Program Overview

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Cosmology and Astrophysics Postgraduate Research Degrees

Overview

The University of Portsmouth's Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation (ICG) is a leading centre for cosmology and astrophysics research in the UK. We offer postgraduate research degrees in cosmology and astrophysics, providing students with the opportunity to engage with our research expertise and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in these fields.

Funded PhD Studentship Opportunities

The ICG invites applicants for PhD studentships beginning in October 2025. The studentships cover University of Portsmouth tuition fees and an annual maintenance grant of £19,237 (2024/25 rate). The STFC is able to accept applications from UK and overseas applicants, but awards to non-UK residents are capped at 30% of the total number of studentships awarded.

Entry Requirements

• A good first degree from an internationally recognised university or a Master's degree in Physics, Maths, or Astronomy.
• In exceptional cases, equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications may be considered.
• English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.

How to Apply

• Explore the research areas and discuss your interest with a potential supervisor before applying.
• Submit a personal statement, proof of degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of English language proficiency, and an up-to-date CV.
• Quote the project code ICG when applying.

Application Deadline

• The deadline for funded PhD positions for 2025 entry is 31 January 2025.
• Self-funded candidates wishing to start in October 2025 are welcome to apply until 30th June 2025.

Other Research Degree Opportunities at ICG

Cosmology & Astrophysics PhDs and MPhils

• Explore pre-approved funded and self-funded PhD projects in Cosmology and Astrophysics.
• Submit your own research idea and find a supervisor whose research interests match yours.

PhD by Publication

• A PhD by publication is a postgraduate research degree based on research you've already undertaken and had published.
• Eligible research outputs include peer-reviewed academic papers, complete books or chapters in anthologies, and other materials accepted for publication.

Duration, Fees, and Funding

Tuition Fees

• PhD and MPhil fees for UK, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man students: £4,786 per year (full-time), £2,393 per year (part-time).
• PhD and MPhil fees for EU students: £4,786 per year (full-time), £2,393 per year (part-time).
• PhD and MPhil fees for international students: £19,200 per year (full-time), £9,600 per year (part-time).

Bench Fees

• Some PhD projects may include additional fees for equipment and other consumables.
• Speak to the supervisory team during your interview about any additional fees you may have to pay.

Funding Support

• MPhil full-time and part-time courses are eligible for the Government Postgraduate Loan (UK/EU students only).
• PhD full-time and part-time courses are eligible for the Government Doctoral Loan (UK/EU students only).

Support and Facilities

• As a postgraduate student, you can work with the South East Physics Network (SEPNet), a consortium of nine universities in the southeast of England.
• You'll have access to the exceptional facilities within our Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation (ICG), including our SCIAMA supercomputer.

Research Areas

Astrophysics

• We're working to better understand the basic building blocks of our Universe, the origin of stars, the formation and evolution of galaxies, and stellar population models.

Gravitational Waves

• We're detecting cosmic gravitational waves and developing gravitational-wave observations as an astronomical tool.

Observational Cosmology

• We're mapping the Universe on the largest scales to understand dark energy, studying the clustering of galaxies and dark matter, and observing transient events and supernovae.

Theoretical Cosmology

• We're exploring the inflation of the very early Universe, the impact of dark energy on its geometry, and developing tests to monitor its expansion.