Physics & Astronomy Postgraduate opportunities Prospectus 2013 entry www.ed.ac.uk
THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH
Welcome to the University of Edinburgh: Influencing the world since 1583 Our proud history and alumni ambassadors For more than 400 years our people have been making their mark on the world. They’ve explored space, revolutionised surgery, won Nobel Prizes, published era-defining books, run the country, paved the way for life-saving breakthroughs and laid the foundations for solving the mysteries of the universe. By choosing further study or research at Edinburgh you will be joining a community of scholars who have been at the forefront of knowledge since 1583. We are associated with 15 Nobel Prize winners, including physicists Charles Barkla and Max Born, medical researcher Peter Doherty, economist Sir James Mirrlees and biologist Sir Paul Nurse. Our famous alumni include NASA astronaut Piers Sellers, former MI5 Director-General Dame Stella Rimington, Olympians Sir Chris Hoy and Katherine Grainger and historical greats such as philosopher David Hume, physicist and mathematician James Clerk Maxwell, inventor Alexander Graham Bell and Sherlock Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Teaching and research excellence We are consistently ranked as one of the world’s top 50* universities. As host to more than 30,000 students from some 130 countries, studying across 100 academic disciplines, the University of Edinburgh continues to attract the world’s greatest minds. World-leading research is produced by 96 per cent** of our academic departments, placing Edinburgh in the top five in the UK for research. Our excellent teaching was also confirmed in the latest report from the Quality Assurance Agency, which awarded us the highest rating possible for the quality of the student learning experience.
Collaborations and international partnerships As an internationally renowned centre of academic excellence, Edinburgh is the site of many world-class research collaborations. Our postgraduate students are crucial to our continued success and development and, along with our staff, they forge research links through regular travel and overseas exchanges. We take pride in our partnerships with other institutions such as the California Institute of Technology, Stanford University, the University of Melbourne, Peking University, the University of Delhi and the University of KwaZulu-Natal – to name but a few.
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The University of Edinburgh Physics & Astronomy Postgraduate opportunities Prospectus 2013 entry
Linking research and commerce Edinburgh was one of the first UK universities to actively develop commercial links with industry, government and the professions. Edinburgh Research and Innovation (ERI) has continued, for the past four decades, to develop the promotion and commercialisation of the University’s research excellence. ERI assists our postgraduates in taking a first step to market, whether it is through collaborative research, licensing technology or providing consultancy services.
Enhancing your career With the best track record for graduate employment in the Russell Group, the University of Edinburgh is committed to embedding employability into the teaching and learning experience. From offering access to volunteering schemes to providing support from our sector-leading Careers Service, the University gives students myriad opportunities to develop the skills, knowledge and experience to give them the edge in a competitive job market.
An inspiring destination Your first-class education will take place in one of Europe’s most striking capital cities, which is regularly voted one of the best places in the world to live. Edinburgh enjoys a solid reputation as a centre for innovation, whether as home to the 18th-century Scottish Enlightenment or as a modern source of pioneering science, medicine and technology. You couldn’t ask for a more inspiring setting in which to further your knowledge and broaden your horizons.
Join us Edinburgh offers unparalleled academic breadth and diversity, making it a vibrant, challenging and stimulating environment for postgraduate study. Whether you plan to change direction, enhance your existing career or develop in-depth knowledge of your area of study, the University of Edinburgh provides a world-class learning experience. *Times Higher Education World University Rankings ** Research Assessment Exercise 2008
Contents Welcome to the School of Physics & Astronomy
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Facilities and resources
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Community
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Employability and graduate attributes
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Continuing professional development
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Taught masters programmes
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Research opportunities
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Funding
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How to apply
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Get in touch
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Campus map
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Thomas Jefferson American Founding Father and President (speaking to his son-in-law, Thomas Mann Randolph, as he began his studies in 1786)
Welcome to the University of Edinburgh/Contents
“You are now in a place where the best courses upon Earth are within your reach... such an opportunity you will never again have.”
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Welcome to the School of Physics & Astronomy As the birthplace of the Higgs mechanism and the prediction of the Higgs boson, the University of Edinburgh’s School of Physics & Astronomy has a strong track record of innovation and research excellence. Our research – which ranked among the best in the UK in the latest Research Assessment Exercise – pushes the frontiers of scientific thinking. From the smallest to largest scales, the School’s pioneering work regularly attracts global attention. Not only have we played a vital role in the world’s largest scientific experiment – to find the Higgs boson – but we have also carried out the biggest exercise yet to map dark matter, spanning billions of light years across the universe.
