Department of Physics - Oxford University

We apply the transformative power of physics to the foremost scientific problems; educate the next generation of leading physicists; and promote the public understanding of physics.

Research
Study
Engage

Latest news and comment

See all news and commentary

Upcoming events

31 March - 1 April 2025
Composite infrared spectrometer
Events for industry

Calcutt Instrumentation Development and Synergy Workshop

This invite-only workshop is a celebration of the work of Dr Simon Calcutt

Read more
26 April 2025
This true-color image shows North and South America as they would appear from space 35,000 km (22,000 miles) above the Earth.
Public open-door events

Oxford Earth Day 2025

Explore how Oxford is investing in the Earth by responding to Natural Hazards and Climate Change.

Read more
10 May 2025
Accelerate! show in action
Public events for children and young people

Marie Curious, Warwick 2025

Marie Curious is a free one-day science event for girls (aged 11-14) that aims to build confidence and fuel a passion for STEM subjects.

Read more
13 May 2025
climate image
Public open-door events

Physics: Lab to Life 2025

Open-door event to discover how physics research will impacts our lives

Read more
See all upcoming events
Department of Physics

Our research

Our researchers change the world: our understanding of it and how we live in it. We explore the fundamentals – how we got here and the secrets of the universe – as well as the practical from developing next-gen materials to pushing the frontiers of quantum and predicting the future for our planet. 

Discover more

Launch your studies

Our dynamic programme of outstanding research as well as our specialist research facilities, collaborative research networks and international renown attract the brightest minds from around the world. Come and join them.
Undergraduate students in a lecture theatre
Undergraduate
Postgraduate students talking around a blackboard
Postgraduate
Man holding scientific instrument
We work with businesses to share expertise, develop new ideas, provide services and commercialise research and our strong links with business are fundamental to how we work.
For business
Drawing of crystals
We want to spark a passion for physics in young people and we work directly with primary and secondary schools on a local and national scale to encourage physics for all. We want to inspire the physicists of tomorrow.
For schools
Man talking outside with people in background and foreground
We organise a wide range of public events not only to share our passion for physics but also to help people understand our work and see how our research impacts lives.
For the community
Female scientist

Giving

How to support the Department of Physics

Find out how you can support our world-class scientific research and teaching and help the Department of Physics to tackle some of the most urgent and fascinating challenges we face today

Find out more
Alumni of the Department of Physics at an event

Alumni

Once a physicist, always a physicist...

Our alumni relations office exists to nurture and develop long-lasting relationships between students, staff and friends of the Department of Physics so please do get in touch with ideas, feedback or just to say hello!

Find out more