Programs American student going to UK for PhD.

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The discussion centers on a student nearing the completion of a BS in Physics, seeking guidance on pursuing a PhD in optics and applied optics in the UK. Key points include the understanding that a typical four-year degree in the UK culminates in a master's degree, and that PhD programs generally do not require additional coursework. The student is particularly interested in funding options, noting that while graduate students in the US often receive teaching assistantships and health insurance, similar full funding opportunities for international students in the UK are limited. However, there are opportunities for teaching or research assistant positions that can provide financial support. Resources like www.findaphd.com are recommended for exploring funding options, including specific opportunities at institutions such as Queen Mary University of London (QMUL). The student also inquires about UK schools with cold atomic vapor research groups.
dmriser
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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
 
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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.
 
Thank you for the reply, and good luck on your degree
 
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.
 
Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...

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