Theoretical physics The discovery of a Higgs boson-like particle at CERN has prompted the creation of a new centre at the School – where Peter Higgs remains an emeritus professor – to support research in theoretical physics. The Higgs
Centre for Theoretical Physics will bring together scientists from around the world to seek deeper understanding of how the universe works.
Complex Systems we explore everything from the motion of micro-organisms to the behaviour of matter under the extreme pressures at the centres of stars.
Institutes of discovery
Institute for Particle and Nuclear Physics
Our researchers work at four institutes.
Institute for Astronomy The Institute for Astronomy is one of the UK’s major centres of astronomical research, with particular strengths in survey astronomy, cosmology, active galaxies and the formation of stars and planets.
Institute for Condensed Matter and Complex Systems At the Institute for Condensed Matter and
The work of the Institute for Particle and Nuclear Physics includes the giant experiments of the Large Hadron Collider at CERN in Switzerland, which are revealing the secrets of the building blocks of the universe.
EPCC EPCC is home to some of Europe’s most advanced supercomputing systems, including HECToR, the national facility for academic and industrial computational simulation.
Facilities and resources Our School has about 60 academics devoted to research and teaching, and offers the breadth of expertise and world-class facilities that will help you produce groundbreaking work. As a postgraduate student, you’ll be encouraged to explore the best the world can offer in your field of interest. Our connections with facilities such as CERN can widen your horizons, as can visits to international conferences and events. Thanks to our reputation as a centre for research excellence, we regularly play host to specialist conferences, and you can expect to have access to some of the leading names in the field.
World-leading facilities World-leading research requires exceptional facilities. At the School of Physics & Astronomy, you’ll have access to the tools you need to fulfil your academic ambitions. While we have established strong connections with many
global prestigious research centres, a number of internationally recognised facilities are based here at Edinburgh, and include:
Supercomputing As one of Europe’s leading centres of its kind, EPCC hosts state-of-the-art supercomputing facilities that enable high-level grid computing, data integration, computer simulation and process optimisation.
The Collaborative Optical Spectroscopy, Micromanipulation and Imaging Centre (COSMIC) A highly cross-disciplinary centre for optical characterisation, control and imaging of complex materials, the centre allows you to
develop innovative optical techniques and apply them to benefit both the physical and life sciences. As a member of the European Soft Matter Infrastructure project, the facility opens doors to a number of related international projects and networking opportunities.
Centre for Science at Extreme Conditions (CSEC) At this highly specialised laboratory, the physical properties of materials can be measured at extremely high pressures. Rising to international prominence over the past 20 years, CSEC provides the infrastructure needed to explore the effects of pressure on structure at interatomic distances.
The University of Edinburgh  Physics & Astronomy Postgraduate opportunities Prospectus 2013 entry
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Welcome to the School of Physics & AstronomyFacilities and resources www.ed.ac.uk
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Community As you would expect from one of the largest physics research departments in the UK, our academic community spans a broad range of subject areas. Our staff includes a number of Fellows of both the Royal Society and the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and you’ll have access to experts from other institutions through our membership of the Scottish Universities Physics Alliance. For postgraduate students, this means you’ll be undertaking your research in an environment that encourages discovery through collaboration. You’ll be part of a vibrant and motivated group of researchers, and will be able to participate in events aimed at developing strong collaborative links.
Social networking You’ll have plenty of opportunities to leave your office or lab to enjoy the company
of your peers. The Physics Intergroup Postgraduate Committee (PIPC) in particular combines seminars and workshops in specific and general subject areas. The PIPC organises an annual residential trip to the Firbush Point Field Centre, on the shores of Loch Tay in the Highlands. With everything from cycling to canoeing on offer, this is the perfect opportunity to blow away the cobwebs and get to know your fellow postgraduate students.
SUPA connections Our membership of the Scottish Universities Physics Alliance (SUPA) helps ensure exposure to as broad a range of thinking as possible. SUPA features courses, guest lecturers and online events aimed at bringing together the expertise of Scotland’s physicists and astronomers. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with your peers from other Scottish universities, and establish your place within the wider scientific community.
