Research in Theoretical Physics & Mathematics

• Quantum backflow
• Quantum mechanical resonances
• Non-equilibrium statistical mechanics
• Floquet-Bloch theory applied to photonic crystals
• Mathematical modelling of liquid crystals
• Mathematical modelling of ultrasonic devices
• Rational function approximation
• Numerical analytic continuation
• Stiff nonlinear differential equations and adaptive mesh generation
• Medical statistics, public health, natural and technological disasters.
• Diophantine equations

Each year, the School has a number of definied research projects for the coming session in the domain of Physical Sciences which are available to self-funded students.

When the become available, details of these projects will be posted here and on FindaPhD.com.

We are currently seeking applications for PhD students in:

• Numerical Analysis of Resonances in Elliptic Microcavities 
• Asymptotic Analysis of Resonances in Cavities with Point-Like Scatterers
• Optimal Adaptive Mesh Generation for Stiff Nonlinear Differential Equations
• Quantum Backflow in Periodic Potentials
• Public health issues in cardiovascular disease, cancer, and bariatric surgery
• Impact of natural and technological disasters

We can confidently state that our research activities in environmental sciences directly map to 5 UN SDGs:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing
• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 9: Industry Innovation and Infrastructure
• SDG 13: Climate Action

In the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024, UWS was officially recognised in the top 400 universities worldwide as assessed against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UWS was recognised as the 2nd most impactful university in Scotland, and 16th globally, for 'reducing inequalities' (UN SDG 10).

Find out more about UWS and UN SDGs

The Theoretical Physics and Mathematics research team comprises academic staff across physics and mathematics. The variety of themes highlight the diverse expertise and research interests of team members.

Dr Gregory V Morozov

Dr Maximilien Barbier

Dr Ryan Meeten

Dr Alan Walker

Dr Wan Mekwi

Dr Raymond Carragher

Dr Kwok Chi Chim

The minimum requirements for an applicant for registration for the degree of MRes or MPhil or for the degree of MRes/MPhil with the intention of transfer to PhD shall be a first or second class honours degree of a university in the United Kingdom, or of an equivalent qualification.

Applicants holding qualifications other than those specified in (above) shall be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the programme of work proposed.

Direct registration for the degree of PhD may also be approved, at the discretion of the University if the applicant holds an MRes/MPhil degree of a United Kingdom University, or an MRes/MPhil degree of equivalent standard of a non-UK University, provided that the MRes/MPhil degree is in a subject area which is appropriate to the proposed programme of work.

Exceptionally, direct registration for the degree of PhD may also be approved, at the discretion of the University, even if the applicant is not the holder of an MRes/MPhil degree, but does hold an exceptionally high-quality honours degree or taught master’s degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline, AND has appropriate research experience at postgraduate level which has resulted in significant peer-reviewed publications, and where verifiable evidence of accomplishment is supplied.

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. The qualifications below must have been gained within two years of the start of your course.

General English language requirements at UWS: International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)

For our research degrees (MRes, MPhil, PhD, DBA, DProf), applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:

• Overall score of 6.5
• No sub-test less than 6.0

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS