A world-class environment for your research degree
The School of Physics is offering a portfolio of PhD Scholarships across all its world-class research groups. These prestigious Scholarships represent a great opportunity to start your Postgraduate Research Career working with world-class academics in a supportive training and development environment. Physics at Bristol was ranked 5th for Research in the 2022 Research Excellence Framework (REF) results, and the University of Bristol is truly world-leading: 55th in the QS World University Ranking (2024) and 81st in the Times Higher Ranking (2024).
What does a Scholarship cover?
For home students, the scholarships will cover living expenses (UKRI rate), University tuition fees (see PhD Physics | Study at Bristol | University of Bristol), and training and support expenses. We also welcome applications from outstanding international candidates: we are able to offer a very small number of fully-funded places, but also accept students who can provide full or partial funding from other sources. If you need an offer letter to apply for a competitive scholarship, please get in contact with us well before any deadlines.
Research Project
High Temperature gas-cooled nuclear reactors (HTGRs) are an exciting reactor technology being developed due to their passive safety features and potential for decarbonising industry and hydrogen production. Historical evidence from Dragon [1] and Fort St Vrain [2] reactors show that HTGRs present significant materials challenges even in notionally inert helium coolant gas. The high operating temperatures mean even small quantities of gas impurities can modify material components. This project will use a custom high temperature rig and advanced microscopy to study the evolution of HTGR structural materials (primarily nickel-based alloys and steels) in high temperature helium.
The student will be based in the Interface Analysis Centre in the School of Physics at the University of Bristol, and will have access to a broad suite of advanced analytical techniques such as focused ion beam, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy and atom probe tomography. The student will use these techniques in combination with modelling to explore how complex degradation processes such as carburisation, decarburisation, oxidation and creep cavitation interact in these extreme environments, and identify optimal materials and conditions for future HTGRs.
For further information, please email tomas.martin@bristol.ac.uk.
[1] Price (2012), Nuclear Engineering and Design 51, 60-68
[2] Brey (1991), Energy 16, 47-58
The project will be supervised by Dr Tomas Martin and supported by other academics and research staff within the Interface Analysis Centre (IAC), which is part of the School of Physics at the University of Bristol. Training and support on microscopy techniques, image processing and computational modelling will be provided by the IAC facility staff. The student will join a large supportive group of materials research students and postdoctoral staff with significant opportunities to collaborate within Bristol and the broader nuclear materials community.
The Bristol Physics Graduate Research Community
If successful, you will become a member of the Physics Graduate School, a vibrant and diverse community of 200-plus research students from a wide range of countries and backgrounds. The Graduate School:
How do I apply?
You will need (1) a CV, (2) a Personal Statement, which is a one- to two-page document introducing yourself and outlining your motivation for PhD research, and (3) a transcript of any qualifying degrees (completed and/or underway).
You do not need a research proposal but you must specify a research theme or academic supervisor. Please contact the academics within the School of Physics research areas for information.
Applicants will be assessed on merit, and interviews will be held for shortlisted applicants.
You need to apply through the University of Bristol application system at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/. Please select Physics PhD on the Programme Choice page. The School of Physics supports Diversity and Equality, and we invite all eligible candidates to apply. We encourage applications from under-represented groups. We hold a Bronze Athena Swan award and a Physics Juno Champion award.
Please specify “Bristol Physics Research Scholarships” on the application form as your source of potential funding. Early application is encouraged. The closing date for applications to this call is 19 January 2026.
What are the candidate requirements?
A first degree in physics or a related subject, normally at a level equivalent to at least UK upper second-class honours, or a relevant postgraduate master's qualification. Please see Applying from your country | International students | University of Bristol on the International Office website.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you need to meet English Language Profile F. Further information about this can be found here: English language requirements | Study at Bristol | University of Bristol
Admissions Statement: PhD and MSc by Research Physics Admissions Statement
Contacts and further information
Please contact the Bristol Physics Graduate School at: physics-pg@bristol.ac.uk