can focus the program towards a variety of topics based on ongoing research activities at the Department of Physics.

Programme structure

The PhD education is a structured degree with a nominal duration of three-year full-time study . Some PhD positions may include a fourth year of required duties, usually in the form of teaching, this will be detailed in your employee contract if applicable.

Career opportunities

A PhD degree is the highest level of formalised education in Norway.

A doctoral degree from NTNU qualifies you to a range of positions both in the private and public sector. Academia has traditionally been the main career path for doctors, but now an increasing number of doctors are going into leading positions in the private sector.

How to apply and admission

To be accepted to a PhD programme at NTNU, you must have:

a funding plan completed at least five years of higher education that includes a master's degree or other equivalent degree. a strong academic record and a weighted average for the last two years of your master's degree equivalent to a B or higher in NTNU's grading scale. Applications for admission to the PhD programme must to be submitted through the Department of your subject area 

Read more about how to apply and admission

Administrative contact

Anne Sæther Senior Executive Officer

Academic contact

Kathrine Røe Redalen Professor and Deputy of Research at the Department of Physics

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Institute for Theoretical Physics

Institute for Theoretical Physics

Phd programme.

phd in physics europe

Research at the Institute for Theoretical Physics (ITP) at Utrecht University covers high-energy physics (elementary particles, quantum gravity, string theory), cosmology (early universe, cosmic microwave background, inflation, gravitational waves), quantum matter  (superconductivity, spintronics, Bose-Einstein condensation, quantum Hall effect, quantum computing), and soft matter and biophysics (colloidal self-assembly, iontronics, cell motility, stochastic population dynamics).

The institute offers students with an MSc degree the opportunity to enter a four-year’s PhD program in theoretical physics. Apart from their research project PhD students are required to take a number of courses, almost always in the context of the Dutch Research School for Theoretical Physics . They also act as teaching assistants for about ten percent of their working time (usually some form of tutoring in the MSc and BSc physics courses).

Note that PhD students in the Netherlands in most cases are employed with a salary rather than a stipend, see Obtaining a PhD Position.  Openings for PhD positions in the ITP can be found under Vacancies.

Utrecht University Heidelberglaan 8 3584 CS Utrecht The Netherlands Tel. +31 (0)30 253 35 50

The University of Manchester

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Discover more about postgraduate research

PhD Physics / Overview

Year of entry: 2024

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The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent).

Other combinations of qualifications and research or work experience may also be considered. Please contact the admissions team to check.

Full entry requirements

Apply online

In your application you’ll need to include:

  • The name of this programme
  • Your research project title (i.e. the advertised project name or proposed project name) or area of research
  • Your proposed supervisor’s name
  • If you already have funding or you wish to be considered for any of the available funding
  • A supporting statement (see 'Advice to Applicants' for what to include)
  • Details of your previous university level study
  • Names and contact details of your two referees.

Programme options

Programme description.

The  Department of Physics and Astronomy at Manchester is one of the largest and most active physics departments in the UK. We have a long tradition of excellence in both teaching and research, and have interests in most areas of contemporary research.

The Department has a strong presence in a number of Manchester-based centres for multidisciplinary research: The National Graphene Institute, the Photon Science Institute, the Manchester Centre for Non-Linear Dynamics, and the Dalton Nuclear Institute. In addition, the Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire is a part of the department.

Strong research activity exists in a broad range of physics topics funded by the Research Councils including EPSRC, STFC, BBSRC, the EU and industry. All the research groups offer well-equipped laboratories and computing facilities and are involved in a wide range of collaborative projects with industry and other academic departments in the UK and overseas. 

The postgraduate research environment is well funded and world-class as demonstrated by our ranking in REF2021.  Supervision is provided by academic staff, who are leaders in their fields, with independent pastoral back-up. Transferable skills training is available and there are some school teaching opportunities.

For more information about research themes within the department please visit our themes page or view available projects within the department on our Postgraduate Research projects page . 

To be announced.

The programme fee will vary depending on the cost of running the project. Fees quoted are fully inclusive and, therefore, you will not be required to pay any additional bench fees or administration costs.

All fees for entry will be subject to yearly review and incremental rises per annum are also likely over the duration of the course for Home students (fees are typically fixed for International students, for the course duration at the year of entry). For general fees information please visit the postgraduate fees page .

Always contact the Admissions team if you are unsure which fees apply to your project.

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.

To be considered for many of our scholarships, you’ll need to be nominated by your proposed supervisor. Therefore, we’d highly recommend you discuss potential sources of funding with your supervisor first, so they can advise on your suitability and make sure you meet nomination deadlines.

For more information about our scholarships, visit our funding page or use our funding database to search for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

Contact details

Our internationally-renowned expertise across the School of Natural Sciences informs research led teaching with strong collaboration across disciplines, unlocking new and exciting fields and translating science into reality.  Our multidisciplinary learning and research activities advance the boundaries of science for the wider benefit of society, inspiring students to promote positive change through educating future leaders in the true fundamentals of science. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .

Programmes in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

  • Physics and Astronomy

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website .

