Photo: Professor Pete Vukusic.
Physics’ research activities are concentrated in four research groups: Astrophysics, Biomedical Physics, Electromagnetic Materials, and Quantum Systems and Nanomaterials. All research students are assigned to one of these groups, providing a stimulating environment with access to academic and postdoctoral staff, and fellow postgraduate students working in related areas. This group structure provides a very positive support mechanism, helping research students to sustain productive research; over 90 per cent submit within the EPSRC deadline period, with most publishing several scientific papers during their period of study.
If you are interested in applying for a PhD at Exeter you should first look at our research pages and decide which research areas interest you. You should also look at our Research projects page which lists the range of funded projects available. When you apply, you should specify the research groups that you are interested in and, if you wish, a particular supervisor. Funded studentships are competitive, so it helps not to be too precise in your choice of project. PhD projects in Physics are usually of three years duration; if you wish to study part-time you should discuss this with your prospective supervisor.
International students can complete the INTO Postgraduate Certificate in Pre-doctoral Studies to improve their English language proficiency, study and research skills before starting a Physics research degree at the University of Exeter.
Following the inspiring atmosphere and personal approach Exeter offered me as an undergraduate I was keen to further my education here. I experienced working in the Electromagnetic Materials Group as part of my Masters project and loved it! I was also impressed by the amount of world leading research produced by this Group, so I wanted to carry on and I hope to complete my study here in 2012.
After graduating in 2007 I was employed in Cornwall for a year as a Radio Frequency and Microwave Development Engineer where I worked in the research, design and development of precision waveguide components and test equipment. I returned from industry to further enhance my future employability while maintaining links through my industrial sponsor QinetiQ.
In my current study the understanding of fundamental electromagnetism enables me to explain much more complex systems. My work concerns controlling the transmission, reflection and absorption of electromagnetic radiation through sub wavelength metallic meshes which is important as our society develops more wireless technology where electromagnetic signals need to be screened or controlled. I’ve taken part in several conferences during my time here and gave a talk at my first conference, Nanometa 2009, in Seefeld Austria. I’ve also presented posters of my work at Metamorphose 2009 in London, at META 2010 in Cairo, Egypt and at a Royal Society Meeting (2010), at Chicheley Hall, UK.
I would recommend postgraduate study or research at Exeter to anyone as it provides world class research opportunities in a great location. There’s the beauty of the North Devon coast, Dartmoor and Exmoor a short distance away, and yet the city itself is close, lively and friendly. As an undergraduate the lecturers were enthusiastic and were always available to sit down and provide support, which proved invaluable. I’ve enjoyed the friendly atmosphere through all levels of my study, in addition to the opportunity to present my own work at international conferences, and the chance to work with world leading physicists on world leading research.
Celia Butler, PhD in Physics (Microwave Photonics, Electromagnetic Materials Group)
Masters in Physics with Professional Experience, (MPhys), University of Exeter
During my MSc I received an offer of employment with ICICI Prudential, but wanted to continue with my studies. I am now glad I chose this option, as I have since developed an interest in teaching and research, so a PhD has been the best possible option for me.
The field I’ve chosen (Metamaterials) is very new and has been under serious study in the last 7-10 years, so there are still many unanswered questions. Every day I learn something new, which excites me and inspires me in my research. The project I am now working on aims to theoretically/computationally investigate novel ways to tame light by researching for new paradigms of semiconductor based photonic structures. The objectives are to design new advanced photonic material composites that direct, confine, slow down and absorb light in a novel and unique manner. There are many gaps in both theory and experiments regarding this new class of materials, so I’m really excited to conduct research in this field and develop theory for exploiting the unusual behaviour of these materials.
Working alongside reputed scientists, great personalities and equally intelligent colleagues also helps me to grow intellectually. I love the location and weather in Exeter and I feel comfortable here. The University is unique when it comes to Physics because it’s concentrating and investing a lot in research, and the latest rankings are aptly justifying this. There are so many University Scholarships available, which is really appealing at a time when most other UK universities are scaling down costs. Equally, Exeter’s PhD Skills Improvement Programme is extremely helpful as it makes sure that each student graduates within 3 years, given and equipped with every skill expected from him/her.
I recommend study at Exeter because it’s a truly international university and is well on its way to being the Global Leader in research, which gives lot of scope for newcomers in an exciting period of expansion. The strong international community also makes me feel that I am part of a truly iInternational University.
