Physics
Excellent facilities and our international community of staff and students combine to make Loughborough University an ideal choice for postgraduate study in physics. Advancing knowledge across the breadth of the physical sciences, the Department is actively engaged with industry and cutting-edge research.
Why choose to study physics with us?
We have an excellent reputation
This is reflected in our degrees...
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MSc Advanced Physics
Campus: Loughborough
Department: Physics
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MSc Physics of Materials
Campus: Loughborough
Department: Physics
...including our research opportunities
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PhD Modelling how neural waves transfer information in brain cortex
Campus: Loughborough
Department: Physics
Funding status Studentship
Application deadline: 28th February 2021
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PhD Oxide film devices for AI processing of temporal signals
Campus: Loughborough
Department: Physics
Funding status Studentship
Application deadline: 28th February 2021
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PhD Applied radiation detection
Campus: Loughborough
Department: Physics
Funding status Self funded
Application deadline: 31 March 2023
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PhD Effects of Dzyaloshinski-Moriya interactions in frustrated magnets
Campus: Loughborough
Department: Physics
Funding status Self funded
Application deadline: 2 April 2021
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PhD Spectroscopic signatures of correlated quantum magnets
Campus: Loughborough
Department: Physics
Funding status Self funded
Application deadline: 30 April 2024
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PhD Standing electron-vortex waves trapped between two reflective mirrors
Campus: Loughborough
Department: Physics
Funding status Self funded
Application deadline: 31 August 2022
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PhD Superconducting Devices based on Arrays of Josephson Junctions
Campus: Loughborough
Department: Physics
Funding status Self funded
Application deadline: 1st January 2022
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PhD Ultrafast acoustic generation of spin-current by coherent phonons
Campus: Loughborough
Department: Physics
Funding status Self funded
Application deadline: 28 February 2021
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PhD Quantum dynamics of electrons in emerging van der Waals devices
Campus: Loughborough
Department: Physics
Funding status Studentship
Application deadline: 28th February 2021
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PhD Theoretical studies of two-dimensional metal chalcogenides
Campus: Loughborough
Department: Physics
Funding status Studentship
Application deadline: 28th February 2021
Did we mention that all degrees are delivered by recognised experts?
Our programmes and research opportunities are delivered by recognised experts, and enable you to acquire specialist knowledge of topics at the cutting edge of contemporary physics.
Research is important to us
Impactful research is central to the culture of our department.
Our research focuses on condensed matter and quantum physics, and many of our staff are actively engaged in both theoretical and applied research, industry projects and collaborations with Loughborough’s science and engineering departments, and partners across the world. Our two research-focused MSc programmes combine taught modules with the opportunity to develop research skills and work on an extensive supervised research project alongside experts in the field.
We have lots of extracurricular opportunities for you
We have a range of activities that you can get involved with that appeal to your interests outside of your studies. If you are interested in volunteering opportunities then we have a fantastic STEM project where you can become a Science Engineering Ambassador. This role involves visiting local Schools to encourage young people to engage in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths activities. It is a rewarding experience and will be great if you are interested in a future with science and teaching.
Equality is important to us
The Department of Physics has been awarded Juno Practitioner status in recognition of its work undertaken to progress the Juno principles within the Department. Project Juno is a national scheme operated by the Institute of Physics (IOP) that recognises and rewards physics departments that have taken action to address gender equality and to encourage better practice for all staff.
As part of this initiative, it monitors gender disaggregated data from undergraduate, postgraduate and department staff. As part of the department's commitment to these values we are also part of the Loughborough University School of Science Equality and Diversity Committee which is currently promoting a school wide application for an Athena SWAN Silver award.
Our students have great things to say about us

Chris
PhD student
From the department staff and researchers to the students; everyone strives to be the best. It felt inspiring to be a part of such a machine making waves throughout the research community.

James
Advanced Physics MSc alumnus
I would certainly recommend the Advanced Physics degree; the ability to pick and choose modules to suit your personal needs gives it an advantage over other more specialised degrees.
You'll have access to a wide range of facilities
Our extensive range of first-class facilities are designed to help you throughout their studies and fully-equip you for their your endeavours.
Experimental facilities include pulsed laser deposition, atomic force microscopy, Raman scattering and X-Ray diffraction. The departmental observatory has a 16-inch equatorially-mounted Meade telescope and other astronomical equipment.
We offer outstanding facilities for postgraduates, and have projected an investment of over £4 million to create a series of new laboratories and teaching spaces which will open in 2018.
In addition, the University’s new £17 million STEMLab facility includes a brand new, state-of-the-art Physical Sciences laboratory, designed for physics students to explore the fundamentals of mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum phenomena, waves, solid state and thermal physics. It also includes a Physics and Optics laboratory, allowing for the practical examination of optics and the behaviour of light, electromagnetism, thermodynamics and mechanics.