oxford physics phd requirements

Graduate Admissions

Admission for entry in October 2024 is now CLOSED. Applications for entry in October 2025 will open in September 2024.

We hold a Graduate Open Day in March each year, for applicants who receive an offer of a place. If your application is successful, you will receive further information about this in due course. The Open Day in 2024 is provisionally scheduled for Wednesday 13 March.

Below you will find information about the graduate courses offered by the Oxford Philosophy Faculty, including the Faculty’s flagship two-year Master’s course, the BPhil in Philosophy. For information about the application process, please visit the Admissions Procedure and Entry Requirements page .

Introduction to graduate study in Philosophy

Each year, around 75 graduate students in philosophy are admitted to Oxford. About two-fifths are admitted for the Bachelor of Philosophy in Philosophy course, the “ BPhil ” (note that, despite its name, the BPhil is a Master's level, postgraduate degree, equivalent to a two-year MPhil) and between five and eight students are admitted for each of the Faculty’s specialised Master of Studies courses, in Ancient Philosophy and Philosophy of Physics . There are also a number of students admitted to the Master of Studies  in Practical Ethics . 

The aim of the Faculty’s graduate programmes is to prepare students for an academic career in philosophy. The usual progression through the Oxford philosophy graduate programme is to take the BPhil or one of the specialist MSt courses and then to continue research on the DPhil, which is examined by a thesis of approximately 75,000 words. Students who progress from one of the specialist MSt courses must spend one year as a Probationary Research Student (“PRS”) before applying for full DPhil status. Typically, a candidate’s thesis for the BPhil or the MSt in Ancient Philosophy will provide a basis for his or her DPhil thesis. There is no thesis element to the MSt in Philosophy of Physics, but candidates who progress to the DPhil from that course are required to write a 20,000 word thesis during their year as a PRS. For all these degrees the student must be a matriculated member of a college, and must normally reside in Oxford for at least one or two years.

A number of students are admitted each year directly to the Doctor of Philosophy course (the “ DPhil ”, the Faculty’s doctoral programme), initially as Probationary Research Students. These students will typically have already completed substantial graduate work in philosophy, usually equivalent to that required for the BPhil.

It is also possible to study philosophy at Oxford at graduate level without being enrolled for a degree. In order to do this, you must apply for entry as a Recognised Student . 

Entry Requirements

For a detailed description of the entry requirements for each course, please click on the relevant course link below:

• DPhil in Philosophy 
• BPhil in Philosophy
• MSt in Ancient Philosophy
• MSt in Philosophy of Physics
• MSt in Practical Ethics

We hold a Graduate Open Day in March each year, for applicants who receive an offer of a place. If your application is successful, you will receive further information about this in due course. The Open Day in 2024 is provisionally scheduled for Wednesday 13 March.

For the latest information on fees charged by the University, and living costs, please visit the Fees and Funding page .

Please visit our Graduate Funding page to identify various sources of funding for the Philosophy Faculty’s graduate programmes.

Please read through our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Admissions pages .

• DPhil in Philosophy
• Other Courses

In addition to progressing from the BPhil or one of the specialist MSt courses, an alternative route to the DPhil, involving initial admission directly as a Probationary Research Student (PRS) and later transfer to DPhil status, is available to candidates who already have a substantial background in philosophy, usually equivalent to that acquired by taking the BPhil. A general condition for admission of any candidate to the DPhil course is that their proposed thesis constitutes a suitable philosophical project of the required length and that there is a member of the Faculty who is able to act as supervisor.

For a full description of the DPhil, please visit the DPhil in Philosophy page .

The BPhil is an intellectually demanding course, presupposing an undergraduate and/or graduate background in philosophy or a closely related discipline. It is not suitable as a conversion course for students changing to philosophy from another subject and it cannot be studied part-time or externally. It is regarded both as training for the DPhil and a basis for teaching a range of philosophical subjects and requires sustained and focused work over two years.

For a full description of the BPhil in Philosophy, please visit the BPhil in Philosophy page .

The MSt course in Ancient Philosophy attracts students of the highest calibre with a background in philosophy or classics and aims to provide a graduate education in ancient philosophy of the highest possible quality: one which will provide a foundation on which students can go on to pursue doctoral work in the area. The course consists of two subject options (examined by a total of three 5,000 word essays) and a thesis of 10,000-15,000 words.

It is not a course requirement that students without any (or with little) Ancient Greek attend the Ancient Greek language classes currently run by the Faculty of Classics but it is highly recommended that they do so as being able to read philosophical texts in the original language is an advantage for Ancient Philosophy studies. 

Students who pass the MSt in Ancient Philosophy will have the opportunity to apply to continue to the Faculty’s DPhil (doctoral) programme, via a year as a Probationary Research Student. MSt in Ancient Philosophy graduates who continue to the DPhil, will be expected to have reached a certain standard in classical Greek. While there is no related examination requirement, it is a requirement for the MSt in Ancient Philosophy students without any (or with little) knowledge of classical Greek to attend language classes run by the Faculty of Classics, if they want to progress to the DPhil. 

For a full description of the MSt in Ancient Philosophy, please visit the MSt in Ancient Philosophy page .

This course aims to attract students with a strong background in physics at undergraduate level or higher, who wish to learn about philosophy in general and philosophy of physics in particular. The course will offer a graduate education in Philosophy of Physics of the highest possible quality, providing a foundation on which candidates can go on to pursue doctoral work in the area.

The course consists of three subjects: Philosophy of Physics, Philosophy of Science, and an elective component (chosen from the following list: Metaphysics and Theory of Knowledge; Philosophy of Mind and Action; Philosophical Logic and the Philosophy of Language; and Philosophy of Mathematics).

Students who pass the MSt in Philosophy of Physics will have the opportunity to apply to continue to the Faculty’s DPhil (doctoral) programme, via a year as a Probationary Research Student.

For a full description of the MSt in Philosophy of Physics, please visit the MSt in Philosophy of Physics page .

Since October 2018, the Department of Continuing Education, in coalition with the Faculty of Philosophy, has been offering a two-to-three-year part-time masters course in Practical Ethics, the MSt in Practical Ethics. For more information, please check the Department of Continuing Education course webpage and the MSt in Practical Ethics page .

Other degrees that may be of interest include the MSt in Film Aesthetics , MSt in Women's Studies , MSt in Philosophical Theology  and MPhil in Philosophical Theology .

Oxford Physics and Oxford Mathematics jointly offer a master's level course in mathematical and theoretical physics . Students from outside Oxford can apply to join the MSc mode of the course and will study for an MSc in Mathematical and Theoretical Physics. Oxford MPhys, MMath or MPhysPhil students will be able to apply for transfer to the MMathPhys mode of the course after their third year and study mathematical and theoretical physics in their fourth year, instead of following the fourth year of their original degree course. Oxford MMathPhys students will graduate as a “Master of Mathematical and Theoretical Physics” with a double classification consisting of the BA degree class in their original subject and an MMathPhys degree class. The course provides a high-level, world class training in mathematical and theoretical physics, right up to the level of modern research.

