Note: some of the documents on this page are in PDF format. In order to view a PDF you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader
The particle physics group is at the forefront of data analysis and upgrade activities in the CMS and LHCb experiments. We also work at the cutting edge of novel detector technologies and systems, for applications inside and outside particle physics. Fully-funded 3.5 / 4 year STFC / ERC-funded studentships are available for 2013, including up to 18 months posting at CERN.
If you'd like to join us in October 2013 and be involved in looking at data from CERN's new Large Hadron Collider, we have opportunities to work on data analysis in either the CMS or LHCb experiment. Interested students could also work on technology R&D in a variety of areas: new particle detector techniques using CVD diamond; novel integrated detectors; upgraded detector components for CMS or LHCb; or new experiments in the area of quark flavour physics.
Bristol Ph.D. students will usually join one of the experiments and undertake some physics analysis as their main activity, and will also be involved in some aspect of the detector operation. There are also opportunities for interested applicants to focus on the detector upgrade programme, including hardware R&D and software simulation studies.
We offer an extensive postgraduate training programme, including attendance at two residential schools during the first year.
We will be holding an Open Day on the 13th of February 2013. If you would like to attend, you will need to apply before the 5th of February. The Open Day will consist of an introduction to the School and the research group and a tour of our research facilities. We will also interview candidates. Attendance is by invitation only, so please apply. Suitable applicants are usually invited.
If you are interested in pursuing your Physics postgraduate study in Bristol you should complete our 2013 online application form.
Please do not forget to press the submit button at the end of your application.
Applicants should ask two named referees to send us directly a letter of recommendation. These should be from academic referees who know the applicant personally and who can comment on their aptitude for research. You should include copies of certificates, transcripts and any other supporting documents (including English Language certificates, if applicable) with your application. It is helpful to attach a brief curriculum vitae that includes a description of research interests. Applications are considered by research group leaders and by the Director of Physics Graduate School. Suitable applicants are usually invited to visit the School, meet prospective advisers and discuss research opportunities.
Some of our PhD studentships are funded by STFC. STFC will pay UK students a tax-free stipend of approximately £13,590 per annum and will pay their university fees. In addition support for travel and conference attendance, and the opportunity to spend an extended period of time on-site at CERN is available.
An EU student who has been resident in the UK for the last 3 years is also eligible for full STFC funding (see STFC web page point 11). At the moment, the rules are such that an EU student who comes straight to the UK, is eligible for fees plus half a stipend. These rules are continuously changing mostly to the advantage of the EU student. We welcome overseas applications. When you apply we can give you uptodate information on your specific funding situation. Also note that all EU students are eligible, without restrictions, for our ERC studentships.
Overseas students (from outside the EU) currently cannot receive STFC funding and have to pay the university postgraduate tuition fee of £14,900 per annum themselves unless they seek alternative funding/sponsors. More information on the funding situation and available scholarships can be found on the webpage of the International Office.
Some of our PhD studentships are funded by a grant from the European Research Council (ERC). These provide a tax-free stipend of approximately £13,590 per annum for up to four years and university fees. In addition, support for travel and conference attendance, and the opportunity to spend an extended period of time on-site at CERN, is available.
All EU citizens are eligible for the full value of these studentships.
Applicants from outside the EU are also eligible for our ERC-funded studentships. However, the studentships only covers tuition fees at the reduced “home/EU” level. Applicants who have to pay the full fees will need to find their own funding for the difference (currently £10,072 per year). If you are in this position, please indicate in your application if you have secured funding for this extra cost. Note that some citizens from non-EU member states also qualify for “home/EU” fees status - if in doubt, please consult the webpages of the UK Council for International Student Affairs.
For exceptionally strong overseas and EU students alternative funding possibilities exist. If you wish to apply for this, please contact Dr Jaap Velthuis.
If you are interested in any of our postgraduate opportunities for 2013, contact Jaap Velthuis or Briony Maitland.
