Postgraduate student profiles

We asked some of our students to share their experiences of studying physics and astronomy at the University of Sheffield.

Joel Gooday

The La Palma field trip was unquestionably the greatest part of the course

Joel Gooday Astrophysics MSc

Joel enjoyed studying Astrophysics at undergraduate level, but wanted to take his studies further. He particularly enjoyed the trip to La Palma, and the hands-on experience he gained there. Now he has his eyes set on a PhD.

Ben Kinvig

It was a project where I was actually working in areas of physics that were truly cutting edge

Ben Kinvig Quantum Photonics and Nanomaterials MSc(Res)

Studying a masters gave Ben the confidence to pursue a PhD in an area he’s always loved but didn’t think he’d be able to do.

Photo of an Physics student

Helping with the adoption of renewable energy is more important than ever.

Samuel Zalesak Founder, Solar energy company

Samuel studied MSc Solar Cell Technology before launching his own solar energy company.

Bridget Marchington

I have nurtured my analytical mindset and learnt new skills that are invaluable in this career

Bridget Marchington Physics BSc and Astrophysics MSc

Bridget followed her undergraduate physics degree with our Astrophysics MSc course, and is now applying her analytics skills on a graduate training scheme at Natwest.

Sejal Pongurlekar

Studying Astrophysics has allowed me to develop new skills while also focusing on my own interests

Sejal Pongurlekar Astrophysics MSc

Sejal found that the modules offered in the Astrophysics MSc course aligned with her interests and future career aspirations.

Theotokis Georgatos

I enjoyed conducting my own observations using the telescope on the roof

Theotokis Georgatos Astrophysics MSc

Theotokis wants to use his masters degree as a stepping stone to an academic career astrophysics.

Rhys Davies

I was drawn to the Solar Cell Technology MSc because it emphasised practical experience and the business of solar cells

Rhys Davies Solar Cell Technology MSc

Rhys has spent most of his career as an accountant, but his interest in renewables drew him onto our Solar Cell Technology course.

Molly Morgan

Applying my physics knowledge to the renewable energy challenge

Molly Morgan Solar Cell Technology MSc

Molly decided to follow her undergraduate degree with our Solar Cell Technology MSc course. It's led to her securing a job in the solar industry.

Rajpinder Seehra

My course hugely developed my understanding of physics relative to biology

Rajpinder Seehra Biological Imaging MSc

Raj took our Biological Imaging MSc course, which combined his favourite subjects in one degree – maths, physics and biology.

Paules Zakhary

I chose to come to Sheffield because of its reputation in high energy physics

Paules Zakhary MSc(Res) Particle Physics

Paules chose Sheffield after considering a number of UK universities and spent his masters degree working on an international search for dark matter. He hopes to use his time in Sheffield as a springboard to study in the USA.

REF 2021 illustration showing University building and subject areas

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.

Four students laughing while sat at a bench, outside the Students' Union

International Merit Scholarships

We offer a generous package of financial support for international students including 75 undergraduate scholarships worth £10,000 towards the annual tuition fee and 125 postgraduate taught scholarships worth £5,000 towards the tuition fee. Applications are now open for existing offer holders.

Scholarships for international students