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Maynooth University Department of Physics

Qualification : PHILOSOPHIAE DOCTOR DEGREE

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

CAO/PAC code : MHL02 (FT)

CAO Points :

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

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.

Research applicants wishing to commence studies before November 2024, please register your interest here.

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