PhD in Particle Physics: Oxford or Imperial?

[Soniya]

Hi all, I recently got accepted to do a PhD into High Energy Physics groups at Oxford, Imperial, UCL, Cambridge and Manchester. My main interest is neutrino physics, which all of these places are offering. However, I am struggling to pick between Oxford and Imperial.

I have met and discussed the potential projects at length with each corresponding supervisor. Imperial would be focused on the COMET experiment, whereas Oxford would be DUNE. There's a possibility I will be offered a scholarship from Oxford. Both departments are fantastic in their research and highly prestigious. Therefore, I am in a happy yet confusing predicament. I was wondering whether anyone could shed some light on what they would pick and why?

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

Congrats, all are highly regarded schools! Have you discovered any differences?

 

[Fabrizio Vassallo]

Hi all, I recently got accepted to do a PhD into High Energy Physics groups at Oxford, Imperial, UCL, Cambridge and Manchester. My main interest is neutrino physics, which all of these places are offering. However, I am struggling to pick between Oxford and Imperial.

I have met and discussed the potential projects at length with each corresponding supervisor. Imperial would be focused on the COMET experiment, whereas Oxford would be DUNE. There's a possibility I will be offered a scholarship from Oxford. Both departments are fantastic in their research and highly prestigious. Therefore, I am in a happy yet confusing predicament. I was wondering whether anyone could shed some light on what they would pick and why?

Hey! I have no idea which university is better for you, but still, wanted to wish you good luck! Hope you have a great phd experience! Greetings!

 

[Junk411]

Hi all, I recently got accepted to do a PhD into High Energy Physics groups at Oxford, Imperial, UCL, Cambridge and Manchester. My main interest is neutrino physics, which all of these places are offering. However, I am struggling to pick between Oxford and Imperial.

I have met and discussed the potential projects at length with each corresponding supervisor. Imperial would be focused on the COMET experiment, whereas Oxford would be DUNE. There's a possibility I will be offered a scholarship from Oxford. Both departments are fantastic in their research and highly prestigious. Therefore, I am in a happy yet confusing predicament. I was wondering whether anyone could shed some light on what they would pick and why?

The only input I'm putting in is that oxford is situated REALLY close to RAL (Rutherford Appleton laboratory), where they do a lot of particle physics. As a result, getting some experience there might be easier if you apply for oxford. But then again that's only my opinion. Imperial also offers postgrad training at RAL.
Also, you may find this useful too.
https://www.imperial.ac.uk/plasma-physics/postgraduate-training/

 

[QueenOfTheMice]

Hi Soniya!

First of all, you can really be proud of yourself, it's amazing what you've achieved, congrats! Which university did you choose?

I am really curious because I also want to do a PhD in particle physics and specialize in neutrino physics. But right now I am just about to start my MSc at ETH Zürich in the upcoming semester (so I am going to learn more about neutrinos in a lecture I am going to attend, I can't wait for it), and I am studying at ETH for the next two years. After that, I dream of doing my PhD in England, and I would be grateful if you would share any experience :) Cheers, Kathi

 

[berkeman]

Welcome to the PF.

I also want to do a PhD in particle physics and specialize in neutrino physics. But right now I am just about to start my MSc at ETH Zürich in the upcoming semester (so I am going to learn more about neutrinos in a lecture I am going to attend, I can't wait for it)

Our local neutrino expert Professor @Orodruin may have some thoughts on this for you...

 

[WWGD]

I don't know that much about the UK, but in general you may think of whether you prefer schools that are of a certain size, "temperament",same for the places where schools are located. Do you like large schools, cities/towns , or you prefer smaller ones? How about liveliness. Clearly you will be pretty busy, but, would you like to have a more sedate environment on your free time, or one with a few bars/pubs to hang out in during your down time?