Should I apply for PhD / and what are my chances?

AI Thread Summary
Pursuing a PhD in physics, particularly in theoretical fields like field theories and gravity, is feasible for a final year MSci student with a strong academic background. However, a significant point of discussion emphasizes the importance of programming skills, even for those focused on pure theory. Many theorists utilize computational methods and supercomputers, making coding a valuable asset in modern research. While it's acknowledged that not all physicists are expert programmers, having a foundational understanding of coding is essential for success in a PhD program and in the field of theoretical physics.
MoRA
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hi

I'm a final year MSci student (kind of an undergrad masters) in physics and have been thinking about my next steps for a while now. I have a high 2:1 average from my first 3 years and I was just wondering if getting a PhD is realistic at all (what with all the impressive results other people come out with). My main interests lie in theoretical physics (field theories + gravity). I am neither a skilled programmer nor do I have an interest toward learning code. I am interested in pure theory. Any advise would be highly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

M
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If you plan on pursuing a PhD in physics you should probably find an interest in learning code...
 
  • Like
Likes MoRA
Further to what Alexmer said, you should learn to code especially if you're interested in pure theory. There are many more theorists using supercomputers to run model codes than there are 'pen and paper' theorists. That's not to say you shouldn't do a PhD, but you will very likely find that you need to become a competent programmer along the way. In general, physicists aren't the most skilled programmers out there, but know enough to get the job done.
 
  • Like
Likes MoRA
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...

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
940
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
23
Views
1K
Back
Top