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The University of Edinburgh Physics & Astronomy Postgraduate opportunities Prospectus 2013 entry
Institute of Academic Development All of our postgraduate students have the opportunity to benefit from the University’s Institute for Academic Development (IAD), which provides information, events and courses to develop the skills you will need now and in the future. The IAD offers one of the most established university research and career skills training packages in the UK. Our IAD experts will help you gain the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to move onto the next stage in your career, be that in a professional sector or within academia. The Institute provides PhD researchers and masters by research students with dedicated training in topics such as research management; personal effectiveness; communication skills; public engagement, networking and teamworking; leadership and career management. You can gain expertise in information technology and presentation skills; confidence in undertaking independent and creative research; the ability to critically evaluate source materials; and the capacity to construct intellectually rigorous arguments. For taught postgraduates, the IAD provides a growing range of tailored study-related and transferable skills workshops, plus online advice and learning resources. These are all designed to help you settle into postgraduate life, succeed during your studies, and move confidently onwards to the next stage of your career. Developing these broader professional skills and qualities means that our postgraduate students are always in high demand.
Careers Service The University’s award-winning Careers Service aims to expand the horizons of all our students, enabling you to make informed career decisions and progress towards high personal and professional achievement, whether in work or in further study. Our goal is to offer you a world-class service. Our teams of subject-specific expert advisers are here to help at any time in your
programme of study. We offer impartial guidance and information, and draw on our relationships with a wide range of employing and training organisations. For more information on the full range of services available, including access to vacancies, advice on starting your own business, getting published, working internationally or even volunteering, visit the postgraduate section of our website at www.ed.ac.uk/careers.
For more information please visit www.ed.ac.uk/iad/postgraduates.
As well as the specific skills you’ll gain throughout your studies, you will also develop techniques and abilities that will give you a head start in any career. The University of Edinburgh offers key services to enhance your employability and make the most out of your time here.
Community/Employability and graduate attributes
Employability and graduate attributes
www.ed.ac.uk
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Continuing professional development The School of Physics & Astronomy offers two continuing professional development courses for science educators and secondary-level teachers through the Research Informed Science Education (RISE) programme. Both are part-time courses taught online.
Research Informed Science Education (RISE) www.ed.ac.uk/pg/762 PgCert (21 months PT) SCQF (4 months PT)
Programme description Adopting a distance learning model, the RISE programme offers an approach to professional development that is deliberately distinct from the traditional continuing professional development (CPD) available to teachers, and provides a high level of intellectual challenge leading to a postgraduate qualification. It is open to teachers, educationalists involved in the training and support of teachers, and others involved in the design and delivery of science teaching at secondary level or in further or early higher education. Innovative curriculum design has produced unique courses, ideally suited to postgraduate study where critical thinking and analysis are crucial and distinctive skills. Internet access is required. Participants on the RISE courses are registered, part-time students at the University and have access to the support services available to face-to-face students.
Course descriptions Research-Based Instructional Strategies in the Science Classroom: SCQF Level 11 (Four months part time - September to December) This course gives you the framework and contextual knowledge to formulate a research question and plan and execute a small-scale educational research project in the science education research tradition. You will develop key skills in research design, including methods in qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. Your assessed work will include a written presentation of your research proposal and a report on your research project’s results.
Technology Enhanced Learning in the Science Classroom: SCQF Level 11 (Four months part time - January to April) This course covers the main learning theories of the past century – behaviourism, cognitivism, constructivism, social learning and connectivism. When exploring each theory, you will collaborate with other students to devise technologically enhanced teaching approaches. Your assessed work will include written and multimedia presentations on your instructional intervention and its results.
Programme structure Each of the masters-level courses can stand alone as a CPD qualification at SCQF Level 11, or together they can form the basis of a Postgraduate Certificate in Science Education Research. The PgCert requires an additional course chosen from the MSc in e-Learning offered by the Moray House School of Education
Graduate School (www.ed.ac.uk/education/e-learning). The courses are delivered entirely online, through a variety of synchronous and asynchronous teaching methods, including virtual classroom sessions, individual research and the construction of collaborative materials such as wikis. A typical route to the PgCert would be to study part time for the RISE courses in one academic year and to study part time for an optional course in the next year.
Minimum entry requirements A UK 2:1 degree, or its international equivalent (www.ed.ac.uk/international/ country). Applicants with a 2:2 degree or equivalent may also be considered.
English Language Requirements See page 14
Tuition fees in 2012/13* Each course costs £1,450. *Fees change annually. For the most up-to-date information about fees see www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding.