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website .

phd in physics europe

Doctoral Programme in Particle Physics and Universe Sciences

The activities of the doctoral programme are concentrated at the Division of Particle Physics and Astrophysics within the department of Physics. Students carry out their research projects in the Department of Physics and many other institutes, e.g. Helsinki Insitute of Physics, the Finnish Meteorological Institute and the Finnish Geodetic Institute.

Want to know more? Visit our profile & activities page to learn more about the programme.

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PhD in Physics

  • Admission Board
  • Training and research

Application deadline: Aug 22, 2023 at 11:59 PM (Expired)

Second PhD Call for Applications, with scholarships funded by NRRP and other funds

  • Call for applications
  • PhD Programme Table

Enrolment: From Sep 18, 2023 to Sep 25, 2023

Doctoral programme start date: Nov 01, 2023

39 PNRR PhD Call for Applications

Application deadline: Jun 20, 2023 at 11:59 PM (Expired)

PhD Call for Applications, with scholarships funded by NRRP and other funds

Enrolment: From Jul 28, 2023 to Aug 21, 2023

  • Theoretical Physics
  • Nuclear and Subnuclear Physics
  • Physics of Condensed Matter, Atoms and Molecules
  • Applied Physics and Complex Systems
  • Physics Education and History of Physics

Call for further PhD Positions Appointed by Rectoral Decree n. 1066/2023 Prot. n. 0226313 of 04/08/2023

* The following shall take part in the work of the Examination Board as expert members for positions linked to specific research topics:

  • Andrea Cerreta - Park-Systems Europe
  • Carlo Bedeschi - CEFLA Sc
  • Min Li - HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES ITALIA S.R.L.
  • Bart Weber - Advanced Research Center for Nanolithography (ARCNL)
  • Francisco Manuel Soares Verissimo Gil Pedro  - INFN
  • Antonella Guidazzoli - CINECA

Call for applications Appointed by Rectoral Decree n. 709/2023 Prot. n. 149534 of 02/06/2023

  • Daniele Ottaviani - CINECA
  • Cristoph Vogler - Huawei Technologies Austria GmbH
  • Fiorenzo Parrinello - Sacmi Imola S.C.

The PhD in Physics has the purpose of completing the scientific training in Physics for the various research fields actively present in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, in the Bologna Sections of INFN and CNAF-INFN, and in the CNR Institutes of the Bologna area. The PhD program aims to train researchers able to perform independent activities in the following sectors: Theoretical physics, Condensed matter physics, Nuclear and subnuclear physics, Applied physics and complex systems, Physics education and History of Physics. In the theoretical field, the PhD students should be able to build and study mathematical models to describe physical phenomena, while in the experimental field to conduct physics experiments in laboratories and critically analyze the results. In general the PhD students are trained to use the scientific method and achieve the ability to apply it in different contexts, making them eligible to take leadership positions in high-level organizations.

Basic and fundamental research (theoretical and experimental), applied research (with applications to physics, medicine, technology, computer science, etc.). The research of the PhD students includes laboratory activities, participation in international workshops and conferences and measurement campaigns, the use of networks, databases, a software for analyzing data and models.

The PhD students are required to attend PhD or advanced Master courses for a total of 136 hours of lectures in the first two years of the course. The PhD students also attend specialized seminars and national and international schools. They are also part of research groups at universities and research centers where they carry on their activities in preparation of the PhD thesis.

he PhD in Physics has the purpose of completing the scientific training in Physics for the various research fields actively present in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, in the Bologna Sections of INFN and CNAF-INFN, and in the CNR Institutes of the Bologna area. The PhD program aims to train researchers able to perform independent activities in the following sectors: Theoretical physics, Condensed matter physics, Nuclear and subnuclear physics, Applied physics and complex systems, Physics education and History of Physics. In the theoretical field, the PhD students should be able to build and study mathematical models to describe physical phenomena, while in the experimental field to conduct physics experiments in laboratories and critically analyze the results. In general the PhD students are trained to use the scientific method and achieve the ability to apply it in different contexts, making them eligible to take leadership positions in high-level organizations.

PhD thesis written in English, talks at national and international conferences and workshops, publication of research results in refereed international journals with high Impact Factor (at least 1 publication within 3 years from the conclusion of the doctorate).

Alessandro Gabrielli

Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia "Augusto Righi" - DIFA

Viale Berti Pichat 6/2 Bologna (BO)

[email protected]

Attachment 1

Attachment 2, attachment 3.

  • Prospective students
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  • Professors and researchers
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Ph.D. programme in Physics

  • Academic Board
  • Career opportunities
  • Research topics
  • Advisory Board
  • Regulations

Programme overview

Foto

This programme aims at training PhD candidates contributing to fundamental researches in leading sectors and understanding and promoting those aspects which may improve know-how of high-tech activities. Compared to other PhD programmes awarding the same title, this programme is characterized by a focus on theoretical, experimental and computational aspects of physics of matter and complex systems.