The four main areas covered by the course are:

• Quantum Field Theory, Particle Physics and String Theory,
• Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics,
• Theoretical Astrophysics, Plasma Physics and Physics of Continuous Media,
• Mathematical Foundations of Theoretical Physics.

For details on course structure and admission please see the Apply page.

Log in at: https://mmathphys.web.ox.ac.uk/user

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Admissions Information for Prospective Graduate Students

Thank you for considering the PhD program in Physics at MIT. Information regarding our graduate program and our application process can be found below and through the following webpages and other links on this page. If your questions are not answered after reviewing this information, please contact us at [email protected] .

Here are some links to pages relevant to prospective students:

• Material Required for a Complete Application , and information about When/How to Apply can be found below on this page.
• We have an FAQ which should help to answer many questions, and we provide Application Assistance from staff and students if you don’t find what you need in the FAQ.
• Additional Guidance about the application itself, along with examples, can be found on a separate page. The graduate application is available at https://apply.mit.edu/apply/ .
• General information about the graduate program and research areas in the physics department may also be of use.
• MSRP (MIT Summer Research Program) is designed to give underrepresented and underserved students access to an MIT research experience, pairing each student with a faculty member who will oversee the student conducting a research project at MIT.

Statement regarding admissions process during COVID Pandemic (Updated Summer 2023)

MIT has adopted the following principle: MIT’s admissions committees and offices for graduate and professional schools will take the significant disruptions of the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 into account when reviewing students’ transcripts and other admissions materials as part of their regular practice of performing individualized, holistic reviews of each applicant.

In particular, as we review applications now and in the future, we will respect decisions regarding the adoption of Pass/No Record (or Credit/No Credit or Pass/Fail) and other grading options during the unprecedented period of COVID-19 disruptions, whether those decisions were made by institutions or by individual students. We also expect that the individual experiences of applicants will richly inform applications and, as such, they will be considered with the entirety of a student’s record.

Ultimately, even in these challenging times, our goal remains to form graduate student cohorts that are collectively excellent and composed of outstanding individuals who will challenge and support one another.

Questions or concerns about this statement should be directed to the Physics Department ( [email protected] ).

Also, to stay up-to-date on the latest information on MIT and the COVID-19 pandemic at now.mit.edu .

Applying to the MIT Department of Physics

We know that the application process can be time-consuming, stressful, and costly. We are committed to reducing these barriers and to helping all applicants receive a full and fair assessment by our faculty reviewers. Help is available from the Physics Graduate Admissions Office at [email protected] and additional assistance from current students is offered during the admissions season. Further details are described at the end of this page in our Assistance for Prospective Applicants section.

The list below describes the important elements of a complete application. Please reach out to us at [email protected] if you have a concern or logistical difficulty that could prevent you from providing your strongest application.

Required for a Complete Application

1. online application and application fee.

• MIT Graduate Admissions Online Graduate Application
• Application Fee: $75 NOTE: Applicants who feel that this fee may prevent them from applying should send a short email to [email protected] to describe their general reasons for requesting a waiver. We will follow up with information about how to apply for a formal ‘application fee waiver’. Additional documents may be required, so additional time will be necessary to process requests. Either the fee or a formal fee waiver is required with a submitted application.

2. University Transcript(s)

Unofficial transcripts are sufficient for our initial review, with final transcripts required as a condition of matriculation for successful applicants. Applicants should include a scan of their transcript(s) and, if a degree is in progress, should include a list of the class subjects being taken in the current semester. The GradApply portal will allow applicants to log back into the application after the deadline to add their Fall term grades when they are available.

Note: We will respect decisions regarding the adoption of Pass/No Record (or Credit/No Credit or Pass/Fail) and other grading options during the unprecedented period of COVID-19 disruptions, whether those decisions were made by institutions or by individual students.

3. Standardized Test Results

• GRE Tests are not required for graduate applications submitted in 2023. The Physics subject GRE (PGRE) will be optional in 2023 and our department does not require results from the General GRE test.
• TOEFL or IELTS Test or a waiver is required for non-native English speakers. MIT’s TOEFL school code is 3514; the code for the Department of Physics is 76. IELTS does not require a code. Eligibility for TOEFL/IELTS waivers is in our FAQ section .
• Self-reported scores are sufficient for our initial application screening, with official scores required for admitted students as a condition of their offer. Applicants should attach a scanned copy of their test score report.

4. Letters of Recommendation

Letters should include any individual work applicants have done and/or areas where they have special strengths. It is possible to submit up to 6 total letters, but 3 are sufficient for a complete application and committee members may evaluate applications based on the first three letters that they read.

5. Statement of Objectives

Research is central to graduate study in physics. The Statement of Objectives/Purpose should include descriptions of research projects, aptitude and achievements as completely as possible. This important part of the application provides an opportunity to describe any interests, skills, and background relative to the research areas selected on the application form. Applicants should share anything that prepares them for graduate studies and describe their proudest achievements.

Additional Application Materials

• Research, Teaching, and Community Engagement – Any special background or achievement that prepares the applicant for Physics graduate studies at MIT. This may include research at their undergraduate school as part of their Bachelor or Master degree, or summer research at another program or school.  We also value our student’s contributions to their community on a variety of scales (from institutional to societal) and we encourage applicants to tell us about their teaching and community engagement activities.  The “experience” questions are intended to provide a CV-like listing of achievements, some of which may be elaborated on in the “Statement of Objectives” and/or the optional “Personal Statement”.
• Publications, Talks, and Merit Based Recognition – Recognition of success in research, academics, and outreach can take many forms, including publications, talks, honors, prizes, awards, fellowships, etc.  This may include current nominations for scholarships or papers submitted for publication.
• Optional Personal Statement – Members of our community come from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. We welcome any personal information that will help us to evaluate applications holistically and will provide context for the applicant’s academic achievements. This statement may include extenuating circumstances, significant challenges that were overcome, a non-traditional educational background, description of any advocacy or values work, or other information that may be relevant.
• Detailed instructions for each application section, and many examples , can be found on the “ Additional Guidance ” page.  The detailed instructions are lengthy, and are intended to be read only “as needed” while you work on your application (i.e., you don’t need to go read the whole thing before you start).

When/How to Apply

When : Applications can be submitted between September 15 and December 15 by 11:59pm EST for the following year.

How : The application is online at https://apply.mit.edu/apply/

Application Assistance

Faculty, students, and staff have collaborated to provide extensive guidance to prospective applicants to our graduate degree program. Resources include several department webpages to inform prospective applicants about our PhD degree requirements and to help applicants as they assemble and submit their materials. In addition to staff responses to emails, current graduate students will answer specific individual questions, give one admissions-related webinar, and provide a mentorship program for selected prospective applicants.

