Program Overview

Applied Mathematics Research: Theoretical Physics MPhil/PhD

Key information

Award: MPhil, PhD Study mode: Full time, Part time Campus: Strand Campus Duration: 3-4 years full-time, 6-8 years part-time

Overview

The Theoretical Physics Group in the Department of Mathematics is at the international forefront of research and offers PhD's in string and M-theory, black holes, conformal field theory, supersymmetry, integrability, and other fundamental branches of modern theoretical physics. In addition, we also run our own MSc programme.

Research areas

• String and M-theory
• Black holes
• Conformal field theory
• Supersymmetry
• Integrability
• Other fundamental branches of modern theoretical physics

Entry requirements

UK requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with 1st class or 2:1 honours
• A good MMath, MSci or master's degree with high grades in modules that relate to the chosen research area will strengthen the application
• Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed online

Equivalent International qualifications

• Select a country to view equivalent qualifications

English language requirements

• English language band: D
• To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment
• You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies

Tuition fees

UK Tuition 2024/25

• Full time tuition fees: £6,936 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research)
• Part Time Tuition fees: £3,468 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research)

International Tuition Fees 2024/25

• Full time tuition fees: £26,070 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research)
• Part Time Tuition fees: £13,035 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research)

UK Tuition 2025/26

• Full time tuition fees: £7,500 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research)
• Part Time Tuition fees: £3,750 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research)

International Tuition Fees 2025/26

• Full time tuition fees: £28,000 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research)
• Part Time Tuition fees: £14,000 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research)

Study environment

Base campus

• Strand Campus
• Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties

Research group

• Theoretical Physics
• The group is at the forefront of research in supersymmetry, string and M-theory and related areas

Postgraduate training

• Department and College induction events are scheduled at the beginning of your degree to prepare you for life as a PhD student
• All students are required to complete 10 days of training each year
• Our PhD students receive various forms of training during their period of research, e.g. attending courses in the London Taught Courses Centre, attendance at EPSRC summer schools; provision of advanced lecture courses; College training courses for graduates who will give tutorial teaching to undergraduates; weekly seminars in the area of your research; frequent research group meetings; attendance at national and international conferences and research meetings

Application procedure

• Explore our Research Groups to find relevant supervisors
• Explore our Funding and Project Opportunities
• Although the College admits applications at three times during the year, October, February and June, in practice most PhD students start in October
• To receive full consideration, applications should be received by mid to late January
• The Group begins the process of shortlisting applicants in February and holds interviews online
• Offers are typically made in late March/April

Personal statement and supporting information

• Personal statement: Yes, a personal statement is required
• Research Proposal: Optional, it is not necessary or expected to make your own research proposal as your project will be decided in consultation with your supervisor
• Previous Academic Study: Yes, a copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained
• References: Yes, two references are required with at least one academic
• Other: Optional, you may also wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application

Application closing date

• We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed
• As mentioned above for full consideration applications should be submitted by the end of January for a 1 October start date, although exceptions can occur
• The final application deadlines are detailed below; on these dates, the programme will close at 23:59 (UK time) and we will open for the corresponding intake in 2026 soon after the same intake has passed in 2025

Funding opportunities

• Students are considered for available funded studentships when they apply, however they should indicate on their application that they wish to be considered for funding
• The number of available, funded studentships varies from year to year, and these are allocated by the group following an online interview
• We also welcome applications from students who have obtained funding from other sources, including self-funding
• For funding opportunities please explore the following pages:
  • Department of Mathematics: Research Degrees
  • List of funding opportunities
  • King’s-China Scholarship Council PhD Scholarship programme (K-CSC)