It shall be noted that members of Academic Board are also members of two European Union flagships: “Graphene” and “Human Brain”. The Board often invites external experts to collaborate as co-tutors or thesis referees. Board members also have a wide network of relationships with several international research centres. PhD students are thus able to have a direct experience of the activities carried out in advanced experimental and computational laboratories, which represent an integration to departmental laboratories.

The course catalogue is divided in four major areas: 

  • Experimental Physics of Matter 
  • Theoretical Physics of Matter 
  • Physics of Complex Systems 
  • High Energy Physics

This programme is part of few educational networks comprising institutions of recognized excellence and it has hosted several students, taking part to co-tutelle programmes; many students take also part in exchange programmes based on bilateral agreements. Almost 50% of PhD scholarships are financed from external institutions. 

Key information

Type of programme:, department:, coordinator:.

TRIGIANTE MARIO

Vice coordinator:

DAGHERO DARIO

Admissions:

Titolo contacts, titolo student office, titolo representative of phd candidates.

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International Programmes 2023/2024

phd in physics europe

Physics (PhD) Physics (PhD)

University of göttingen • göttingen.

  • Course details
  • Costs / Funding
  • Requirements / Registration

Participants can choose to write their PhD theses in either German or English.

The PhD programme in Physics is part of the Georg-August University School of Science (GAUSS), which offers a structured doctoral education and promotes excellent research in mathematics and natural sciences ( http://www.gauss.uni-goettingen.de ). The Faculty of Physics offers you a wide range of physical sub-fields such as the following:

  • astrophysics
  • materials physics
  • dynamics of complex systems
  • particle physics
  • semi-conductor physics
  • theoretical physics
  • X-ray physics

For further information, please visit our website: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/488933.html .

As a doctoral student in physics, you will be affiliated with one of the research groups of the programme. Each PhD project will be supervised by a three-member thesis committee that will advise on research questions and study content. To broaden and deepen your knowledge of physics in your speciality area as well as in other areas, you will participate in advanced lecture courses. In addition to your research activities, you will gain teaching experience.

For further information, please visit our website: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/requirements-during-the-doctorate/501108.html .

  • International guest lecturers
  • Integrated study abroad unit(s)
  • Language training provided
  • Training in intercultural skills
  • Study trips
  • Projects with partners in Germany and abroad

We have many options to participate in a research visit abroad. Nevertheless, this is not mandatory.

Teaching is welcome (as well as mandatory) and is credited.

Fees are around 400 EUR per semester. The fees include a prepaid semester ticket that entitles students to use regional trains (in Lower Saxony and Bremen) and city buses in Göttingen free of charge. Students of the University of Göttingen receive discounts for cultural events. Meals and drinks are also available at reduced prices at all university canteens. Fees: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/fee Semester ticket: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/16432.html

The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance and books are about 850 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age. For further information, please see the following link: www.uni-goettingen.de/en/54664.html .

1. Academic admission requirements include an excellent Master's degree in physics, mathematics, or other natural sciences. If the degree was not awarded in Germany, eligibility will be assessed according to the guidelines of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the federal states in the Federal Republic of Germany (documented at http://www.anabin.de ). For the assessment of eligibility, the respective certificate should be submitted to the Dean's office of the Faculty of Physics. 2. Acceptance by an authorised supervisor For further information, please visit our website: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/how-to-become-a-phd-student/501047.html .

  • English or German native speakers: none
  • other applicants without a previous degree taught in English: proof of proficiency in English (at a level equivalent to PBT TOEFL 550)

For further information, please visit our website: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/phd-physics/488933.html .

Application steps:

  • Decide on a research topic and contact potential supervisor
  • Assemble a thesis advisory committee (TAC)
  • Apply for admission (programme, supervision agreement)

https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/577087.html

The university supports students in finding part-time jobs in local industries and businesses. A number of student jobs are also available at the university. They are announced on the following website: www.stellenwerk-goettingen.de

Please note that restrictions may apply with your scholarship or visa. Non-EU students are subject to special regulations.

Foreign applicants should note that it is not easy to find a job to finance their studies, as German students are also searching for jobs. Some proficiency in German may be indispensable to your job search. Non-EU students are permitted to work a maximum of 120 full days (240 half days) per year.

The Accommodation Service of the International Office supports international students who are enrolled at the University of Göttingen in finding accommodation and serves as a point of contact for related queries. The Accommodation Service also publishes suitable offers from private landlords in Göttingen and collaborates with the Student Services ("Studentenwerk"). As the number of available accommodation options in Göttingen is limited, it is highly recommended to contact the Accommodation Service as early as possible. https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/617883.html

Please note: For doctoral students, accommodation services are only available if you have a low income.

The Career Service of the University of Göttingen offers individual support to facilitate your successful transition from the academic to the professional world — whether you want to work in Germany or abroad. Especially for international students aiming for a career entry in Germany, the Career Service provides topic-specific "Career Impulse Sessions", workshops, online learning modules, and a qualification programme in “Building International Careers” as well as digital career tools and a virtual community for international employment opportunities: www.uni-goettingen.de/en/292.html .