During the application season, prospective students may request additional information from current students about the admissions process, graduate student life, or department culture, either as a response to a specific individual email question or for more in-depth assistance. Applicants will benefit most from contacting us early in the process, when current students and staff will be available to respond to questions and mentor selected applicants. After mid-November, department staff will continue to field questions through the admission process.

Here are some resources for prospective applicants:

• Our website provides answers to many frequently-asked admissions questions .
• Admissions staff are available for questions at [email protected] .
• Current students collaborate with staff to answer specific questions emailed to [email protected] .
• PhysGAAP Webinars are designed to provide student perspectives on the application and admissions processes in an interactive format. This year’s webinar will take place on Wednesday, Nov 1st, 2023 from 10am to 12pm EDT. Sign up here: https://mit.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ah13eCcEh0cKW7I
• PhysGAAP Mentoring provides in-depth guidance through the application process.

Student-led Q&A Service

A team of our current graduate students is available to share their experience and perspectives in response to individual questions which may fall under any of the following categories:

• Coursework/research (e.g., How do I choose between two research areas and how do I find a potential research advisor?)
• Culture (e.g., What is it like to be a student of a particular identity at MIT?)
• Student life (e.g., What clubs or extracurriculars do graduate students at MIT take part in?)

To request a response from the current students, please send an email to [email protected] and indicate clearly in the subject line or first sentence that you would like your email forwarded to the PhysGAAP student team. Depending on the scope of your question, department staff will send your email to current students.

We encourage you to reach out as early as you can to maximize the benefit that this help can provide to you. While the admissions office staff will continue to field your questions throughout the admissions season, current students may not be available to respond to questions sent after November 15.

This student email resource is designed for individual basic questions. More in-depth guidance, especially about the application itself, will be available through the PhysGAAP Webinars and/or PhysGAAP Mentorship Program described below.

Student-led Webinar

A panel of our graduate students hosted a 2-hour long Zoom webinar in late October of 2022 to present information about the application and admissions processes, and to respond to questions on these topics. The webinar addressed general questions about preparing, completing, and submitting the application; what the Admissions Committee is looking for; and the general timeline for the admissions process.

Below is video from our latest webinar that took place on Wednesday, Nov 1st, 2023. Check back here in Fall 2024 for information on our next webinar.

Note: We have  compiled a document  containing supplementary material for previous PhysGAAP webinars.

Webinar Recordings

Past PhysGAAP Webinars

Please note that the two webinars below are from prior years and may contain outdated information about some topics, such as GRE requirements.

• October 2022
• December 2021
• September 2021

Mentorship for Prospective Applicants

In addition to the materials available through this website, answers to emails sent to the department, or from our graduate student webinars, we also offer one-on-one mentoring for students who desire more in-depth individual assistance. Prospective applicants may apply to the PhysGAAP Mentoring program,, which pairs prospective graduate school applicants with current graduate students who can assist them through the application process, provide feedback on their application materials and insight into graduate school and the MIT Physics Department.

We welcome interest in the PhysGAAP Mentorship program and mentorship applications are open to any prospective applicant. However, our capacity is limited, so we will give preferential consideration to PhysGAAP Mentorship applicants who would most benefit from the program and can demonstrate that they are a good fit.

PhysGAAP Mentoring may a good fit for you if you

• feel like you lack other resources to help you navigate the graduate school application process,
• find the other forms of assistance (online webinars, email at [email protected] ) insufficient to address your needs, and
• think you could benefit from one-on-one application mentorship.

PhysGAAP Mentoring may not be a good fit for you if you

• only have one or two questions that could be answered elsewhere (online webinars, email at [email protected] , or online FAQs), or
• feel like you already have sufficient resources to complete your application (e.g., the PhysGAAP webinars, access to other mentoring services or workshops)

Please note that:

• PhysGAAP Mentoring is only open to students who are planning to apply to graduate schools in Fall 2024 .
• Participation in PhysGAAP is not considered during admissions review. It helps applicants put forward their strongest materials, but does not guarantee admission into our graduate program.
• Any information you submit in the PhysGAAP Mentoring application will only be seen by the PhysGAAP team and your matched mentor.

Admissions/Application FAQs

Our Frequently Asked Questions provide further information about degree requirements, funding, educational background, application deadlines, English language proficiency, program duration, start dates and deferrals, and fee waiver requests.

The MOST Frequently Asked Question…

What is included in a strong graduate application for physics at mit.

Applications are assessed holistically and many variables are considered in the application review process. The following four main factors are required for a complete application.

• the applicant’s statement of objectives or purpose,
• transcripts of past grades,
• score reports of any required standardized tests,
• three letters of reference.

In addition, any past research experience, publications, awards, and honors are extremely helpful, particularly if they are in the area(s) of the applicant’s interest(s). Applicants may also include a personal statement in their application to provide context as the materials are assessed.

Applications are routed to admission committee members and other faculty readers using the “areas of interest” and any faculty names selected from the menu as well as based on the research interests included in the statement of objectives. Please select the areas of interest that best reflect your goals.

Instructions are available in the application itself , with further guidance on our Additional Guidance page. The Physics Admissions Office will respond to questions sent to [email protected] .

General Questions Regarding the PhD Program in Physics

Must i have a degree in physics in order to apply to this graduate program.

Our successful applicants generally hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, or have taken many Physics classes if they have majored in another discipline. The most common other majors are astronomy, engineering, mathematics, and chemistry. Bachelor of Science degrees may be 3-year or 4-year degrees, depending on the education structure of the country in which they are earned.

What are the requirements to complete a PhD?

The requirements for a PhD in Physics at MIT are the doctoral examination, a few required subject classes, and a research-based thesis. The doctoral examination consists of a written and an oral examination. The written component may be satisfied either by passing the 4 subject exams or by passing designated classes related to each topic with a qualifying grade; the oral exam will be given in a student’s chosen research area. The Physics Department also requires that each student take two classes in the field of specialization and two physics-related courses in fields outside the specialty. Research for the thesis is conducted throughout the student’s time in the program, culminating in a thesis defense and submission of the final thesis.

Can I take courses at other schools nearby?

Yes. Cross-registration is available at Harvard University and Wellesley College.

How many years does it take to complete the PhD requirements?

From 3 to 7 years, averaging 5.6 years.

How will I pay for my studies?

Our students are fully supported financially throughout the duration of their program, provided that they make satisfactory progress. Funding is provided from Fellowships (internal and external) and/or Assistantships (research and teaching) and covers tuition, health insurance, and a living stipend. Read more about funding .

Note: For more detailed information regarding the cost of attendance, including specific costs for tuition and fees, books and supplies, housing and food as well as transportation, please visit the Student Financial Services (SFS) website .

