Experimental Physics - Research

Research degrees in Experimental Physics typically include a mixture of course modules and original research work, which may involve laboratory investigations and computational studies.

All students will be registered onto a Structured PhD Programme. Students need to pass a certain number of credits in course modules in addition to successful completion and examination of the thesis. The student's original research as presented in the thesis is the sole means of assessment for the award of the degree.

PhD students must take a minimum of 30 credits in taught modules (15 in transferable modules and 15 in subject specific modules) and not exceed 90 credits in taught modules over the duration of their Structured PhD programme.

First-class or upper second-class (2.1) honours undergraduate degree in Physics, or equivalent.

Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.

Minimum English language requirements:

IELTS: 6.5 minimum overall score
TOEFL (Paper based test): 585
TOEFL (Internet based test): 95
PTE (Pearson): 62

Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

Closing date
Research applications are generally accepted at any time

4 years full-time

In general, there are two levels of fees payable. EU students from EU countries including Ireland pay a subsidised level of fees for both taught courses and research programmes. Tuition fees for students from outside the EU are not subsidised and are thus somewhat higher than for EU students.

Commences September (or other agreed time)

Research students at the Department of Experimental Physics gain expertise in specialized areas of experimental physics, computational physics or astrophysics during the course of their studies. This means that they are highly sought after by employers in a wide range of high-technology industries such as software engineering, micro-electronics, telecommunication engineering, scientific civil service, medical physics as well as those areas specifically requiring astrophysicists such as space science, satellite communications. A PhD degree is a prerequisite for careers in academia and industrial research.

Please see the departmental website for the current research interests of staff https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/experimental-physics/our-research