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Students
Tuition Fee
GBP 26,070
Per year
Start Date
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
36 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
PhD
Major
Applied Mathematics | Mathematics
Area of study
Mathematics and Statistics | Natural Science
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 26,070
About Program

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)

Program Outline


Applied Mathematics Research: Theoretical Physics MPhil/PhD


Degree Overview:

  • The Theoretical Physics Group in the Department of Mathematics is at the forefront of research and offers PhDs in String theory & M-theory, black holes, conformal field theory, supersymmetry, integrability, and other fundamental branches of modern theoretical physics.
  • You will work closely with a supervisor to conduct research in your chosen area.
  • You will attend regular seminars, where leading scientists from around the world present new results and discuss current research topics.
  • The department provides funding for PhD students to attend suitable schools and conferences during their studies.
  • The Group actively participates in the London Theory Institute (LonTI), which provides pedagogical lectures and seminars for PhD students in London.

Outline:

  • The program focuses on research and is designed to prepare students to become independent researchers in theoretical physics.
  • Students are expected to complete original research and write a PhD dissertation.
  • Students are actively encouraged to attend seminars, workshops, and conferences to present their work and network with other researchers.

Assessment:

  • The assessment process is based on the quality of research and the PhD dissertation.
  • Students are also expected to demonstrate strong communication skills through seminars and publications.

Teaching:

  • Students are assigned a supervisor who will guide their research and provide feedback on their work.
  • Students will also have access to a variety of other resources, such as lectures, workshops, and seminars.

Careers:

  • Graduates of the program go on to pursue careers in research and academia, as well as in industry.
  • The strong research and communication skills developed during the program are valuable assets in a variety of fields.

Other:

  • The department has a large number of active and internationally renowned researchers and postdoctoral research fellows.
  • Students have the opportunity to work in a collaborative and stimulating environment.

Additional Points:

  • The program typically takes 3-4 years full-time, or 6-8 years part-time, to complete.
  • Students can apply for funding from grant-awarding bodies such as ERC, EPSRC, Royal Society and STFC.
  • The application deadline for the program is usually in February, October, or June.

UK Tuition 2023/24 Full time tuition fees: £6,540 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research) Part Time Tuition fees: £3,270 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research) International Tuition Fees 2023/24 Full time tuition fees: £24,360 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research) Part Time Tuition fees: £12,180 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research) 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) Mathematics Research with University of Hong Kong or Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin International Tuition Fees 2023/24 Full time tuition fees: £24,360 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research with University of Hong Kong) £24,360 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research with Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin) Part time tuition fees: £12,180 (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research with Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin) International Tuition Fees 2024/25 Full time tuition fees: £26,070 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research with University of Hong Kong) £26,070 per year (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research with Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin) Part time tuition fees: £13,035 (MPhil/PhD, Mathematics Research with Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin) All of these fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions. Bench fees will be applicable to the non-award research programme for visiting students.

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