How many applications are submitted each year? How many students are accepted?

Although the number varies each year, the Department of Physics usually welcomes approximately 45 incoming graduate students each year. Last year we received more than 1,700 applications and extended fewer than 90 offers of admission.

What are the minimum grades and exam scores for admitted applicants?

There are no minimum standards for overall grade point averages/GPAs. Grades from physics and other related classes will be carefully assessed. Under a special COVID-19 policy, MIT will accept transcripts with a variety of grading conventions, including any special grading given during the COVID-19 pandemic. GRE Tests are not required for graduate applications submitted in 2023. The Physics subject GRE (PGRE) will be optional in 2023 and our department does not require results from the General GRE test.

Our program is conducted in English and all applicants must demonstrate their English language proficiency. Non-native English speakers should review our policy carefully before waiving the TOEFL/IELTS requirements. We do not set a minimum requirement on TOEFL/IELTS scores; however, students who are admitted to our program typically score above the following values:

• IELTS – 7
• TOEFL (computer based) – 200
• TOEFL (iBT) – 100
• TOEFL (standard) – 600

The Application Process

When is the deadline for applying to the phd program in physics.

Applications for enrollment in the fall are due each year by 11:59pm EST on December 15 of the preceding year. There is no admission cycle for spring-term enrollment.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for me to take tests in person. Can I still apply?

GRE Tests are not required for graduate applications submitted in 2023. The Physics subject GRE (PGRE) will be optional in 2023 and our department does not require results from the General GRE test.Non-native English speakers who are not eligible for a test waiver should include their results from either an in-person or online version of the TOEFL or IELTS test.

Does the Department of Physics provide waivers for the English language exam (TOEFL/IELTS)?

An English language exam (IELTS, TOEFL, TOEFL iBT, or the C2 Cambridge English Proficiency exam) is required of all applicants who are from a country in which English is not the primary language. Exceptions to this policy will be considered for candidates who, at the start of their graduate studies in 2022, will have been in the US or in a country whose official language is English for three years or longer and who will have received a degree from a college or university in a country where the language of education instruction is English. An interview via telephone, Zoom, or Skype may be arranged at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. More information on a possible English Language Waiver Decision (PDF).

Does the Department of Physics provide application fee waivers?

Although we do not want the MIT application fee to be a barrier to admission, we cannot provide application fee waivers to all who request one.  Under-resourced applicants, and applicants who have participated in the MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP), Converge, or another MIT program or an official MIT recruiting visit are eligible for a fee waiver from the MIT Office of Graduate Education (OGE). Please check MIT Graduate Diversity Programs for further details.  Departmentally, we have allotted a small number of waivers for applicants who have completed an application (including transcript uploads, and requests for letters of recommendation), but do not qualify for a waiver from the OGE. Fee waiver requests will be considered on a first-come-first-served basis, and not after December 1. Furthermore, applications lacking the paid fee or a fee waiver by 11:59pm EST on December 15 will not be reviewed or considered for admission. Please complete the  MIT Physics Departmental Fee Waiver Application Form  when you are ready to apply for a departmental waiver. Waivers are not awarded until the application is complete.

Can I arrange a visit to the Physics Department or a specific research area?

Update as of September 23, 2021: In an effort to keep our community safe and healthy, we are not currently hosting or meeting with outside visitors in person, nor are we facilitating visits to our classrooms. Current graduate students and prospective applicants should direct any questions by email to [email protected] .

Applicants are invited to send specific questions to the Physics Admissions Office and some questions may be forwarded to current students for further information.

Can I receive an update on the status of my application?

Candidates will receive email acknowledgments from the Physics Academic Programs Office informing them whether their application is complete, is missing materials, or if further information is needed. Due to the high volume of applications that are received, no additional emails or telephone inquiries can be answered. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all items are sent.

When will I be notified of a final decision?

Applicants will be notified via email of decisions by the end of February. If you have not heard from us by March 1, please send email to [email protected] .

We do not provide results by phone.

Can admitted students start in a term other than the next Fall semester?

Applications submitted between September 15 and December 15 by 11:59pm EST are assessed for the following Fall semester. We do not provide a separate admission review cycle for the Spring semester. Individual research supervisors may invite incoming students to start their research during the summer term a few months earlier than their studies would normally begin. All other incoming students start their studies in late August for the Fall term.

Once admitted, applicants may request a one-year deferral to attend a specific academic program or for another approved reason, with single semester deferrals for the following Spring term granted only rarely.

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The PhD in Physics is a full-time period of research which introduces or builds upon, research skills and specialist knowledge. Students are assigned a research supervisor, a specialist in part or all of the student's chosen research field, and join a research group which might vary in size between a handful to many tens of individuals.

Although the supervisor is responsible for the progress of a student's research programme, the extent to which a postgraduate student is assisted by the supervisor or by other members of the group depends almost entirely on the structure and character of the group concerned. The research field is normally determined at entry, after consideration of the student's interests and the facilities available. The student, however, may work within a given field for a period of time before their personal topic is determined.

There is no requirement made by the University for postgraduate students to attend formal courses or lectures for the PhD. Postgraduate work is largely a matter of independent research and successful postgraduates require a high degree of self-motivation. Nevertheless, lectures and classes may be arranged, and students are expected to attend both seminars (delivered regularly by members of the University and by visiting scholars and industrialists) and external conferences. Postgraduate students are also expected to participate in the undergraduate teaching programme at some time whilst they are based at the Cavendish, in order to develop their teaching, demonstrating, outreach, organisational and person-management skills.

It is expected that postgraduate students will also take advantage of the multiple opportunities available for transferable skills training within the University during their period of research.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the research programme, students will have demonstrated:

• the creation and interpretation of new knowledge, through original research or other advanced scholarship, of a quality to satisfy peer review, extend the forefront of the discipline, and merit publication;
• a systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of an academic discipline or area of professional practice;
• the general ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation of new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the discipline, and to adjust the project design in the light of unforeseen problems;
• a detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry; and
• the development of a PhD thesis for examination that they can defend in an oral examination and, if successful, graduate with a PhD.

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the  Postgraduate Open Day  page for more details.

See further the  Postgraduate Admissions Events  pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.

Key Information

3-4 years full-time, 4-7 years part-time, study mode : research, doctor of philosophy, department of physics, course - related enquiries, application - related enquiries, course on department website, dates and deadlines:, lent 2024 (closed).

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Easter 2024 (Closed)

Michaelmas 2024, easter 2025, funding deadlines.

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.

Similar Courses

• Physics MPhil
• Planetary Science and Life in the Universe MPhil
• Computational Methods for Materials Science CDT PhD
• Mathematics MPhil
• Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics PhD

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PhD in Physics

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PhD in Physics (3+ years)

The majority of postgraduate students (about 110 are accepted each year) carry out research at the Cavendish Laboratory towards a PhD degree.

