PhD studies at Heriot-Watt University Physics Department
Opportunities leading to a PhD degree are available within the various research groups. Currently the Department has about 50 postgraduate PhD students. To enter the Physics PhD programme you require an upper-second or first class BSc Honours degree, or a Masters qualification of equal or higher standard, in either Physics or a suitable related subject. The normal period of study for a PhD is 3½-years full-time or 4 - 6-years part-time. Part-time students can remain based in another organisation, provided that appropriate research and supervision facilities are available. Postgraduate work experience will also be taken into account when assessing applications.
The Department has several studentships available each year funded by EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) for British students. Postgraduate students are encouraged to contribute to the teaching activities of the Department, both for the experience and as a method of earning some additional income.
Up to three University Scholarships may be available for outstanding overseas students each year. Entry qualifications for non-UK students are determined on an indivdual basis.
Most of the projects in the list above are identified as potentially having EPSRC studentship support, which is restricted to UK resident students only. The Physics Department has around 8 such studentships in 2008 (both full and partial DTA awards). Although the usual start date is in October, we can take students at other times of year. The projects could equally run with students supported by other means, which in many cases have no nationality restrictions. However, the number of studentships in this case is very limited and the competition is high. The studentships available include:
- Scottish Universities Physics Alliance (SUPA) Prize Studentships [application deadline 31st Jan]: These are prestigious and competitive awards that are intended to attract outstanding students from around the world. Please visit the SUPA website for further information.
- Scottish Doctoral Training Centre in Condensed Matter [latest application 31st March]: Fully funded PhD studentships are available in Condensed Matter research. For further information please visit the Condensed Matter DTC website.
- James Watt (ORSAS) Scholarships [application deadline 31st Jan]: These are University awards providing full university postgraduate fees and a contribution to maintenance costs of £8,500 per annum for a maximum of three years. For further information please visit: here.
- Partial Scholarships The scholarships provide full fees and a contribution towards maintenance for up to three years. Please also visit here.
- Fees Only Scholarships: These scholarships provide full fees for up to three years. Further information can also be found here.
Note that each studentship award scheme may have different closing dates and you should check carefully the websites before you submit an application. In addition, there may be EPSRC project studentships available in the Department, which can support UK, EU or possibly Overseas students. Some of the projects may be advertised in http://www.findaphd.com/.
Please contact the Dr. Weiping Lu for further information about PhD studies and application forms.
Contact:
Dr. Weiping Lu
Phone:+44 (0) 131 451 3065
FAX:+44 (0) 131 451 3136
Email: 
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Postgraduate Studies > PhD Studies
