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Department of Physics

We are one of the UK's top Physics departments and have a reputation for high-quality teaching, driven by outstanding research, performed in an inclusive and welcoming community.
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Welcome to the Department of Physics at Durham

The Physics Department is a thriving centre for research and education.

We are proud that our Department closely aligns the teaching and learning experience for its students with the research-intensive values and practices of the University. Research-led teaching is embedded at all levels from first year laboratory reports to our final year MSci flagship individual research projects.

The Department incorporates the Ogden Centre for Fundamental Physics, is home to the Institute for Particle Physics Phenomenology and the Institute for Computational Cosmology. The Ogden Centre is also the base for our innovative outreach programme for school children and their teachers.

A graphic showing an on-campus scene of students walking past the modern, glass-sided library building with the University's Physics and Astronomy Top 100 ranking emblazoned on it

Find out more about us
2nd in the Guardian University Guide 2024
3rd for Physics and Astronomy in the Complete University Guide 2024
96%
96% of our research outputs are world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)
3rd in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023
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Just got your grades?

We look forward to welcoming you to Physics. Find out what to do next below.

Before you arrive Welcome and Induction

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Spacecraft regularly burn up in the atmosphere - is this causing harm?

Physics fellow Dr Fionagh Thomson will explore the potential risks of decommissioning satellites in the atmosphere in a project funded by the UK Space Agency. 

Research news
Polar stratospheric clouds above buildings

Euclid space telescope discovers stunning Einstein Ring 

An international space mission currently mapping the dark Universe has discovered a rare ‘Einstein Ring’ in a galaxy not far away.
Research news
Euclid’s fuzzy view of galaxy NGC 6505 with an Einstein Ring around its centre, embedded in its cosmic neighbourhood. This wide field shows the extended stellar halo of NGC 6505 and showcases the Einstein Ring, surrounded by colourful foreground stars and background galaxies.

Durham’s strengths in space and quantum research focus of German Ambassador’s visit

Our strengths in space and quantum research were the main focus of a visit to Durham University by the German Ambassador to the UK.
Global research
Two men look through a panel into the interior of a large box which contains machinery and wires.

Durham researchers help discover largest radio jet ever seen in early Universe

A team of astronomers, including researchers from our top-rated Physics department, have discovered the largest radio jet ever seen in the early Universe.
Research news
Artist’s illustration showing the largest radio jet ever found in the early Universe

National Astronomy Week: explore our world-leading research

During UK National Astronomy Week, 1-9 February, we’re taking a look at just some of the incredible work our researchers are doing in the fields of astronomy, cosmology and advanced instrumentation.
Global research
Planets in the solar system gathered around the sun

Leading astronomer helps uncover unique giant radio galaxy

South Africa’s MeerKAT telescope has revealed a remarkable cosmic discovery—Inkathazo, a newly identified giant radio galaxy (GRG), whose name means trouble in isiZulu and isiXhosa.
Research news
MeerKAT telescope

Leading the world in Physics research

From quantum science to galactic discoveries, our Department of Physics is at the forefront of breakthroughs in the field.
Global research
Stars in the blackness of space
More news

Spacecraft regularly burn up in the atmosphere - is this causing harm?

Physics fellow Dr Fionagh Thomson will explore the potential risks of decommissioning satellites in the atmosphere in a project funded by the UK Space Agency. 

Polar stratospheric clouds above buildings

Euclid space telescope discovers stunning Einstein Ring 

An international space mission currently mapping the dark Universe has discovered a rare ‘Einstein Ring’ in a galaxy not far away.
Euclid’s fuzzy view of galaxy NGC 6505 with an Einstein Ring around its centre, embedded in its cosmic neighbourhood. This wide field shows the extended stellar halo of NGC 6505 and showcases the Einstein Ring, surrounded by colourful foreground stars and background galaxies.

