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About University of Galway
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Accessibility & LanguagePhysics (Structured PhD)
Course Overview
All PhD students in the College of Science will enrol in a Structured PhD.
Physics is the fundamental science which seeks to understand the basic laws governing the structure of matter, the nature of energy and the physical forces that form our world. Its span of interest ranges from the nature of the short-range forces which operate inside the atomic nucleus to the origin and structure of the universe. The Physics unit has staff working in the five areas listed below;
- Applied Physics, the study of physics with particular emphasis on technological and practical applications
- Astrophysics, the part of astronomy that deals with the physics of the universe, including that of stars, black holes and galaxies
- Biomedical Physics, the application of physics to the medical and biological sciences
- Climate Physics, focussed on understanding the physics of climate change from a rigorous-science perspective, a study of the key processes driving climate change, enabling a response on a regional, national and international scale
- Theoretical Physics, the application of mathematical tools and models to explain and predict physical phenomena
Research Groups in Physics:
- Polymer Sensors & Devices Research Group https://www.universityofgalway.ie/photonic-sensors/
- National Centre for Laser Applications (NCLA) https://www.ncla.ie/
- Tissue Optics and Microcirculation Imaging (TOMI) https://tomi.nuigalway.ie/
- Atmospheric & Environmental Physics Research Cluster—Centre for Climate & Air Pollution Studies (C-CAPS) https://www.macehead.org/
- Applied Optics Research Group https://optics.nuigalway.ie/
- Centre for Astronomy https://astro.universityofgalway.ie/
- Medical Physics Medical Physics - University of Galway
Programmes Available
Structured PhD, 4 years full-time.
Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System.
Associated
Learning Outcomes
Entry Requirements
To be eligible to enter on a programme of study and research for the degree of PhD you must have reached a high honours standard at the examination for the primary degree or presented such evidence as will satisfy the Head of School and the College of your fitness.
Who’s Suited to This Course
Current research projects
For current projects, visit Research - University of Galway
Current funded research opportunity
Work Placement
Related Student Organisations
Career Opportunities
Find a Supervisor / PhD Project
If you are still looking for a potential supervisor or PhD project or would like to identify the key research interests of our academic staff and researchers, you can use our online portal to help in that search
Research Areas
Follow the following link to find Research opportunities in Physics.
Researcher Profiles
For more details contact individual members of staff through the website contact points:
Course Fees
Fees: EU
€5,750 p.a. (€5,890 including levy) 2026/27
Fees: Non EU
€15,000 p.a. (€15,140 including levy) 2026/27
Extra Information
EU Part-time: Year 1 €4,250 p.a. (€4,390 including levy) 2026/27
All students, irrespective of funding, must pay the student levy of €140.
Contact Us
Related links:
Scholarships
Research
Graduate Studies Office
What Our Students Say
Gordon Sands | PhD Applied Physics
I'm doing research in radiation safety in radiotherapy, so it involves elements of physics, engineering and medicine. Essentially radiotherapy is one of the most technologically advanced forms of treatment in healthcare. It uses a lot of advanced equipment, with people involved every step of the way. What I am looking at is places where mistakes can be made and making sure the system is designed in such a way that patients’ treatments will never be affected by these mistakes. The learning environment at NUI Galway is fantastic. So many people, even outside of your own discipline, will always be there to help if you need it. Through my supervisor, I’ve developed a great relationship with the Radiotherapy Department in University Hospital Galway and have been able to get radiation therapists, clinical-based medical physicists, nurses and doctors involved with the research.