Office of the Dean of Studies

Career-related talks with physicists

  • Specialist counselling
  • Pick-up service

The International Office provides a complimentary pick-up service ("Buddy Exchange Service") from the Göttingen railway station to the accommodation. German students help newly arrived students to adapt to the university and the city during their first weeks. http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/49307.html

There is also an orientation week for new international students, which provides valuable information about Göttingen and the university. http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/196392.html

Study Buddy programme ( https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/112395.html ) as a part of the Integration and Diversity project at Göttingen University (InDiGU) https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/108275.html

University of Göttingen

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Best Universities for Physics in Europe

Updated: February 29, 2024

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  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Science
  • Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
  • Mathematics

Below is a list of best universities in Europe ranked based on their research performance in Physics. A graph of 303M citations received by 12.8M academic papers made by 1,446 universities in Europe was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. University of Cambridge

For Physics

University of Cambridge logo

2. University of Oxford

University of Oxford logo

3. Imperial College London

Imperial College London logo

4. Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne

Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne logo

5. Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich logo

6. University College London

University College London logo

7. University of Manchester

University of Manchester logo

8. Pierre and Marie Curie University

Pierre and Marie Curie University logo

9. Catholic University of Leuven

Catholic University of Leuven logo

10. Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology logo

11. Technical University of Munich

Technical University of Munich logo

12. Moscow State University

Moscow State University logo

13. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology logo

14. Lund University

Lund University logo

15. Technical University of Denmark

Technical University of Denmark logo

16. University of Southampton

University of Southampton logo

17. Heidelberg University - Germany

Heidelberg University - Germany logo

18. Vienna University of Technology

Vienna University of Technology logo

19. University of Bristol

University of Bristol logo

20. KTH Royal Institute of Technology

KTH Royal Institute of Technology logo

21. Paris-Sud University

Paris-Sud University logo

22. University of Sheffield

University of Sheffield logo

23. RWTH Aachen University

RWTH Aachen University logo

24. Utrecht University

Utrecht University logo

25. Uppsala University

Uppsala University logo

26. University of Edinburgh

University of Edinburgh logo

27. Sapienza University of Rome

Sapienza University of Rome logo

28. University of Munich

University of Munich logo

29. University of Leeds

University of Leeds logo

30. University of Erlangen Nuremberg

University of Erlangen Nuremberg logo

31. University of Stuttgart

University of Stuttgart logo

32. University of Amsterdam

University of Amsterdam logo

33. University of Nottingham

University of Nottingham logo

34. University of Groningen

University of Groningen logo

35. Eindhoven University of Technology

Eindhoven University of Technology logo

36. University of Bologna

University of Bologna logo

37. Chalmers University of Technology

Chalmers University of Technology logo

38. University of Padua

University of Padua logo

39. Claude Bernard University Lyon 1

Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 logo

40. Ghent University

Ghent University logo

41. University of Copenhagen

University of Copenhagen logo

42. University of Hamburg

University of Hamburg logo

43. University of Birmingham

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44. University of Helsinki

University of Helsinki logo

45. Polytechnic University of Milan

Polytechnic University of Milan logo

46. Ruhr University Bochum

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47. University of Vienna

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48. Durham University

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49. University of Liverpool

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50. University of Gottingen

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51. University of Geneva

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52. Technical University of Berlin

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53. University of Barcelona

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54. University of Glasgow

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55. Aarhus University

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56. University of Bonn

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57. Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz

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58. University of Zurich

University of Zurich logo

59. Leiden University

Leiden University logo

60. University of Munster

University of Munster logo

61. Radboud University

Radboud University logo

62. Grenoble Alpes University

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63. University of Twente

University of Twente logo

64. Goethe University of Frankfurt am Main

Goethe University of Frankfurt am Main logo

65. King's College London

King's College London logo

66. University of Warwick

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67. University of Freiburg

University of Freiburg logo

68. Free University of Berlin

Free University of Berlin logo

69. Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Norwegian University of Science and Technology logo

70. Paul Sabatier University - Toulouse III

Paul Sabatier University - Toulouse III logo

71. Polytechnic University of Bari

Polytechnic University of Bari logo

72. University of Pisa

University of Pisa logo

73. University of Tubingen

University of Tubingen logo

74. Technical University of Catalonia

Technical University of Catalonia logo

75. Stockholm University

Stockholm University logo

76. University of Oslo

University of Oslo logo

77. Autonomous University of Madrid

Autonomous University of Madrid logo

78. Dresden University of Technology

Dresden University of Technology logo

79. Polytechnic School

Polytechnic School logo

80. University of Milan

University of Milan logo

81. Polytechnic University of Turin

Polytechnic University of Turin logo

82. University of Bern

University of Bern logo

83. Complutense University of Madrid

Complutense University of Madrid logo

84. University of Liege

University of Liege logo

85. Federico II University of Naples

Federico II University of Naples logo

86. University of Florence

University of Florence logo

87. University of Valencia

University of Valencia logo

88. Darmstadt University of Technology

Darmstadt University of Technology logo

89. Linkoping University

Linkoping University logo

90. University of Wurzburg

University of Wurzburg logo

91. Queen Mary University of London

Queen Mary University of London logo

92. University of Strathclyde

University of Strathclyde logo

93. University of Lisbon

University of Lisbon logo

94. Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki logo

95. University of Cologne

University of Cologne logo

96. Newcastle University

Newcastle University logo

97. University of Innsbruck

University of Innsbruck logo

98. Friedrich Schiller University of Jena

Friedrich Schiller University of Jena logo

99. University of Bordeaux

University of Bordeaux logo

100. Catholic University of Louvain

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Physics subfields in Europe

33 PhD Programmes in Physics in Europe for 2024

  • Natural Sciences

Natural Sciences (33)

