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

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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
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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
 
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If you plan on pursuing a PhD in physics you should probably find an interest in learning code...
 
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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.
 
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