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.

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Upcoming events

28 November - 14 December 2023
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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...

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29 November 2023
The whirpool galaxy M51. Bright lanes of star formation may be triggered by interactions with a nearby companion. In Oxford we study the growth, evolution, central black holes, star formation rates and instellar medium of galaxies, the building blocks of our universe. Credit: NASA, ESA, S. Beckwith (STScI) and the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)
Events for prospective students
Undergraduate events
Graduate events

Astrophysics graduate open day

An event for prospective graduate students

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30 November 2023
Two physicists (a female and male) working on a lab experiment
Seminars and colloquia

ALP Seminar: Circuits that learn on their own

Dr Andrea Liu, UPenn

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1 December 2023
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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.

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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. 

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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
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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
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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
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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

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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!

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