PhD EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS

Research degrees in Experimental Physics are based on original research work, which may involve laboratory investigations and/or computational studies. This research is carried out under the supervision of an experienced researcher. In addition, valuable transferable skills are developed through flexible support modules, as part of Maynooth University's structured PhD programme.

Closing date
Research applications are generally accepted at any time

Commences
September (or other agreed time)

First-class or upper second-class (2.1) honours undergraduate degree in Physics, or equivalent.

Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.

Minimum English language requirements:
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants..

Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

IELTS : 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each band

Duolingo English Test (DET) : The minimum requirement will be a DET score of 120 - with at least 110 in each individual subscore. 

Pearson Test of English : 63 with no less than 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section

TOEFL internet-based test  : iBT: 90 with no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in every other section

During the course of their studies research students at the Department of Experimental Physics develop expertise in specialized areas of experimental physics, computational physics or astrophysics. Research work in Experimental Physics also develops a range of ancillary skills – in the areas of problem-solving, computational modelling, system analysis, and technical communication.

This blend of Physics and transferable skills means that Physics graduates are highly sought after by employers not only in a wide range of traditional high-technology industries such as microelectronics, telecommunication, software engineering or medical physics, but also in an even wider range of areas where advanced numeracy is a distinct advantage – such as scientific civil service, finance or climate science. Students pursuing research in astrophysics also might consider areas specifically requiring astrophysicists such as space science, or satellite and deep space communications.

A PhD degree is also generally a prerequisite for careers in academia and industrial research.