  • Atmospheric Sciences (1)
  • Biology (24)
  • Chemistry (27)
  • Earth Science (18)
  • Geographic Sciences (11)
  • Imaging Science (1)
  • Mathematics (20)
  • Applied Physics (6)
  • Nuclear Physics (3)
  • Particle Physics (5)
  • Theoretical Physics (2)
  • Scientific Research Methodologies (3)
  • Space Sciences (3)
  • Back to main category
  • United Kingdom (3)
  • Czech Republic (8)
  • South Africa (0)
  • Doctor of Education (1)
  • 3 years (28)
  • 2 years (0)
  • Full time (29)
  • Part time (9)
  • English (29)
  • Spanish (2)
  • Galician (2)
  • Russian (2)
  • Italian (1)
  • On-Campus (32)
  • Distance learning (0)
  • Blended (1)
  • Applied Physics
  • Nuclear Physics
  • Particle Physics
  • Theoretical Physics

Condensed Matter and Photonics (Research)

Cardiff university.

Cardiff University

  • Cardiff, United Kingdom

Full time, Part time

Condensed Matter and Photonics (CMP) brings together scientists with complementary skills, to share knowledge and resources, to provide a focus and direction for the future of our physics research, and provide training for the next generation.

Compare this program

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Doctorate in Physics - MAP-Fis (Taught in English)

Universidade de aveiro.

Universidade de Aveiro

  • Aveiro, Portugal

Graduate School Cluster of Excellence‚ CUI: Advanced Imaging of Matter

Universität hamburg.

Universität Hamburg

  • Hamburg, Germany

The education and promotion of young researchers is a key aspect and ingredient for the successful operation of the Graduate School Cluster of Excellence‚ CUI: Advanced Imaging of Matter. Substantial parts of the scientific work are performed by researchers at the early stages of their careers. In particular PhD students and postdocs represent the driving force and backbone of modern scientific developments due to their impartiality, fresh views, and enthusiasm.

Mathematics and Physics (4 Years)

University of ljubljana.

University of Ljubljana

  • Ljubljana, Slovenia

English, Sinhala, Sinhalese

The main objective of the Mathematics and Physics Program is to train highly qualified researchers for independent research in their narrow specializations. The structure of the Program in the organized part guarantees students a sufficient wider knowledge that is indispensable for a young expert involved as an active member of large interdisciplinary research groups. The doctoral Program in Mathematics and Physics is organized by the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics with cooperation of internationally recognized foreign experts and experts from other faculties of the University of Ljubljana.

Ph.D. Track Programs

Institut polytechnique de paris.

Institut Polytechnique de Paris

  • Palaiseau, France

Ph.D. track is a five-year integrated Master and Ph.D. Program aimed at high-potential undergraduate students who know from the Master’s level that they wish to commit to a scientific Ph.D. Ph.D. The track offers students a selective and personalized curriculum, training periods at laboratories, and the opportunity to focus gradually on their thesis subject. This pathway provides a springboard for tackling future scientific challenges in research and development centers of companies and major universities. Students can choose from a wide range of research fields such as Computer Science; Data & Artificial Intelligence; Advanced Materials; Life sciences; Chemistry & Interfaces; Electrical Engineering; Physics; Mathematics, Mechanics, etc.

Ph.D. in Physics, Earth and Materials Sciences

University of camerino the international school of advanced studies.

University of Camerino the international School of Advanced Studies

  • Camerino, Italy

English, Italian

Area: Physics, Earth and Materials Sciences

Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics

Pavol jozef safarik university faculty of science.

Pavol Jozef Safarik University Faculty of Science

  • Košice, Slovakia

The Ph.D. program in Theoretical Physics covers the research of physical properties of solid-state systems, phase transitions and critical phenomena in diverse magnetic systems, theoretical investigation of skyrmions, ab initio study of electron structures of new functional materials, investigation of developed turbulence, percolation phenomena and chemical interactions, applications of statistical mechanics in geostatistics and data reconstruction.

Ph.D. of Particle Physics and Accelerator Technologies

Riga technical university.

Riga Technical University

  • Riga, Latvia

Doctor of Education

The Department of Material Science and Applied Chemistry at Riga Technical University is dedicated to preparing students for a wide range of careers in physics and the related accelerator technology fields by providing the fundamental knowledge and technical expertise necessary to advance their careers and to perform cutting-edge and internationally recognized research.

