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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

 

What's new?

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Durham University to host the National Astronomy Meeting 2025

Leading scientists from the UK and around world will meet at Durham University next summer to present the latest in cutting-edge space research.
The Ogden Centre at Durham University with a projection of the solar system projected onto its outer walls.

A new generation of telescopes will probe the ‘unknown unknowns’ that could transform our knowledge of the universe

Professor Richard Massey, from our Department of Physics, explores the potential of a new generation of telescopes.
Artistic impression of a telescope in space

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 joins cutting-edge astronomical project BlackGEM

We have become part of an incredible space project called BlackGEM. This partnership grants us access to advanced telescope array in Chile, boosting research and educational opportunities.
BlackGEM project signing ceremony

Our Physics department plays key role in unveiling the universe’s secrets

Our top-rated Physics department has made significant contributions to an innovative international project that's shedding new light on the mysteries of our universe.
PAU Survey catalogue

Durham joins cutting-edge astronomical project BlackGEM

We have become part of an incredible space project called BlackGEM.
BlackGEM project signing ceremony

Euclid reveals first images of its great map of the Universe

An international team of scientists, including those from our Department of Physics, are involved in a major space mission that has released five unprecedented new images of the Universe.
One of the first images from space from the Euclid mission

Our Physics department plays key role in unveiling the universe’s secrets

Our top-rated Physics department has made significant contributions to an innovative international project that's shedding new light on the mysteries of our universe.
PAU Survey catalogue

 

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

Find us on social media

Check out our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages

 

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.

Your Durham prospectus

Order your personalised prospectus and College guide here.