For details of the Astrophysics MSc please see the University’s postgraduate taught degree programme page.
Every year we usually offer 1-2 fully funded (fees and stipends for UK students) PhD places starting in October. The closing date for applications is in about the February of the starting year but there are sometimes opportunities at other times of the year. There are also a range of competitive scholarship funding, more information is a available on the college website.
The PhD places are predominantly in the areas of Solar Physics (both data analysis and theory/simulation), Plasma Physics, Radio Astronomy and Cosmology. Some recent project titles offered within the Astronomy & Astrophysics group are detailed below though future projects will likely be slightly different.
- The energetics of small solar flares and brightenings
- Chromospheric observations of Solar Flares – Studies with SDO, IRIS and Hinode
- Optical studies of solar flares
- Spectral Diagnostics and Non-LTE Modelling of the Solar Atmosphere
- Diagnostics of solar particle acceleration – a cosmic prototype
- Particles, Plasma and Electromagnetic Waves in the Heliosphere
- Diagnostic of solar eruptive prominences
- Nuclear radiation processes in solar flares
- Astronomy with the Square Kilometre Array
- Pulsar Magnetospheres
- Cosmic Magnetism and Plasma Cosmology
- Plasma Sheath stability and plasma acoustics
- Surface flow induced ionization in the Sun
- Self-consistent dust growth in plasmas
To discuss your interests, please contact group members directly with any questions.
Formal applications are made through The College of Science and Engineering but the prospective students should first contact the group member concerned for more details of the projects.