For admission to the PhD, the Postgraduate Admissions Office normally requires applicants to have achieved the equivalent of a UK Masters (Pass) . Applicants should obtain the equivalent of:

• at least a 2:i in a UK four-year "undergraduate Master's" (Honours) degree,  OR
• at least a 2:i in a UK three-year Bachelor's (Honours) degree plus a relevant one/two -year UK Master's degree.

All applicants are assessed individually on the basis of their academic records.

Full-time students must spend at least three terms of residence in Cambridge and nine terms of research. If you are undertaking a placement or internship away from Cambridge for more than two weeks you need to apply for leave to work away.

Final examination involves the submission of a thesis of not more than 60,000 words followed by an oral examination (or viva) of the thesis and the general field of physics into which it falls.

Successful applicants are assigned to a research supervisor, a specialist in part or all of the student's chosen research field, and joins a research group which might vary in size between 4 and 80 individuals. Although the supervisor is responsible for the progress of a student's research programme, the extent to which a postgraduate student is assisted by the supervisor or by other members of the group depends almost entirely on the structure and character of the group concerned. The research field is normally determined at entry, after consideration of the student's interests and facilities available.

A list of current research projects is published and available on the  research pages  of our website, and more detailed information about specific research areas can be obtained from the relevant academic staff. The student, however, may work within a given field for a period of time before his or her personal topic is determined.

There is no requirement by the University of attendance at formal courses of lectures for the PhD. Postgraduate work is largely a matter of independent research and successful postgraduates require a high degree of self-motivation. Nevertheless, lectures and classes may be arranged, and students are expected to attend both seminars (delivered regularly by members of the University and by visiting scholars and industrialists) and external conferences. In addition, postgraduate students carry out first- and second-year physics undergraduate supervision and assist with practical work and theoretical examples classes in the Department.

Lectures within all the faculties of the University are open to any member of the University, and a physics postgraduate student has the opportunity of attending lectures not only within the undergraduate Physics and Theoretical Physics course, but also in any other subject area or faculty.

Cavendish Laboratory

19 J J Thomson Avenue

Cambridge CB3 0HE

Tel: +44 1223 337200

Email: [email protected]

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International qualifications

The University offers general guidance on the types of qualifications and grades from countries outside the UK that would usually be considered to meet its minimum entry requirements.

You should also make sure that you meet the entry requirements for the specific course you are applying to, as specified on each course page . Academic departments may use other sources of information on grading standards, eg within your specific subject area, in setting both entry requirements and offer conditions for individual courses.

How to use this guidance

This guidance is intended as a source of information to help you decide whether your qualifications are likely to offer a suitable background for applying to a graduate course at Oxford, alongside the entry requirements for your specific course.

This overview information is offered for the countries from which the University receives a high number of applications and/or queries and does not cover every type of qualification and grading scale which may be considered an acceptable basis for a competitive application to Oxford. There can also be significant complexity and variability within any national system of higher education which can affect how a particular grade is considered, eg differences in grading between institutions.

Please note that admissions to Oxford are very competitive and that meeting the minimum entry requirements will not guarantee an offer of a place.

The academic department will review your application on the basis of the materials you provide and in relation to other applications to the course.

Countries for which guidance is available

If guidance for your country is not shown below and you would like to discuss your suitability for a graduate course, contact the academic department using the details provided on the  course page .

Undergraduate qualifications

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a 'strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours' in the UK system, you will usually need one of the following qualifications:

• a Bachelor Degree with an overall grade of a Distinction; or
• a Bachelor Honours Degree with an overall grade of Second Class (Upper/A/1) Division.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a 'first class undergraduate degree with honours' in the UK system, you will usually need one of the following qualifications:

• a Bachelor Degree with an overall grade of a Higher Distinction, with a percentage of 80% (from Universities using a 80%-100% range) or 85% (from universities using a 85%-100% range); or
• a Bachelor Honours Degree with an overall grade of First Class.

Masters’ qualifications

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a master's degree in the UK system, you will usually need:

• a Master’s Degree with an overall grade of a Credit (66%) for a Pass equivalent;
• a Master’s Degree with an overall grade of a Second Class (Upper Division) or Distinction for a Merit equivalent; or
• a Master’s Degree with an overall grade of a High Distinction for a Distinction equivalent.
• a Título de Bacharel with an overall grade of 7.5 out of 10;
• a Título de [subject area] with an overall grade of 7.5 out of 10; or
• a Título de Licenciado/a (when awarded after a minimum of four years) with an overall grade of 7.5 out of 10.

Due to the high variation in grading practices between institutions, these grading standards are approximate and provided for general reference only. Assessors are advised to consult the individual institution’s grading system and to look closely at individual grades as well as any overall grade.

• a Título de Bacharel with an overall grade of 9 out of 10;
• a Título de [subject area] with an overall grade of 9 out of 10; or
• a Título de Licenciado/a (when awarded after a minimum of four years) with an overall grade of 9 out of 10.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a master's degree in the UK system, you will usually need one of the following qualifications:

• a Título de Mestre;
• a Grau de Mestre; or
• a Diploma de Mestre.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a ‘strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours’ in the UK system, you will usually need:

• a bachelor’s (honours) degree or a general four-year bachelor’s degree with an overall grade of ‘B+’ or 76%, a GPA of 3.1 out of 4.0, or a GPA of 7 out of 9;
• bachelor’s degree ( Baccalauréat/Bachelier, without honours) from Quebec with an overall of ‘B+’ or 76%,  a GPA of 3.1 out of 4.0; or a GPA of 7 out of 9: or
• an applied bachelor’s degree with an overall grade of ‘B+’ or 76%,  a GPA of 3.1 out of 4.0, or a GPA of 7 out of 9.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a ‘first-class undergraduate degree with honours’ in the UK system, you will usually need one of the above qualifications with an overall grade of ‘A’ or 83%, a GPA of 3.6 out of 4.0 or a GPA of 8 out of 9.

