American student going to UK for PhD.

[dmriser]

Hi,

I am entering my last year of the BS in Physics program. I am looking at graduate schools around the US for PhD opportunities in optics and applied optics.

I have never had the time to travel and I would love to go to the UK for a PhD. I am having a tough time understanding the system and what degree I would need to obtain here in order to enter a PhD program in the UK. Here's what I have gathered:

- a typical 4 year degree program ends with a masters degree
- a phd doesn't require coursework

I am also wondering about stipends and funding, as this would be necessary for me to live. In the US i know that graduate students are often given TA jobs and paid as well as given health insurance in some cases.

Somebody please help me out or point me toward a good resource where I can educate myself!

P.S. Does anyone know a UK school with a cold atomic vapor research group?

Thank you,
David

 

[KillaKem]

I don't know anything about the physics departments over here because I'm not a Physicist and I'm not a PhD student ( I've actually just finished the first year of an undergrad degree ), what I do know however is that there is virtually no full PhD funding for internationals over here.You can still get a TA or RA post and get money to help you maintain yourself though.

 

[dmriser]

Thank you for the reply, and good luck on your degree

 

[Mépris]

Use "www.findaphd.com" - I saw funding at QMUL for some applied physics PhD. Was available to non-EU students too.

I actually found this website here.