PhD in Applied Physics

Vsb - technical university of ostrava.

VSB - Technical University of Ostrava

  • Ostrava, Czech Republic

Do you like the physics and its applications, fascinate you with the devices and equipment that our technical civilization creates, you want to participate in their development, and you have successfully completed a master's degree study of the same or related study program? Then the doctoral program Applied Physics is the right choice for you. You will become an expert in one of four optional subjects: Optical Diagnostics, Magnetic Properties of Materials, Applied Nuclear Physics, or Progressive Technologies of Material Disintegration. So do not forget to submit all required documents in time.

PhD in Applied Sciences in Engineering

Technical university of liberec.

Technical University of Liberec

  • Liberec, Czech Republic

Applied Sciences in Engineering is a PhD programme focused on the research of problems in the boundary between engineering and natural sciences. The scope of the PhD thesis falls into one or more of the following areas:

PhD in Condensed Matter Physics

The study program Condensed Matter Physics focuses on the predominantly experimental investigation of structural, transport and magnetic properties of various solid objects involving man-made structures and nanosystems attractive for studying fundamental physical phenomena and those with high application potential.

PhD in Fluid Thermodynamics Engineering

Universidade santiago de compostela.

Universidade Santiago de Compostela

  • Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Spanish, Galician

The PhD Program in Fluid Thermodynamics Engineering is a scientific-technological program defined from two concepts, thermodynamics (from the Greek heat force) and fluid as a working material system. Its lines of research are based on energy, its transformations, working fluids and chemical processes, and its objectives are focused on efficiency and sustainability as the foundations of society's technological development.

PhD in Nuclear Fusion Science

Peter the great st. petersburg polytechnic university.

Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University

  • Saint Petersburg, Russia

English, Russian

PhD in Nuclear and Particle Physics

The doctoral program is developed in the prestigious field of Nuclear and Particle Physics, which seeks to understand the structure of matter by studying its most elementary components in terms of nuclei, particles and the interactions between them.

PhD in Physics

Kaunas university of technology.

Kaunas University of Technology

  • Kaunas, Lithuania

The objective of doctoral studies in Physics is the development of highly qualified researchers in the field of physics, who are able to conduct scientific research for solutions to critical problems. This joint doctoral program provides doctoral students with competencies and knowledge in the areas of condensed matter, the interaction of radiation and matter, optical spectroscopy; the program offers a wide range of topics and general experimental and theoretical research in the areas of meso, micro, and nanostructures, photonic structures, including their formation, analysis and application in plasmonics, biosensors and alternative energy.

Popular degree type

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PhD Programmes in Physics

Physics is a natural science. It is the branch that deals with studying and understanding matter and energy. Topics found in physics studies can include mechanics, calculus, electricity, magnetism, thermodynamics and optics.

Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the western most point of Eurasia, Europe is usually divided from Asia by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting the Black and Aegean Seas.

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The Graduate Program in Physics offers a comprehensive curriculum of advanced study and research, from the Master's to the Doctorate degree, in fundamental physics and its applications. Through its association with ten laboratories and three LabEx laboratories at PSL, the graduate program offers a Master’s degree in which research plays a central role. Students may also choose elective courses designed to improve their transdisciplinary skills and broaden their curriculum.

Key figures

Theoretical physics and its applications

Quantum physics

Wave physics

Soft matter

Nonlinear physics and Hydrodynamics

A five-year track from Master’s to PhD

Upon entering the Master’s degree program, each student will define their scientific project with the graduate program's faculty and researchers. Students will have an academic advisor and will be heavily involved in research throughout the program.

Choose your Master’s degree and define your academic path

The graduate program offers the following Master’s degrees:

Enhance and customize your academic path: elective courses

Complementary university-wide courses.

Graduate program students at both the Master’s and PhD level have access to university-wide trainings in core competencies, both introductory and advanced, designed to supplement their academic study. Those complementary university-wide courses, available in all of PSL’s component schools, are eligible for ECTS credit.

Data science program

Career opportunities.

Trained in and through research, PSL alumni find numerous employment opportunities in the public, private and entrepreneurial sectors as well as in the academic world.

débouchés programme gradué physique psl

Pursue a PhD

Doctoral research is conducted in a PSL laboratory. Training is conducted in a doctoral school.

Graduate program doctoral schools

  • École doctorale Physique en Ile-de-France - ED 564

Graduate program laboratories

logo ens psl

Head of the Graduate program:

  • Jean-François Allemand (ENS - PSL)
  • Luca de'Medici (ESPCI-PSL)

[email protected]

European Education Area

How to apply for doctoral studies in europe.

Find out how to apply for doctoral studies, including a PhD, in Europe.

Getting started

In Europe, every university sets its own application criteria for doctoral studies. 

To successfully enter the world of research, it´s very important to be proactive and start your preparation early. 

The enrollment procedures take time. Prepare early, check entry requirements and collect your documents. 

Choose your topic

Choose your research topic well before starting your studies. 

Find out which university or programme meets your research interests and your academic background.