Masters' qualifications

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a master's degree in the UK system, you will usually need a master’s degree/ Maîtrise or Master of Philosophy. An overall grade of ‘B+’ or 77%, or a GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0, is usually considered equivalent to a merit grade in the UK system.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a ‘ strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours ’ in the UK system,  you will usually need a bachelor’s degree with an overall grade of 85% from a Double First Class University, former Project 985 or Project 211 institution or 90% from other institutions. Applicants with scores of less than 90% from other institutions should also have at least a passing grade in a master’s degree.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a ‘ first-class undergraduate degree with honours ’ in the UK system, you will usually need an overall score of 90% from a Double First Class University, former Project 985 or Project 211 institution or 95% from other institutions. Applicants with scores of less than 95% from other institutions should also have at least a passing grade in a master’s degree.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a master's degree in the UK system, you will usually need a master’s degree with an overall grade corresponding to the following:

• 60% for a passing grade in the UK system
• 80% from a Double First Class University, former Project 985 or Project 211 institution, or 85% from other institutions, for a merit grade in the UK system
• 88% from a Double First Class University, former Project 985 or Project 211 institution, or 90% from other institutions, for a distinction grade in the UK system.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a  ‘ strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours ’ in the UK system , you will usually need a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with an overall grade of 80% (‘B+’) or ‘Very Good’, or a GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a  ‘ first-class undergraduate degree with honours ’ in the UK system , you will usually need a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with an an overall grade of 85% (‘A’) or ‘Excellent’, or a GPA of 3.7 out of 4.0.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a master's degree in the UK system , you will usually need a master’s degree ( Majister ) with an overall grade corresponding to the following:

• 50% (‘C’) for a passing grade in the UK system
• 80% (‘B’) for  a merit grade in the UK system
• 90% (‘A’) for a distinction grade in the UK system.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a ‘strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours’ in the UK system , you will usually need one of the following qualifications:

• Licence/Grade de Licence from a Grande École with an overall grade of 13 out of 20;
• Licence/Grade de Licence (post-2009) from other universities with an overall grade of 14 out of 20;
• Diplôme d'Ingénieur from a recognised institution with an overall grade of 13 out of 20; or
• Maîtrise (pre-2009) with an overall grade of 14 out of 20.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a  ‘ first-class undergraduate degree with honours ’ in the UK system , you will usually need one of the following qualifications:

• Licence/Grade de Licence  from a  Grande École with an overall grade of 14.5 out of 20;
• Licence/Grade de Licence from other universities with an overall grade of 16 out of 20;
• Diplôme d'Ingénieur from a recognised institution with an overall grade of 14.5 out of 20; or
• Maîtrise (pre-2009 qualification) with an overall grade of 16 out of 20.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a master's degree in the UK system,  you will usually need one of the following qualifications:

• Diplôme d'Ingénieur with Grade de Master
• Diplôme d'Études Approfondies (DEA)
• Diplôme d'Études Supérieures Spécialisées
• Diplôme de Master/Grade de Master.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a 'strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours'   in the UK system,  you will usually need either:

• a bachelor’s degree, ie Fachhochschulediplom or Diplom (FH) if awarded post-2002, with an overall grade of 1,9;
• Magister Artium/Diplom (awarded 2002 and before) with an overall grade of 2,0; or
• Law (Jura), Erste Staatsexam with an overall grade of 6,5 or above (on a 0–18 scale).

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a 'first class undergraduate degree with honours' in the UK system,  you will usually need either:

• a bachelor’s degree, ie Fachhochschulediplom or Diplom (FH) if awarded post-2002, with an overall grade of 1,5
• Law (Jura), Erste Staatsexam with an overall grade of 9.0 or above (on a 0–18 scale).

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a master's degree in the UK system , you will usually need a  Master  (post-2002) or Magister Artium/Diplom (pre-2002) qualification. An overall grade of 2,0 is usually considered equivalent to a merit grade in the UK system. An overall grade of 1,4 is usually considered equivalent to a distinction grade in the UK system. 

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a ‘strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours' in the UK system , you will usually need either:

• Ptychío/Diploma from AEI institution with an overall grade of 8.0 out of 10.0; or
• Ptychío/Diploma from a TEI institution with an overall grade of 8.0 out of 10.0.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a ‘first-class undergraduate degree with honours' in the UK system , you will usually need either:

• Ptychío/Diploma from AEI institution with an overall grade of 8.5 out of 10.0; or
• Ptychío/Diploma from a TEI institution with an overall grade of 9.25 out of 10.0.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a master's degree in the UK system , you will usually need a master’s degree from a recognised institution. If the course requires a merit, an overall grade of 7.0 out of 10.0 is usually required. If the course requires a distinction, an overall grade of 8.5 out of 10 is usually required.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a ‘strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours’ in the UK system , you will usually need a bachelor’s degree (honours) with an overall grade of 2:1 (upper second-class) or a GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a ‘first class undergraduate degree with honours’ in the UK system , you will usually need a bachelor’s degree (honours) with an overall grade of first-class or a GPA of 3.7 out of 4.0.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a master's degree in the UK system , you will usually need a master’s degree from a recognised institution. If a merit grade is required for your course, an overall grade of ‘Credit’ or a cumulative GPA of 3.2 out of 4.0 is usually required. If a distinction grade is required, an overall grade of ‘Distinction’ or a GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0 is usually required.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a ‘strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours' in the UK system , you will usually need one of the following qualifications:

• a professional bachelor’s degree (4 years) from a recognised institution with an overall grade of 60% for degrees awarded by prestigious institutions (eg Institutions of National Importance ), or 70% for degrees awarded by other institutions; or a cumulative GPA of 3.3 out of 4.0, 5.0 out of 7.0, 6.0 out of 8.0 or 8.0 out of 10.0; or
• a standard bachelor’s degree (3 years) from a recognised institution with an overall grade of 65% for degrees awarded by prestigious institutions (eg Institutions of National Importance ), or 70% for degrees awarded by other institutions.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a ‘first class undergraduate degree with honours' in the UK system , you will usually need either:

• a professional bachelor’s degree (4 years) from a recognised institution with an overall grade of 65% for degrees awarded by prestigious institutions (eg Institutions of National Importance ), or 75% for degrees awarded by other institutions; or 3.5 out of 4.0, 5.5 out of 7.0, 6.5 out of 8.0 or 8.5 out of 10.0. 
• a standard bachelor’s degree (3 years) from a recognised institution with an overall grade of 70% for degrees awarded by prestigious institutions (eg Institutions of National Importance ), or 75% for degrees awarded by other institutions.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a master's degree in the UK system , you will usually need a master’s degree awarded by a recognised institution with an overall grade corresponding to the following:

• 55% for a pass grade in the UK system
• 60% for a merit grade in the UK system
• 70% for a distinction grade in the UK system.
• a bachelor's degree (3 years), ie Karshenasi (formerly Licence ) with an overall grade of 17 out of 20; or
• a professional doctorate (5-6 years), ie  Doktura , with an overall grade of 17 out of 20.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a ‘first-class undergraduate degree with honours’ in the UK system , you will usually need:

• a bachelor's degree (3 years), ie Karshenasi  (formerly  Licence ) with an overall grade of 18 out of 20; or
• a professional doctorate (5-6 years), ie  Doktura, with an overall grade of 18 out of 20.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a master's degree in the UK system , you will usually need a master’s degree (2 years), ie Karshenasi Arshad (formerly Fogh Licence ), with an overall grade corresponding to the following:

• 14 out of 20 for a pass grade in the UK system
• 16 out of 20 for a merit grade in the UK system
• 18 out of 20 for a distinction grade in the UK system.

