How to apply
Once you have identified a potential project and supervisor, complete the University of Sheffield's postgraduate online application form to apply for your PhD.
Apply online
To apply for a PhD place in the department you will need to complete an online application form. You should apply as early as possible.
The form is divided into two parts. Part one is for personal information and part two is where you should include your proposed department, research cluster and references.
Entry requirements
We usually ask for an upper second class (2:1) honours BSc or MSc degree in physics or engineering.
Our decision on whether to offer you a place will also be based on the research proposal or personal statement you submit, your CV and academic references, and any interviews and additional tasks we ask you to complete. All documents need to be provided in English, including transcripts and references.
Students will also need to meet our English language requirements, and international students will need to get clearance through the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS). You can find out more about entry requirements as an international student on the International students pages.
Completing your application
You should also include a 500-word statement which explains your motivation for studying for this PhD project with your proposed supervisor. What is your experience of research to date and how is this relevant to the proposed PhD project? If your proposed supervisor is unable to take you on, are there other projects and supervisors you would consider?
You can look at the projects on offer below and also find out more about research in the department to inform your statement. If you have your own idea for a PhD project, you can find a potential supervisor by contacting a member of academic staff to find out about PhD opportunities in their area.
Please also upload three slides which you have prepared. These may be used as visual aids if you are interviewed. They should describe highlights of some project work, or other research which you have carried out as part of your studies.
Research Excellence Framework 2021
We have been rated 1st in the UK in terms of the quality of our research. In the latest REF, 100 per cent of research and impact from our department has been classed as world-leading or internationally excellent.