Find a supervisor

Finding a supervisor before applying could be either compulsory or advisable and it is usually the applicant’s responsibility. 

Check the research teams in the university and look at the publications written by your potential supervisor, as well as their research projects and supervised dissertations to ensure that his or her research areas match your plans.

Check language requirements

Examine the language skills needed for enrollment. It might be necessary to take a test or present internationally validated test results. 

Recognition of qualifications

Find out what documents need to be translated before applying and which ones may need ENIC-NARIC evaluation. 

Some documents might need to be certified by a notary, with an apostille attached.

Prepare your documents

The required documents vary. Usually, you need to prepare the following:

  • official copy of the previous diploma(s)
  • curriculum vitae (CV)
  • research proposal for your PhD
  • motivation letter
  • references and/or recommendation letters

Find a position and funding

EURAXESS is a European Commission portal providing information on research positions and funding to help researchers come to Europe to study, work in another European country and more.

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Related links, thanks for your feedback.

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If you need to ask a question, please contact Europe direct .

PhD Program Physics

funding, physics, astronomy, astrophysics, particles

Objectives:

The program involves all the PhDs related to the Physics Graduate School. It covers all fields of physics, from fundamental to applied, from theory, modeling and simulation to instrumentation, from laboratory experiments to large instruments placed on large research infrastructures or in space, from the disciplinary core to interfaces. 

It also integrates numerous socio-economic issues at the interface with physics (energy, health, environment, etc.). 

Prerequisite :

The student must hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) and have the agreement of the thesis director.

Eligibility :

More information about my eligibility here :  https://www.universite-paris-saclay.fr/en/phd-program-physics-graduate-school-physics

For this program, each doctoral school has set a different deadline: 

How to apply to ED PHENIICS  , ED AAIF and ED EDOM  :  https://www.universite-paris-saclay.fr/en/phd-program-physics-graduate-…

How to apply to ED PIF :  https://www.edpif.org/fr/recrutement/candid.php

Find the proposed thesis topics here :  https://www.adum.fr/psaclay/ptenpb?etab=302

Organisation

Attachments.

The responsibility for the funding offers published on this website, including the funding description, lies entirely with the publishing institutions. The application is handled uniquely by the employer, who is also fully responsible for the recruitment and selection processes.

COMMENTS

  1. PhD track in Physics

    The Institut Polytechnique de Paris with its world-class Research Center covering all fields of physics as well as its interfaces with chemistry, pure and applied mathematics, biology, mechanical engineering, computer science or economics provides a unique environment for students motivated by a PhD Track program.

  2. Physics (europe) PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

    A four-year funded PhD studentship is available at Imperial College London in collaboration with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Teddington Middlesex. Read more. Supervisors: Prof Z Durrani, Dr A Yacoot. 1 June 2024 PhD Research Project Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

  3. GRADUATE SCHOOL PHYSICS

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    Studier PHD-faktaboks. The objective of the PhD programme in Physics is to prepare the PhD candidates for work that requires advanced scientific expertise and analytical skills and for a career in academia. The PhD programme in Physics is closely linked with our research groups and departments, and is a key component in the overall research ...

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    PhD programme. Research at the Institute for Theoretical Physics (ITP) at Utrecht University covers high-energy physics (elementary particles, quantum gravity, string theory), cosmology (early universe, cosmic microwave background, inflation, gravitational waves), quantum matter (superconductivity, spintronics, Bose-Einstein condensation ...

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    Year of entry: 2024. The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master's degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent).

  7. Physics (fully funded PhD for international students) PhD ...

    Northumbria University. We have up to 8 fully funded PhD studentships available for entry in September 2024. These studentships are for 4 years and include full UK fees, a living allowance of £18,622 for 2023/24 full time study), and additional funding to cover research costs and national/international travel such as conferences.

  8. PhD details

    PhD in physics has the purpose of completing the scientific training in the field of Physics for the various fields actively present in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, in the Bologna Section of INFN and CNAF-INFN, and CNR Institutes of the Bologna area. The PhD programme aims to train researchers able to perform independent activities ...

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    The academic subjects of the Doctoral Programme in Particle Physics and Universe Sciences (PAPU) include theoretical physics, astronomy and physics (specialization lines of space physics and particle and nuclear physics). PAPU covers theoretical, experimental and observational research fields in elementary particle physics, cosmology, astrophysics, space physics and planetary astrophysics.

  10. PhD track in Physics

    The PSL PhD track in Physics is a fully-funded 5-year program structured around two phases. During the first phase, students follow courses from PSL's research master ICFP (Physics) or Quantum Engineering and start working towards their research project. The research master is a stepping-stone towards the second phase of the PhD track, during ...

  11. PhD details

    Andrea Cerreta - Park-Systems Europe; Carlo Bedeschi - CEFLA Sc; Min Li - HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES ITALIA S.R.L. Bart Weber - Advanced Research Center for Nanolithography (ARCNL) ... The PhD in Physics has the purpose of completing the scientific training in Physics for the various research fields actively present in the Department of Physics and ...

