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

28 November - 14 December 2023
Galaxy image
Primary school events

Galaxy Zoo: Galactic Explorers Challenge

We invite 7 - 12-year-olds from across the UK to become astrophysicists for a week, classifying galaxies from real satellite images and creating their very...

Read more
1 December 2023
A male and female research scientist with scientific instrument
Events for prospective students
Undergraduate events
Graduate events

Condensed Matter Physics graduate open day

The University of Oxford Condensed Matter Physics (CMP) sub-department is holding an Open Day for prospective DPhil applicants on Friday 1 December 2023.

Read more
2 December 2023
An image of a reddish nebula cloud surrounded by stars
Secondary school events

Year 10 Astrophysics Taster Morning

An introduction to studying physics and astrophysics at university for year 10 students.

Read more
4 December 2023
Two research scientists over a laser table
Events for prospective students
Undergraduate events
Graduate events

Atomic and Laser Physics graduate open day

The University of Oxford Atomic and Laser Physics (ALP) sub-department is holding an Open Day for prospective DPhil applicants on Monday 4 December 2023.

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