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PhD EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS

    Qualification : PHILOSOPHIAE DOCTOR DEGREE

    Award Type and NFQ level : RESEARCH PH.D. (10)

    CAO/MU Apply code : MHL02 (FT)

    CAO Points :

    View FETAC details

    Research degrees in Experimental Physics are based on original research work, which may involve laboratory investigations and/or computational studies.  This research is carried out under the supervision of an experienced researcher.  In addition, valuable transferable skills are developed through flexible support modules, as part of Maynooth University's structured PhD programme. 

    Closing date
    Research applications are generally accepted at any time

    Commences
    September (or other agreed time)

    First-class or upper second-class (2.1) honours undergraduate degree in Physics, or equivalent.

    Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.

    Minimum English language requirements:
    Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants..

    Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

    Please see the departmental website for the current research interests of staff www.maynoothuniversity.ie/experimental-physics/our-research

    Dr Neil Trappe
    Submillimetre astronomy

    Dr Créidhe O’Sullivan
    Cosmic Microwave Background Astronomy

    Dr Marcin Lukasz Gradziel
    Computational and experimental validation of terahertz optics

    Dr Emma Whelan
    Star and planet formation

    Dr Colm Bracken
    Superconducting detectors, feeds, and readouts for astronomy

    Dr James McGrath
    Fundamental and applied research focusing on indoor aerosol dynamics, air quality and building ventilation. 

    Dr Patrick Kavanagh
    The matter cycle in galaxies

    All students will be registered onto a Structured PhD Programme.  Students need to pass a certain number of credits in support modules, in addition to successful completion and examination of the thesis. The student’s original research as presented in the thesis is the sole means of assessment for the award of the degree.

    PhD students must take a minimum of 30 credits in support modules (15 in transferable modules and 15 in subject specific modules) and not exceed 90 credits in support modules over the duration of their Structured PhD programme.

    Course Duration: 4 years full-time

    For more details on the course structure click here

    During the course of their studies research students at the Department of Experimental Physics develop expertise in specialized areas of experimental physics, computational physics or astrophysics. Research work in Experimental Physics also develops a range of ancillary skills – in the areas of problem-solving, computational modelling, system analysis, and technical communication. 

    This blend of Physics and transferable skills means that Physics graduates are highly sought after by employers not only in a wide range of traditional high-technology industries such as microelectronics, telecommunication, software engineering or medical physics, but also in an even wider range of areas where advanced numeracy is a distinct advantage – such as scientific civil service, finance or climate science.  Students pursuing research in astrophysics also might consider areas specifically requiring astrophysicists such as space science, or satellite and deep space communications. 

    A PhD degree is also generally a prerequisite for careers in academia and industrial research.

    Online application only. To make an application please click here.                                                                                                                           

    Please note: All research applicants should contact the respective department before applying to ensure their research proposal aligns with departmental interests and criteria.

    To apply for your chosen postgraduate study at Maynooth University, please ensure you have the following documents to make an application:

    • Evidence of your primary degree
    • Academic transcripts
    • A copy of your passport
    • Proposed Thesis Title and Summary 
    • A personal statement   
    • An academic letter of recommendation
    • A professional letter of recommendation

    Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants. 

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