Entry requirements for UK qualifications can be directly applied to Irish qualifications. For example, if your graduate course at Oxford requires a ‘first-class undergraduate degree with honours’ in the UK system it will also require a first-class undergraduate degree with honours in the Irish system.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a ‘strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours’ in the UK system, you will usually need Laurea (a three-year bachelor’s degree), Diploma Accademico di Primo Livello, Licenza di Accademia di Belle Arti , or Diploma di Istituto Superiore per le Industrie Artistiche with an overall grade of 106 out of 110.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a ‘first class undergraduate degree with honours’ in the UK system , you will usually need a Laurea (a three-year bachelor’s degree), Diploma Accademico di Primo Livello, Licenza di Accademia di Belle Arti , or Diploma di Istituto Superiore per le Industrie Artistiche with an overall grade of 109 out of 110.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a master's degree in the UK system , you will usually need one of the following:

• Laurea Magistrale/Specialistica
• Diploma Accademico di Secondo Livello (from an AFAM institution)
• Laurea Magistrale a Ciclo Unico
• Laurea (pre-1999) ( vecchio ordinamento )

If your course requires a merit in the UK system, you will usually need an overall grade of 106 out of 110. If your course requires a distinction in the UK system, you will usually need an overall grade of 110 out of 110.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a ‘strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours' in the UK system,  you will usually need a bachelor’s degree with an overall grade of 80%, ‘B’ (high) or ‘Excellent’.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a ‘first class undergraduate degree with honours' in the UK system , you will usually need a bachelor’s degree with an overall grade of 90%, ‘A’ (high) or ‘Outstanding’.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a master's degree in the UK system , you will usually need a master’s degree from a recognised institution. If your course requires a merit grade in the UK system, you will usually need an overall grade of 76%, ‘B+’ or ‘Good’. If your course requires a distinction grade in the UK system, you will usually need an overall grade of 90%, ‘A’ (high) or ‘Outstanding’.

Korea (Republic of)

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a ‘strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours’ in the UK system,  you will usually need a bachelor’s degree with an overall grade of 85% or ‘B+’, or a cumulative GPA of 3.2 out of 4.0, 3.4 out of 4.3, or 3.6 out of 4.5. 

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a ‘first class undergraduate degree with honours’ in the UK system ,  you will usually need a bachelor’s degree with an overall grade of 95% or ‘A’, or a cumulative GPA of 3.6 out of 4.0, 3.8 out of 4.3, or 4.0 out of 4.5.

If your course requires a master’s degree in the UK system , you will usually need a master’s degree from a recognised institution. If your course requires a merit in the UK system, you will usually need an overall grade of 85% or ‘B+’. If your course requires a distinction in the UK system, you will usually need an overall grade of 90% or ‘A’.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a ‘strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours’ in the UK system , you will usually need a bachelor’s degree with an overall grade of Class 2 Division I, ‘B+’ or 72%, or a GPA of 3.4 out of 4.0.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a ‘first-class undergraduate degree with honours’ in the UK system , you will usually need a bachelor’s degree with an overall grade of Class 1, ‘A’ or 80%, or a GPA of 3.7 out of 4.0. 

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a master's degree in the UK system, you will usually need a master's degree from a recognised institution. 

The Netherlands

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a 'strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours' in the UK system,  you will usually need  a bachelor’s degree with an overall grade of 7.5 out of 10.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a 'first-class undergraduate degree with honours' in the UK system ,  you will usually need a bachelor's degree with an overall grade of 8 out of 10.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a master's degree in the UK system ,  you will usually need a master's degree from a recognised institution. If your course requires a merit in the UK system, you will usually need an overall grade of 7.5 out of 10. If your course requires a distinction in the UK system, you will need an overall grade of 8.0 out of 10.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a 'strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours' in the UK system , you will usually need a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with an overall grade of 2:1 or 65% or a GPA of 4.0 out of 5.0.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a 'first-class undergraduate degree with honours' in the UK system ,  you will usually need a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with an overall grade of first-class honours or 70%, or a GPA of 4.5 out of 5.0.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a master's degree in the UK system , you will usually need a master’s degree from a recognised university. If your course requires a merit in the UK system, you will need an overall grade of 65% or 4.0 out of 5.0. If a distinction in the UK system is required, you will need a master’s degree with an overall grade of 70% or 4.5 out of 5.0. 

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a 'strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours' in the UK system , you will usually need one of the following qualifications: 

• a four-year bachelor’s degree with an overall grade of First Division, 75% or ‘A’ , or a GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0
• a Bachelor of Law (LLB)
• a master’s degree after a two- or three-year bachelor’s degree with an overall grade of ‘Pass’ or 65%; or
• a Doctor of Medicine/Veterinary Medicine/Pharmacy; 

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a 'first class undergraduate degree with honours' in the UK system ,  you will need a bachelor’s degree from a well-ranked institution with an overall grade of ‘A+’ or 80%, or a GPA of 3.8 out of 4.0. 

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a master's degree in the UK system , you will usually need one of the following qualifications:

• a master’s degree following a four-year bachelor's degree (MPhil or LLM); or
• a second master’s degree following a two- or three-year bachelor's degree (MPhil or LLM).

If your course requires a merit in the UK system, you will usually need an overall grade of 80% or a GPA of 3.75 out of 4.0. If your course requires a distinction in the UK system, you will usually need an overall grade of 85% and above or a GPA of 3.85 out of 4.0. 

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a ‘strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours’ in the UK system , you will usually need one of the following qualifications: 

• Lincencjat/Inzynier awarded post-2001 with an overall grade of 4.5/5.0, 5.0/6.0 or Dobry Plus ; or
• Magister/Magister Inzynier awarded pre-2001 with an overall grade of 4.5/5.0, 5.0/6.0 or Dobry Plus .