Sources of financial support Participants based in the UK who have qualified teacher status (QTS) status may be able to obtain funding from the National Scholarship Fund. The deadline for applications is mid May each year. www.education.gov.uk/schools/careers/traininganddevelopment/funding The University of Edinburgh Scholarships and Student Funding Services have a web page devoted to scholarships for online distance learning and also provides an online search facility for financial aid available to prospective students worldwide. www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/student-funding/postgraduate/elearning
Staff The RISE team brings together staff with expertise in teaching and learning development. The team is led by Dr Judy Hardy, who heads the Edinburgh Physics Education Research group and has research interests in science education and the use of technology to support learning, and also includes Professor Colin Pulham, Director of Teaching in the School of Chemistry and Karon McBride, Learning Designer at the School of Physics & Astronomy and a former schoolteacher of 20 years.
Register your interest http://rise.ed.ac.uk/register-your-interest
The University of Edinburgh Physics & Astronomy Postgraduate opportunities Prospectus 2013 entry
High Performance Computing www.ed.ac.uk/pg/187
After completing your taught courses you work on your individual project. This can be industry-linked and we have opportunities for placements in host organisations.
MSc 1 yr FT (3 yrs PT available for UK/EU students)
We collaborate with the MSc in Computer Science (School of Informatics) and the MSc in Operational Research (School of Mathematics).
Programme description
Scholarships
You will study at EPCC, the UK’s leading supercomputing centre. We use an extensive collection of HPC systems including HECToR, which with more than 90,000 CPU cores is the UK’s largest, fastest and most powerful supercomputer.
The School offers up to two scholarships to cover tuition fees and additional study costs. The programme is also eligible for the Postgraduate Tuition Fees Loans, administered by SAAS. There are awards available for international students too. Visit www.epcc.ed.ac.uk/msc/fees-finance/#scholar.
You will learn how to solve the most computationally intensive tasks the world presently faces. Climate research, aerospace and automotive engineering, oil exploration, drug design, genetic sequencing and nanotechnology are examples of areas where high performance computing skills can offer exciting career paths.
Programme structure This programme takes the form of two semesters of taught courses followed by a dissertation project. Throughout your studies, which will have a strong practical focus, you will have access to a wide range of HPC platforms and technologies.
Career opportunities You can use your skills in academic computational science research, other science research, engineering, industry and commercial software development.
Minimum entry requirements A UK 2:1 degree, or its international equivalent (www.ed.ac.uk/international/ country), or equivalent work experience. You must be a competent programmer in C, C++, Fortran or Java.
The compulsory courses provide a broad-based coverage of the fundamentals of HPC and parallel computing, while the optional courses focus on specialist areas relevant to computational science. Assessment is by a combination of coursework and examination.
English Language Requirements: See page 14
Compulsory courses: HPC Architectures, HPC Ecosystem, Message-Passing Programming, Threaded Programming, Software Development, Programming Skills, Project Preparation.
3 yrs PT UK/EU £1,920 per year
Optional courses: Parallel Numerical Algorithms, Parallel Programming Languages, Performance Programming, Advanced Parallel Programming, Parallel Design Patterns.
Staff
You can also choose optional courses from elsewhere within the University, for example the School of Informatics and the School of Mathematics.
Programme contact MSc administrator
Tuition fees in 2012/13* 1 yr FT UK/EU £5,750; international £17,200 *Fees change annually. For the most up-to-date information about fees see www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding. The MSc is taught by staff from EPCC, who have a wealth of expertise across all areas of high performance computing and parallel programming technologies.
T: +44 (0)131 651 7076 E: msc@epcc.ed.ac.uk
Savia Emilia Josepha Desoza MSc High Performance Computing
www.ed.ac.uk
“The programme offers wide areas of interest. There is a good balance of theory and practical work with access to current technologies. For my dissertation I’m working on an industrial project, which deals with parallelising code, giving me the chance to apply the knowledge I’ve gained in my studies. I would recommend this programme because of the access to the fantastic resources and labs, excellent computing hardware (which isn’t available at many universities) and the experienced staff who have first-rate knowledge.”
The School of Physics & Astronomy offers the MSc in High Performance Computing, taught by EPCC.
