Astronomy

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the Queen Mary University of London is one of the UK’s elite research centres in internationally-leading research activities. 

The Department is made up of four research centres including our internationally-leading Astronomy Unit. The Astronomy Unit at Queen Mary is one of the largest astronomy and astrophysics research groups in the UK and our research programme encompasses a broad range of astrophysical phenomena across the universe, which we study with observational, theoretical, and simulational approaches.

The research in the Astronomy Unit falls under three main themes:

• Cosmology and Relativity
• Planet Formation and Evolution
• Space, Solar, and Astrophysical Plasmas

Entry requirements

Requirements for each PhD project vary but generally, we are looking for applicants who hold or expect to receive:

• A first or upper second-class honours degree in a relevant subject area. If your qualifications are not from a UK university, QMUL also considers recognised equivalent qualifications from accredited overseas institutions and equivalent professional qualifications.

The following information may also be factored into your application:

• A masters qualification is desirable but not always essential.
• Relevant experience within the field may also be taken into account.

For international students, please refer to the International student's section or contact the admissions team to find out how your international qualification converts to a UK degree.

All students must meet Queen Mary's English language requirements. The minimum level required for entry to our postgraduate programmes is as follows:

• Academic IELTS: 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in reading, speaking and listening

Please see the QMUL English language requirements guidelines for further information.

Further information

For more information please contact:
Robert Miles
PhD Programme Administrator
Email: r.miles@qmul.ac.uk 

Apply online