The Theoretical Physics Group has a large number of active and internationally renowned researchers and postdoctoral research fellows. We organise regular seminars, where leading scientists from around the world present new results and discuss current topics. The students also organise their own informal seminars and discussion groups. The department provides funding for PhD students to attend suitable schools and conferences during their studies.

You will be assigned a supervisor with whom you will work closely. You will also attend research seminars and take part in other research-related activities within the Research Group, the Department and more widely in the University of London. You will be provided with access to working and storage space, as well as a laptop.

We participate in the London Taught Course Centre which offers advanced courses for PhD students in mathematics, including several courses that are relevant for research in analysis and statistics.

We also actively participate in the London Theory Institute (LonTI). LonTI provides pedagogical lectures for PhD students on a variety of topics and is open to all students in London. Furthermore, there are close ties with other London groups including regular London-wide seminars and events.

Postgraduate training

Department and College induction events are scheduled at the beginning of your degree to prepare you for life as a PhD student. All students are required to complete 10 days of training each year.

Our PhD students receive various forms of training during their period of research, e.g. attending courses in the London Taught Courses Centre, attendance at EPSRC summer schools; provision of advanced lecture courses; College training courses for graduates who will give tutorial teaching to undergraduates; weekly seminars in the area of your research; frequent research group meetings; attendance at national and international conferences and research meetings. Communication skills are developed by preparing and presenting seminars in the department, assisted by your supervisor.

There is a centrally provided programme of training coordinated by the Kings Doctoral College and the NMES Graduate school offers a range of unique training for our students with a focus to support PhD research and the PhD journey. The NMES Graduate School organises a variety of social and research events for students from hosting the NMES PGR Welcome event, Science walking tours, Winter and Summer social parties, Movie and board game nights, to Presentation and Writing coffee mornings, a space for students to present their research work to peers and receive feedback. One of the highlights in the NMES PGR calendar is the Research Competition, where 3^rd year students across all five departments present their research in a 3-minute video, culminating in an in-person event where all finalist videos are viewed, and the winners receive their prize.

Research students are encouraged to submit papers to conferences and supported with travel to present papers and posters.

Our research students are also encouraged to teach alongside their studies to help prepare them for a potential future career in academia.