Continuing professional development/Taught masters programme
Taught masters programme
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Research opportunities The School offers a diverse range of PhD degrees across all of our areas of research. Astrophysics www.ed.ac.uk/pg/189
Condensed Matter, Complex Systems & Biophysics
PhD 3 yrs FT (6 yrs PT available for UK/EU students)
www.ed.ac.uk/pg/190 PhD 3 yrs FT (6 yrs PT available for UK/EU students)
Based at the historic Royal Observatory Edinburgh, the Institute for Astronomy (IfA) is one of the world’s leading centres in astronomical research. We share our picturesque base on Blackford Hill with the UK Astronomy Technology Centre (ATC) – the UK’s leading astronomical instrument maker – so as a postgraduate student you will be joining a vibrant community of specialists. There are between 30 and 35 PhD students based at the IfA at any given time. Research environment The scope of our research is as wide as the cosmos we explore. Thanks to our affiliation with the UK ATC and our strong links with related research centres in the School of Physics, we are in a rare position to accommodate a diversity of research specialisms. The particular areas of research that are currently being pursued are too numerous to list, but they include: cosmology (large-scale structure in the universe, galaxy formation, dark matter and dark energy); Active galactic nuclei and related objects; nearby galaxies (large-scale star formation, structure, content and evolution of galaxies); stellar astronomy (parallax and proper motion studies, the stellar luminosity function, symbiotic stars); star formation (observation and theoretical studies, star formation in external galaxies); planet formation (disc and planet formation in protostars, discs around pre-main-sequence stars); and computational astrophysics (through the Edinburgh Centre for Computational Astrophysics). Observational PhDs use large telescopes in Australia, Hawaii, Chile and the Canary Islands, plus the Hubble Space Telesope. An inspiring setting Not only will you be surrounded by a wealth of expertise at the Royal Observatory, but our historic setting also provides a constant reminder of the importance of astronomical advances throughout the centuries. Excellent prospects Graduates from the Institute for Astronomy are among the most highly sought-after candidates for academic and commercial positions. Your degree will see you well placed to take up a rewarding role that applies your knowledge to the advancement of astrophysics. Tuition fees in 2012/13* PhD 3 yrs FT: UK/EU £3,828; international £15,000 per year PhD 6 yrs PT: UK/EU £1,914 per year *Fees change annually. For the most up-to-date information about fees see www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding.
Our group, which incorporates molecular and optical physics, covers a world of applications, from computational materials physics through quantum ordering to soft matter physics. Condensed Matter Physics (CMP) overlaps considerably with materials science, as well as biological and earth sciences, and relies on fundamental developments in statistical physics and novel simulation methodologies. Research environment Our research is concerned with the study of liquids and solids, and ‘viscoelastic’ materials (such as polymers and suspensions) with properties in between. We look to discover and characterise the behaviour of these materials in the laboratory, and understand such behaviour in terms of the microscopic constituents. Experimentally, the determination of structure and the characterisation of static and dynamic optical, electrical, magnetic, mechanical and other properties under ambient and extreme conditions call upon a wide range of tools. Leading centres You’ll have access to the resources of some of the top facilities in Europe and the UK. COSMIC is a cross-disciplinary centre for optical characterisation, control and imaging of complex materials, which offers world-class equipment and a far-reaching research network. We host the UK Centre for Astrobiology, where the responses of molecules to life in extreme environments – including the space environment – are studied. The Centre also simulates extraterrestrial environments, and maintains a a subsurface biology laboratory 1.5km underground at the Boulby Mine in Yorkshire. Our ability to probe the structures and properties of materials at extremes of pressure and temperature has been boosted by the creation of the Centre for Science at Extreme Conditions. Wet labs are available for work at biological hazard containment level 1, and upgradeable to containment level 2. Among the powerful resources accessed by our computer simulators and theorists is a 5 teraflop IBM BlueGene supercomputer hosted by the EPCC. We are also participants in EPSRC’s ‘RealityGrid’ e-Science Testbed Project (part of a national initiative in grid Computing). Diverse and successful Our graduates have pursued highly diverse and successful careers in academia and industry. Tuition fees in 2012/13* PhD 3 yrs FT: UK/EU £3,828; international £15,000 per year PhD 6 yrs PT: UK/EU £1,914 per year *Fees change annually. For the most up-to-date information about fees see www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding.
The University of Edinburgh Physics & Astronomy Postgraduate opportunities Prospectus 2013 entry
PhD 3 yrs FT (6 yrs PT available for UK/EU students)
EPCC offers the opportunity to study for a PhD in topics related to high-performance computing. Research environment Founded in 1990, EPCC is one of the leading supercomputing centres in Europe and a major provider of training in high performance computing. EPCC’s expertise includes advanced research, technology transfer, commercial consultancy and the provision of supercomputer services to academia and business. EPCC hosts the UK’s national supercomputing service, HECToR, which includes the world’s first production of Cray XE6 system. A small number of EPSRC scholarships may be available each year for UK residents. EPCC has a team of experienced consultants and software engineers who have a wealth of expertise in the latest technologies. A particular strength of EPCC is in grid computing, with particular expertise in grid middleware and application development, two areas that are of interest to industry and commerce. Pathway to progress Graduates from EPCC have found rewarding employment in the computing industry, universities and government organisations. Tuition fees in 2012/13* PhD 3 yrs FT: UK/EU £3,828; international £15,000 per year PhD 6 yrs PT: UK/EU £1,914 per year *Fees change annually. For the most up-to-date information about fees see www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding.