  12. 34 PhD Programmes in Physics in Europe for 2024

    Physics is a natural science. It is the branch that deals with studying and understanding matter and energy. Topics found in physics studies can include mechanics, calculus, electricity, magnetism, thermodynamics and optics. Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents.

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    High Energy Physics. This programme is part of few educational networks comprising institutions of recognized excellence and it has hosted several students, taking part to co-tutelle programmes; many students take also part in exchange programmes based on bilateral agreements. Almost 50% of PhD scholarships are financed from external institutions.

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    Physics of biological morphogenesis: PhD position for a theoretical physicist at the University of Geneva (Switzerland) University of Geneva Faculty of Science. We offer a PhD position for an outstanding, highly motivated, and creative theoretical physicist in the Salbreux group. Projects are at the interface of physics and biology and involve ...

  15. List of PHD Programs in Physics & Astronomy in Europe

    Find the list of all PHD Programs in Physics & Astronomy in Europe with our interactive Program search tool. Use the filters to list programs by subject, location, program type or study level.

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    PhD study within the European Higher Education Area. The European Higher Education Area (EHEA) is a network of 49 countries that share a common system for university degrees. It is made up of all 27 EU members, plus the UK, as well as other countries from elsewhere in Europe and Eurasia.

  17. 5 Best Physics Schools in Europe

    Top Physics Schools in Europe 1. University of Cambridge. Physics Program Link: Undergraduate | Graduate; Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, Master's, Ph.D. Tuition Fee Page; Scholarships Page; The University of Cambridge is a public research institution in London with more than 18,000 students from different nationalities. It has a strong ...

  18. Physics (PhD)

    Each PhD project will be supervised by a three-member thesis committee that will advise on research questions and study content. To broaden and deepen your knowledge of physics in your speciality area as well as in other areas, you will participate in advanced lecture courses.

  19. Europe's 100+ best Physics universities [2024 Rankings]

    Below is a list of best universities in Europe ranked based on their research performance in Physics. A graph of 303M citations received by 12.8M academic papers made by 1,446 universities in Europe was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

  20. Best PhD Programmes in Physics in Europe for 2024

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    32,687 EUR / year. 3 years. The PhD in Nuclear Engineering programme at The University of Manchester enables you to undertake a research project that will improve understanding of Nuclear Engineering. Ph.D. / Full-time, Part-time / On Campus. The University of Manchester Manchester, England, United Kingdom. Ranked top 0.5%.

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    This page shows a selection of the available PhDs in Germany. If you're interested in studying a Physics degree in Germany you can view all 28 PhDs. You can also read more about Physics degrees in general, or about studying in Germany. Many universities and colleges in Germany offer English-taught PhD's degrees.

  23. PhD in physics, biophysics, and mechanics

    The PhD student will be assigned to my group for this project. He or she will spend several months in European or American groups via the PhD mobility program of UBO. Apart from the regular contact with local partners, meetings are planned on a regular basis where experimental and numerical results will be discussed.

  24. Physics

    The Graduate Program in Physics offers a comprehensive curriculum of advanced study and research, from the Master's to the Doctorate degree, in fundamental physics and its applications. Through its association with ten laboratories and three LabEx laboratories at PSL, the graduate program offers a Master's degree in which research plays a ...

  25. 128 PhD programmes in Materials Science in Europe

    Materials Engineering. University of Illinois at Chicago. Chicago, United States. More interesting programmes for you. Find the best PhD programmes in the field of Materials Science from top universities in Europe. Check all 0 programmes.

  26. How to apply for doctoral studies in Europe

    Getting started. In Europe, every university sets its own application criteria for doctoral studies. To successfully enter the world of research, it´s very important to be proactive and start your preparation early. The enrollment procedures take time. Prepare early, check entry requirements and collect your documents.

  27. 14 PhD positions available in nanotechnology, physics ...

    Catchy is a multi-disciplinary project between state-of-the-art laboratories and industries and utilize a unique combination of very advanced cluster (deposition) sources as well as in situ characterization and (electro) catalysis testing techniques combined with quantum chemistry theoretical investigation and screening.. It will offer a total of 14 Early Stage Research (ESR) PhD positions for ...

  28. PhD Program Physics

    Objectives: The program involves all the PhDs related to the Physics Graduate School. It covers all fields of physics, from fundamental to applied, from theory, modeling and simulation to instrumentation, from laboratory experiments to large instruments placed on large research infrastructures or in space, from the disciplinary core to interfaces.

  29. List of PHD Programs in Europe

    Find the list of all PHD Programs in Europe with our interactive Program search tool. Use the filters to list programs by subject, location, program type or study level. ... Studies Modern Languages Natural Sciences Nursing Other Performing Arts Pharmacology Pharmacy and Pharmacology Philosophy Physics and Astronomy Politics Psychology Public ...

  30. How to Apply for Grad School in Europe

    Also important for M.Sc. programs abroad (and PhD programs): the Physics GRE is not required in Europe. Location, Location, Location — Where to Apply "Europe" is in fact a continent with dozens of countries and far too many astronomy programs to list here in full detail.