Graduate research in physics
Start your research career in physics here. Our PhD students work on cutting-edge research at the frontier of physics. Join them!
Why research with us?
Join Australia's leading physics community: Our department offers world-class research programs across modern physics, with faculty leading projects in several prestigious Australian Research Council Centres of Excellence. The University of Melbourne's consistent high ranking (Times Higher Education & Academic Ranking of World Universities) reflects our commitment to excellence.
Some of the areas you can specialise in when you study a PhD with us are:
- Astrophysics
- Atomic, molecular and optical physics
- Complex systems
- Condensed matter physics
- Cosmology
- Particle physics
- Physical bioscience
- Quantum information.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Science)
Make contributions to an area you're passionate about - it could be quantum mechanics, electrodynamics or even statistical mechanics. Solve universal problems at the frontier of physics, drawing upon advanced, graduate-level knowledge and experience.
If you've just finished a Bachelor of Science degree, you should start with the Master of Science (Physics) or the Master of Philosophy (Science) – they're both pathways into graduate research with us.
Getting started in graduate research
Throughout your PhD, you'll be guided by a supervisor who is an expert in their field – so the first thing you need to do is find a researcher, group or project to work with. There are two great ways to find your passion and a supervisor or group to help you reach it:
Option 1: Explore our research groups
There is a wide range of research being performed across our School – explore the Our research page to learn more about the projects and supervisors you could join. Send a prospective supervisor a message on their Find an Expert profile and explain what you'd like to do.
Option 2: Find a graduate research project
The University's Graduate Research Opportunity Tool is a directory of PhD and Masters by Research projects – search by course, field of research or location to find a research project that you're excited to join. Send a prospective supervisor a message on their Find an Expert profile and explain what you'd like to do.
What do I say to a prospective supervisor?
You need the written support of a supervisor before submitting an application to the University. Once you've found a prospective supervisor, contact them with the following documents and information:
- Your curriculum vitae (CV)
- All higher education transcripts
- A brief summary of your intended area of research
- The names of at least two prospective supervisors that align with your intended area of research.
They will consider your past academic performance and whether there is someone in their team available to supervise your study.
Scholarships and fees
The University of Melbourne offers a variety of scholarship opportunities alongside its PhD programs. When you apply for a PhD with us, you'll automatically be considered for a Graduate Research Scholarship. This scholarship covers tuition fees and provides a living allowance, along with a relocation grant if you're moving to Melbourne.
Looking for additional funding options? Explore our comprehensive scholarships database to discover even more possibilities you might be eligible for!
Need advice or help getting started?
Before getting in touch, please read this page and Doctor of Philosophy (Science) carefully. If you still have questions, email the Graduate Research team and we’ll be happy to help.