www.epcc.ed.ac.uk
Research opportunities
EPCC
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www.ed.ac.uk
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Nuclear Physics
Particle Physics (Experiment and Theory)
www.ed.ac.uk/pg/192
www.ed.ac.uk/pg/193
PhD 3 yrs FT (6 yrs PT available for UK/EU students)
PhD 3 yrs FT (PT 6 yrs available for UK/EU students)
We have established an enviable reputation for producing impactful work and sought-after graduates. Our group boasts the greatest breadth of expertise in the UK, which creates a research environment that allows for diversity, collaboration and a high level of understanding of the field as a whole. We encourage small collaborations that allow you to become involved in all aspects of your experiments, including design, construction, implementation, data analysis and presentation of the results. Research environment Our experimental research includes studies to identify both the baryonic and non-baryonic constituents of the universe, the influence of nuclear reactions on stellar explosions, and the quark substructures of hadrons. The main areas of our research include: photonuclear research, exotic nuclei, nuclear astrophysics, silicon detector devices and dark matter research. We have an in-house development programme of advanced particle and photon detection systems and state-of-the-art simulation software and analysis techniques. Much of this has been made possible by our work with commercial company Micron Semiconductor. Another recent collaboration, with Imperial College and the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, aims to establish the first direct evidence of non-baryonic dark matter. Creating networks Most of our projects are undertaken in international collaborations. Should your research warrant it, you will have the opportunity to develop your work at one of a number of high-profile research facilities and worldwide institutions, such as TRIUMF in Canada, ORNL and ANL in the US, CERN in Switzerland and Mainz University in Germany. As well as ensuring your research is world standard, these collaborations give you the chance to establish valuable contacts in the world of nuclear physics. Recognised and sought-after Research degrees in nuclear physics from the University of Edinburgh have taken many of our graduates into international appointments. Recent alumni have taken research positions at international universities and labs including UCLA, Boston University, TRIUMF, and the universities of Michigan and Munich. The quality of the degree is very well recognised, and a significant asset to any academic or commercial employer. Tuition fees in 2012/13* PhD 3 yrs FT: UK/EU £3,828; international £15,000 per year PhD 6 yrs PT: UK/EU £1,914 per year *Fees change annually. For the most up-to-date information about fees see www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding.
Exploring nature at the tiniest scale, the Particle Physics group seeks to add to our understanding of the make-up of our universe. By joining our research group, you’ll be following in the footsteps of our celebrated emeritus professor, Peter Higgs, whose groundbreaking Higgs mechanism has excited the world of physics for decades and has been the focus of operations at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. You’ll also have the opportunity to confer and work with some of the greatest minds in physics today, through our links with leading conferences and international facilities. Research environment Our research groups works in two areas – Theory and Experiment. • Particle Physics – Theory This research concerns fundamental physics at all energy scales, from hadronic binding energy to the massive forces at play in the first instants of the universe’s existence. We collaborate with leading facilities, such as the Large Hadron Collider at CERN and the WMAP and Planck satellites. Our current research explores developments in both perturbative and non-perturbative field theory, renormalization theory and the application of quantum theory to other branches of physics, such as turbulence theory and condensed matter systems. • Particle Physics – Experiment We look to understand the fundamental particles of nature and the interactions that govern their behaviour. In particular, from understanding the symmetries present in the universe, we seek to explain the dominance of matter over anti-matter, and mechanisms of symmetry-breaking that led to the creation of mass via the Higgs boson and non-Standard Model particles. Researchers from our group are working on two experiments at the Large Hadron Collider, the LHCb experiment and the ATLAS experiment. A universe of opportunities The Particle Physics group offers prospective PhD students exciting opportunities to study at the very frontier of understanding. There are fully funded studentships available for a wide range of theoretical and experimental projects, plus opportunities to travel to CERN for long and short visits. Tuition fees in 2012/13* PhD 3 yrs FT: UK/EU £3,828; international £15,000 per year PhD 6 yrs PT: UK/EU £1,914 per year *Fees change annually. For the most up-to-date information about fees see www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding.
