PhD in Physics

STFC PhD Studentships in Theoretical Particle Physics, Experimental Particle Physics or Astronomy (2026)

What you get

• Fully-paid tuition fees for three and a half years at the home fee status.
• A tax-free bursary for living costs for three and a half years (£20,780 per annum in 2025/26).
• Additional financial support is provided to cover short-term and long-term travel.
• If you are not a UK national, nor an EU national with UK settled/pre-settled status, you will need to apply for a student study visa before admission.

Type of award

Postgraduate Research

PhD project

We expect to be able to offer one or more studentships for September 2026 admission in each of the following areas:

• Theoretical Particle Physics; for projects and contacts see:

https://www.sussex.ac.uk/tpp/vacancies/studentships

• Experimental Particle Physics; for projects and contacts see:

https://www.sussex.ac.uk/epp/vacancies/postgraduate/openphd

• Astronomy; for projects and contacts see:

https://www.sussex.ac.uk/research/centres/astronomy/phd-studentships/

Eligibility

Applicants must hold, or expect to hold, at least a UK upper second class degree (or non-UK equivalent qualification) in Physics, or a closely-related area, or else a lower second class degree followed by a relevant Master's degree.

This award is open to UK and International students.

Deadline

28 February 2026 23:45

How to apply

Apply through the University of Sussex on-line system. 

https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/apply/log-into-account

Select the PhD in Physics, with an entry date of September 2026.

In the Finance & Fees section, state that you wish to be considered for an STFC PhD studentship, ref STFC/PhD/2026

The first round of applications for Astronomy will be considered at the end of January and the first round of applications for Theoretical Particle Physics will be considered at the end of February.

We advise early application as the position will be filled as soon as a suitable applicant can be found. Late applications may be accepted if places are still available.

Due to the high volume of applications received, you may only hear from us if your application is successful.

Contact us

If you have practical questions about the progress of your on-line application or your eligibility, contact FoSEM-PGR@sussex.ac.uk

Timetable

The first round of applications for Astronomy will be considered at the end of January and the first round of applications for Theoretical Particle Physics will be considered at the end of February.

We advise early application as the position will be filled as soon as a suitable applicant can be found. Late applications may be accepted if places are still available.