Durham researchers help discover largest radio jet ever seen in early Universe

A team of astronomers, including researchers from our top-rated Physics department, have discovered the largest radio jet ever seen in the early Universe.
Artist’s illustration showing the largest radio jet ever found in the early Universe

Prof. Tom Lancaster co-author's must-have book on the most famous of all modern theories of physics

Prof Tom Lancaster has co-authored a must-have book for all budding physicists. General relativity lies at the heart of modern physics and represents the pinnacle of Albert Einstein’s celebrated work. Despite being mentioned as a motivation in huge numbers of applications to university physics courses, many future physicists leave university without having engaged with perhaps the most famous of all modern theories of physics!

Partial screenshot of the book cover of General Relativity for the Gifted Amateur

Ariadna Calcines Rosario receives the ENDECAN Award for Scientific and Technological Talent

Ariadna Calcines Rosario received the ENDECAN Award for Scientific and Technological Talent in recognition of her professional career achievements in the design and development of image slicer technology for astronomy, her main research area at the Centre for Advanced Instrumentation at Durham University.
Ariadna Calcines-Rosario receives here ENDECAN award

Winners of 2024 Physics Award for Excellence Announced

Congratulations to the winners of The 2024 Physics Award for Excellence this year’s winners are -
Stocki image of a winners trophy and confetti

Durham’s strengths in space and quantum research focus of German Ambassador’s visit

Our strengths in space and quantum research were the main focus of a visit to Durham University by the German Ambassador to the UK.

Two men look through a panel into the interior of a large box which contains machinery and wires.

National Astronomy Week: explore our world-leading research

During UK National Astronomy Week, 1-9 February, we’re taking a look at just some of the incredible work our researchers are doing in the fields of astronomy, cosmology and advanced instrumentation.
Planets in the solar system gathered around the sun

Leading the world in Physics research

From quantum science to galactic discoveries, our Department of Physics is at the forefront of breakthroughs in the field.
Stars in the blackness of space

Government Minister visits Ukraine summer camp

The UK’s Higher Education Minister has visited our campus to show her support for an education and recreation summer camp for Ukrainian young people.

Two women and a man standing behind a science desk, watching two young women point tuning forks at plastic tubes on a table

Condensed Matter Physics Research Section came together for an Away Day

The whole Condensed Matter Physics research section (CMP) in Physics at Durham came together for an Away Day at Ushaw House for training and development activities to strengthen our research capabilities and support career progression.
Images of CMP Away Day

Celebrating the next generation of North East Physicists

Physics students’ success from across the region has been celebrated at the recent School Physicist of the Year (SPotY) awards.
Student receiving a school's physicist of the year award

 

Study with us

Undergraduate study

Find out more about our BSc and MPhys courses.

Students in labs peering into microscope

Postgraduate study

Discover more about our taught courses and research degrees.

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Our research

We are one of the top Physics Departments in the UK for research, as recognised in repeated assessments and league tables.

According to REF2014, 100% of our research impact and 94.2% of our research outputs were judged to be internationally excellent.
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Cosmic Ray Cosmo Simulation
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Look Closer at the Faculty of Science

Whether it’s our world-leading research that seeks to empower and inspire, our commitment to educational excellence across eight academic departments, or our focus on the next generation of scientists through our ground breaking science outreach and engagement. We push forward, break down barriers, asking the big questions and getting answers. Watch our short video to find out why there’s more to science at Durham than meets the eye.

Find out about the Faculty of Science

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Open Days & Visits

We can offer personal tours of the Physics Department by arrangement, in addition to the University’s standard open day offerings. to discuss a department tour, please see ‘Arrange a personal tour’ below.

Undergraduate open days Postgraduate open days

Experience Durham by arranging a personal tour

Arrange to have a personal tour of our department buildings and facilities, meet departmental staff and get a feel for what it would be like to study here.

Arrange a personal tour

Arrange a personal tour

Find us on social media

Check out our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages

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Student updates

What it's been like studying Physics

3rd year Physics student Jack reflects on his studies during the pandemic

Physics Rochester Building

Day in the life of a 3rd year Physics student: My Industrial Project

Physics student Gabriel tells us about his Team Project module at Durham

Student pouring liquid nitrogen

Get in touch

Contact us to find out more about our department.

Department of Physics
Durham University
Lower Mountjoy
South Road
Durham
DH1 3LE
United Kingdom

Questions about studying here?

Check out our list of FAQs or submit an enquiry form.

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