The University of Edinburgh  Physics & Astronomy Postgraduate opportunities Prospectus 2013 entry
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Research opportunities www.ed.ac.uk
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Funding A large number of scholarships, loans and other funding schemes are available for your postgraduate studies. You can find the full range at www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding. Awards are offered by the School of Physics & Astronomy, the College of Science & Engineering, the University of Edinburgh, the Scottish, British and international governments and funding bodies. Below we list a selection of potential sources of financial support for postgraduate students applying to the School of Physics & Astronomy. Where an entry does not include a web address, please use the web link above to navigate to the particular award.
University of Edinburgh scholarships
Other sources of funding
China Scholarships Council/University of Edinburgh Scholarships
Commonwealth Scholarships
A number of scholarships for PhD study to candidates who are citizens and residents of China. www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding/china-council
The College of Science & Engineering The College of Science & Engineering has funds from endowments and donations that are available to provide funding for studentships. Individual Schools also receive considerable support from other organisations such as charities, trusts and industrial sponsors.
Edinburgh Global Masters Scholarships A number of scholarships available to international students for masters study. www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding/masters
Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships These scholarships are designed to attract high-quality international research students to the University. www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding/global-research
Edinburgh Santander Masters Scholarships Several scholarships are available to students from a number of countries for masters study. www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding/santander
For students who are resident in any Commonwealth country, other than the UK. www.dfid.gov.uk/cscuk
Fulbright Scholarships Scholarships open to US graduate students in any subject wishing to study in the UK. www.iie.org/fulbright
Marshall Scholarships Open to outstanding US students wishing to study at any UK university for at least two years. www.marshallscholarship.org
Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships A number of scholarships open to citizens of Canada, China, India and the US, undertaking masters-level study in Scotland. www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding/saltire
The University of Edinburgh Graduate Discount Scheme We offer a 10 per cent discount on postgraduate fees for all alumni who have graduated with an undergraduate degree from the University. www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding/discounts
Edinburgh UK/EU Masters Scholarships Scholarships for UK and EU students who have been accepted on a full-time masters degree programme. www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding/uk-masters
Principal’s Career Development PhD Scholarships A number of awards, open to UK, EU and international PhD students. www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding/development
Principal’s Indian Masters Scholarships 15 scholarships are available to students from India for masters study. www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding/masters-india
Scottish Universities Physics Alliance (SUPA) Prize PhD Studentships
Robert Starr MSc High Performance Computing Scotland’s Saltire Scholarship
These prestigious and competitive awards are intended to attract outstanding students from around the world, irrespective of nationality, to study for a PhD. www.apply.supa.ac.uk/prize
The Scottish Doctoral Training Centre for Condensed Matter Physics The Scottish Doctoral Training Centre in Condensed Matter Physics is a triinstitutional collaboration between the universities of St Andrews, Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt. It offers more than ten four year PhD fully funded studentships per annum. http://apply.supa.ac.uk/cm-dtc
“The Scottish Government’s initiative to attract international students from Canada, China, India and the US through the Saltire Scholarship Scheme as well as the University of Edinburgh’s help and support for international students has helped provide me with an opportunity that I would never have conceived prior to starting my studies at Edinburgh.”
The University of Edinburgh  Physics & Astronomy Postgraduate opportunities Prospectus 2013 entry
Normally only those UK/EU students who have been resident in the UK for the preceding three years are eligible for a full award. For some awards, candidates who are EU nationals and are resident in the UK may be eligible for a fees-only award. www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding/research-councils
The Canada Student Loans Program The University is eligible to certify Canadian student loan applications. Full details on eligibility and how to apply can be found online. www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding/canadian-loans
The Student Awards Agency for Scotland This department of the Scottish Government has offered loans to postgraduate students in the past. At time of going to press arrangements for study in 2013/14 were under review. www.saas.gov.uk
US Student Loans The University is eligible to certify loan applications for US loan students. Full details on eligibility and how to apply can be found online. www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding/us-loans
Research councils offer awards to masters, MPhil and PhD students in most of the Schools within the University of Edinburgh. All studentship applications from the research councils must be made through the University, through your School or College office. Awards can be made for both taught and research programmes.
Financial aid
Funding
Research council awards
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www.ed.ac.uk
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How to apply General requirements In general, postgraduate applicants to the School of Physics & Astronomy will need to have a minimum of a 2:1 degree in a related field, such as physics, astronomy, computer science, mathematics, or engineering. If your background is not directly related to physics or astronomy, you may still be considered. Please get in touch with the relevant programme contact or potential PhD supervisor to discuss your suitability. Some programmes may vary, so check the entry requirements for the specific programme you wish to apply for.
