Theoretical Physics: Fully Funded STFC and Swansea University PhD Scholarship: Dualities in Gauge Field Theories and String Theory (RS468)

Funding providers: Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and Swansea University's Faculty of Science and Engineering

Subject areas: Theoretical physics, String Theory, Particle Physics, Quantum Field Theory

Project start date:  

• 1 October 2024 (Enrolment open from mid-September)

Project supervisors: 

• Professor Adi Armoni (a.armoni@swansea.ac.uk)
• Professor Carlos Nunez

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Physics

Mode of study: Full-time or part-time

Project description: 

Gauge theories are the fundamental framework behind theoretical particle physics. In recent years it became evident that two seemingly different gauge theories describe the same physics. This phenomenon is called ‘duality’. The simplest known duality is between Electric and Magnetic field, known also as electric-magnetic duality in Maxwell theory. Dualities are characterised by the property that when one description is ‘hard’ the other is ‘easy’ and vice versa. Thus, often hard calculations in a given theory become easy using a different description. Most of the effort to construct and use dualities is within theories known as ‘supersymmetric’, toy models of the real world. The aim of this project is to extend the dualities towards realistic models of nature which do not admit supersymmetry. The focus is on three kinds of dualities, S-duality, Seiberg duality and holography. In all dualities we will use both field theory tools and string theory. This is an exciting opportunity for a PhD student to learn and contribute to a field in the forefront of theoretical particle physics.

Watch the video to find additional information about the research of Professor Armoni.

Candidates must hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level or a master’s degree with a minimum overall grade at ‘Merit’ (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University). If you are eligible to apply for the scholarship (i.e. a student who is eligible to pay the UK rate of tuition fees) but do not hold a UK degree, you can check our comparison entry requirements (see country specific qualifications). Please note that you may need to provide evidence of your English Language proficiency. 

English Language requirements: If applicable – IELTS 6.5 overall (with at least 6.0 in each individual component) or Swansea recognised equivalent. Details on the Swansea University English Language entry policy can be found here.

This scholarship is open to candidates of any nationality.

STFC funded studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students, once the limit has been reached, we are unable to make offers to international students.  

We are still accepting applications from international applicants.   

International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rate. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements. 

ATAS

Please note that the programme requires some applicants to hold ATAS clearance, further details on ATAS scheme eligibility are available on the UK Government website. 

ATAS clearance IS NOT required to be held as part of the scholarship application process, successful award winners (as appropriate) are provided with details as to how to apply for ATAS clearance in tandem with scholarship course offer. 

If you have any questions regarding your academic or fee eligibility based on the above, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk with the web-link to the scholarship(s) you are interested in. 

This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £18,622 for 2023/24).

Additional research expenses will also be available.

To apply, please complete your application online with the following information:

1. Course choice – please select Physics / PhD / Full-time / 3 Year / October

   In the event you have already applied for the above programme previously, the application system may issue a warning notice and prevent application, in this event, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application.

2. Start year – please select 2024
3. Funding (page 8) –

• ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No
• ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter ‘RS468 - String Theory'

*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award.

One application is required per individual Swansea University led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards.

We encourage you to complete the following to support our commitment to providing an environment free of discrimination and celebrating diversity at Swansea University:

• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form (online form)

As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via email):

• CV
• Degree certificates and transcripts (if you are currently studying for a degree, screenshots of your grades to date are sufficient)
• A cover letter including a ‘Supplementary Personal Statement’ to explain why the position particularly matches your skills and experience and how you choose to develop the project.
• Two references (academic or previous employer) on headed paper or using the Swansea University reference form. Please note that we are not able to accept references received citing private email accounts, e.g. Hotmail. Referees should cite their employment email address for verification of reference.
• Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable).
• Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable)
• Confirmation of EDI form submission (optional)

Informal enquiries are welcome, please contact Professor Adi Armoni (a.armoni@swansea.ac.uk).

*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co- funding of a scholarship project is applicable.