DPhil in Condensed Matter Physics

University of Oxford

About the course

Research projects available for the DPhil in Condensed Matter Physics include topics in biological physics, quantum materials and semiconductor materials, devices and nanostructures. Research in the department ranges from fundamental physics questions to interdisciplinary research and technological applications.

The DPhil in Condensed Matter Physics (CMP) is a research-based three- to four-year course. You will be supervised throughout the entire duration of the programme and join the research group of your supervisor. There will usually be opportunity to attend conferences or conduct experiments in other institutions inside or outside the UK.

During the first year you will be required to attend lectures and courses to increase your basic and specialist physics knowledge. In the following years you will concentrate on your research work.

You will be assigned to a research group. work on your original research project will start immediately and continue for the duration of your DPhil.

In exceptional cases applicants may apply for a MSc by Research degree (MSc by Research in Condensed Matter Physics), which requires a shorter registration period. Please contact the department for further information and advice about admission to this course.

Assessment

At the end of the first year you are expected to submit a report on your research and to defend it in an interview with the Graduate Studies Panel and a specialist reader. The panel will determine whether you can transfer status from Probationer Research Student (PRS) to DPhil student.

Towards the end of the second year you will present a poster to the sub-department. Discussion of your research project with panel members at the poster session will contribute to the decision whether to confirm your status as DPhil student.

At the end of the third year you are expected to give a talk to the sub-department and to answer questions following the presentation.

You will be expected to submit a substantial original thesis after three or, at most, four years from the date of admission. To be successfully awarded a DPhil you will need to defend your thesis orally (viva voce) in front of two appointed examiners.

Graduate destinations

A DPhil in Condensed Matter Physics can provide a springboard for a career in research but also serves as a broad high-level qualification. Students have found careers in academic and industrial research organisations, the financial sector, information technology, consultancy, media etc. Some go on to further training in, for example, medicine and law.