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a ‘first class undergraduate degree with honours’ in the UK system ,  you will usually need one of the following qualifications:

• Lincencjat/Inzynier awarded post-2001 with an overall grade of 5.0/5.0 or 6.0/6.0; or 
• Magister/Magister Inzynier awarded pre-2001 with an overall grade of 5.0/5.0 or 6.0/6.0.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a master's degree in the UK system , you will usually need a master’s degree, ie Magister/Magister Inzynier, from a recognised institution. If your course requires a merit in the UK system, you will usually need an overall grade of 4.5 out of 5.0, 5.0 out of 6.0 or Dobry Plus. If your course requires a distinction in the UK system, you will need an overall grade of 5.0 out of 5.0 or 6.0 out of 6.0.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a ‘strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours’ in the UK system , you will usually need a Licenciatura/Licienciado with an overall grade of 15/20 or a Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializados (DESE) with an overall grade of 16/20.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a ‘first-class undergraduate degree with honours’ in the UK system , you will usually need a Licenciatura/Licienciado with an overall grade of 17/20 or a Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializados (DESE) with an overall grade of 18/20.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a master's degree in the UK system, you will usually need a Mestrado/Mestre with an overall grade corresponding to the following:

• 10/20 for a passing grade
• 16/20 for a merit grade
• 18/20 for a distinction grade.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a 'strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours' in the UK system , you will usually need one of the following qualifications:

• a bachelor’s degree from a highly-ranked institution with an overall grade of ‘Good’ or 4.5/5.0
• a Bologna Bachelor’s from other institutions with an overall grade of Excellent or 4.8/5.0; or
• a Specialist Diploma (completed post-1991) with an overall grade of ‘Good’ or 4.5/5.0.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a 'first class undergraduate degree with honours' in the UK system ,  you will usually need one of the following qualifications:

• a bachelor’s degree from a highly-ranking institution with an overall grade of ‘Excellent’ or 4.8/5.0; or
• a Specialist Diploma (completed post-1991) with an overall grade of ‘Excellent’ or 4.8/5.0.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a master's degree in the UK system , you will usually need you will usually need a master’s degree ( Magistr ). If your course requires a merit in the UK system, you will usually need to have a ‘Pass’. If your course requires a distinction in the UK system, you will usually need to have an overall grade of ‘Diploma with Excellence’ with the total percentage of ‘Excellent’ marks being no less than 75%.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a 'strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours' in the UK system , you will usually need a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with an overall grade of Upper Second Class Honours/Lower Second Class Honours or CAP/GPA of 4.0 out of 5.0 or 3.5 out of 4.0.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a 'first class undergraduate degree with honours' in the UK system ,  you will usually need a bachelor's degree from a recognised university with an overall grade of First Class Honours/Upper Second Class Honours or a CPA/GPA of 4.5 out of 5.0 or 3.7 out of 4.0.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a master's degree in the UK system , you will usually need a master's degree from a recognised university. If your course requires a merit in the UK system, you will usually need a CAP/GPA of 4.0 out of 5.0 or 3.5 out of 4.0.

South Africa

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a 'strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours' in the UK system , you will usually need one of the following qualifications:

• a Bachelor’s Honours Degree with an overall grade of 70% or second class division 1; or
• a Professional Bachelor’s Degree with an overall grade of 70% or second class division 1.
• a Bachelor’s Honours Degree with an overall grade of 75% or first class; or
• a Professional Bachelor’s Degree with an overall grade of 75% or first class.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a master's degree in the UK system, you will usually need a Master’s Degree.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a 'strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours' in the UK system , you will usually need a Titulo Universitario Oficial de Graduado, Titulo de Licenciado/Ingeniero/Arquitecto with an overall grade of 7.5/10 or 2.5/4.0.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a 'first class undergraduate degree with honours' in the UK system ,  you will usually need a Titulo Universitario Oficial de Graduado, Titulo de Licenciado/Ingeniero/Arquitectoan  with an overall grade of 8.5/10 or 2.75/4.0.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a master's degree in the UK system , you will need a post-Bologna (obtained since 2007) master's degree, ie Título de Máster (when recognised by the Ministerio de Educación ). If your course requires a merit, you will need a grade of at least 7/10 or 2.5/4.0. If your course requires a distinction, you will need a grade of at least 8/10 or 2.75/4.0.

Switzerland

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a ‘strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours’ in the UK system , you will usually need a post-Bologna bachelor’s degree or Diplom/Diplome/Diploma or Lizentiat/Licence/Licenza or Staatsdiplom/Diplôme d'État/Diploma di Stato from a recognised university with an overall grade of 5/6, 8/10 or 2/5, or ‘gut’, ‘bien’, ‘bene’ or ‘good’.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a ‘first-class undergraduate degree with honours' in the UK system , you will usually need a post-Bologna bachelor’s degree or Diplom/Diplome/Diploma or Lizentiat/Licence/Licenza or Staatsdiplom/Diplôme d'État/Diploma di Stato awarded by a recognised university with an overall grade of 5.5/6, 9/10 or 1.5/5 (where 1 is the highest mark).

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a master's degree , you will need a post-Bologna master’s degree awarded by a recognised university (in addition to a first-cycle bachelor's degree or Diplom/Diplôme/Diploma or Lizentiat/Licence/Licenza ) with an overall grade corresponding to the following:

• 4/6 or 7/10 or 2.5/5 (where 1 is the highest mark) for a passing grade in the UK system
• 5/6 or 8/10 or 2/5 (where 1 is the highest mark) for a merit in the UK system
• 5.5/6 or 9/10 or 1.5/5 (where 1 is the highest mark) for a distinction in the UK system.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a 'strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours' in the UK system , you will usually need a Lisans Diplomasi or Mühendis Diplomasi with an overall GPA of 3.3 out of 4.0.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a 'first class undergraduate degree with honours' in the UK system ,  you will usually need Lisans Diplomasi or Mühendis Diplomasi with an overall GPA of 3.6 out of 4.0.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a master's degree in the UK system , you will usually need a Yüsek Lisans Diplomasi, Tip Doktorlugu Diplomasi/DisHekimligi/Veteriner Hekim , or Bilim Uzmanlığı Diplomasi/Yüksek Mühendis Diplomasi with an overall grade corresponding to the following:

• a GPA of 3.0 for a passing grade in the UK system
• a GPA of 3.4 for a merit in the UK system
• a GPA of 3.7 for a distinction in the UK system.

United States of America (USA)

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a 'strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours' in the UK system , you will usually need a bachelor’s degree with an overall GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0/4.3 or 4.0 out of 5.0.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a 'first class undergraduate degree with honours' in the UK system ,  you will usually need an overall GPA of at least 3.7 out of 4.0/4.3 or 4.5 out of 5.0.

If your graduate course at Oxford requires a master's degree in the UK system , you will usually need a master's degree from a recognised institution with an overall GPA of 3.3 out of 4.0. 

If guidance for your country is not shown above  and you would like to discuss your suitability for a graduate course, contact the academic department using the details provided on the  course page .

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Our four-year MPhys course investigates the basic principles of modern physics with a strong emphasis on its mathematical foundation. It also includes a significant amount of experimental work and the possibility of studying a non-physics subject. There is a common emphasis on individual development, discussion and the ability to work with others in the laboratory.

This is an extended course allowing time in addition to the three-year BA course to pursue two or more fields up to the research frontier. It should be of interest to those who seek a possible career in physics and/or who want a degree comparable in level with advanced European degrees.

Students on the three-year BA and the four-year MPhys courses follow exactly the same programme of study for the first two years. After the Part A exams at the end of the second year, students must choose which degree they wish to take.

Course structure

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