MSc Once you have ensured you meet the entrance requirements, applying for one of our postgraduate programmes is simple. Visit www.ed.ac.uk/pg/degrees and complete an online application. By setting up an online account, you’ll be able to save your application and continue at another time. You’ll find more information on our MSc and PgCert programmes at www.ph.ed.ac.uk/ studying/postgraduate-taught.
Should you have any more questions or need more information, please contact the programme administrator, who will be more than happy to talk to you about a possible application.
Research degrees You may apply for admission to PhD studies at any time but we encourage you to make your application early in the academic year. All of our grants for PhD studies will normally be allocated by February, although applicants with their own funding can be accepted much later than this. To find out more about our research areas, visit www.ph.ed.ac.uk/studying/postgraduateresearch/research-opportunities. Once you have identified your research aims, please make your application online at www. ed.ac.uk/pg/degrees. When you create an account you will be able to save your application and continue at another time. For your initial application, you need only state the research area(s) that you are interested in and your likely topic of research. You may also wish to upload a full research proposal.
Should you have any questions about the application process, contact us for more information. Contact details can be found opposite.
Joining us from overseas International applicants are advised to check the University’s website to find out more about their visa options and our Integrated English for Academic Purposes (IEAP) programme. Please visit www.ed.ac.uk/ international/ieap.
International agents The University has certified representative agents in the following locations: Brunei, Canada, China, Gulf Region, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Jordan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Zambia and Zimbabwe. International applicants can use an agent to help guide them through the application process if necessary. Contact details for all our agents can be found at www.ed.ac.uk/studying/ international/agents.
English language requirements Students whose first language is not English must show evidence of one of the qualifications in the box below.
IELTS 6.5 (with no score lower than 6.0 in each section) TOEFL iBT Total 92 (with no score lower than 20 in each section). Pearson Test of English 61 (with no score lower than 56 in each section) Cambridge CPE Grade B
Please note: • English language requirements can be affected by government policy so please ensure you visit our website for the latest details. www.ed.ac.uk/english-requirements/pg/cse • Your English language certificate must be no more than two years old at the beginning of your degree programme. • A degree from an English-speaking university may be accepted in some circumstances. • Cambridge tests are accepted only for applicants who do not need Tier 4 visas to enter the UK.
Cambridge CAE Grade A Abbreviations: IELTS − International English Language Testing System; TOEFL iBT − Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test; CPE − Certificate of Proficiency in English; CAE − Certificate in Advanced English
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The University of Edinburgh  Physics & Astronomy Postgraduate opportunities Prospectus 2013 entry
For more information about applying for the MSc and the RISE programme, contact: MSc Administrator T: +44 (0)131 651 7067 E: msc@epcc.ed.ac.uk
For any other enquiries, contact: School of Physics & Astronomy The University of Edinburgh James Clerk Maxwell Building King’s Buildings Mayfield Road Edinburgh EH9 3JZ
For more information about applying for our Doctorate programmes, contact:
UK
Graduate School Secretary
E: info@ph.ed.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)131 650 5273
Institute for Astronomy
E: gradschool@ph.ed.ac.uk
The University of Edinburgh
T: +44 (0)131 651 7067
Royal Observatory Blackford Hill Edinburgh EH9 3HJ UK T: +44 (0)131 668 8403
Visit us Our postgraduate Open Day is your opportunity to come and meet current staff and students. Our next campus-based Open Day takes place on Friday 23 November 2012. For further details, please visit www.ed.ac.uk/postgraduate-open-day. We also run online information sessions for prospective postgraduate students throughout the year. To find out more, visit www.ed.ac.uk/pg/open-day/online-events.
Contact us
How to apply/Get in touch
Get in touch
www.ed.ac.uk
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University building
Institute for Astronomy
School of Physics & Astronomy
Published by Communications and Marketing The University of Edinburgh Designed by Hamlin Daniels www.hamlindaniels.co.uk
Photography by Paul Dodds Yao Hui Norrie Russell Peter Tuffy Laurence Winram Printed by J Thomson Colour Printers www.jtcp.co.uk
Postgraduate Open Day: 23 November 2012
Semester 1: 16 September–20 December 2013
Induction Week: 9–13 September 2013
Semester 2: 13 January–23 May 2014
FSC This publication is available online at www.ed.ac.uk and can be made available in alternative formats on request. Please contact Communications.Office@ed.ac.uk or call +44 (0)131 650 2252.
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© The University of Edinburgh 2012. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the University. The University is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336.