Departmental scholarships
If a project does not come with specific funding, that does not mean that there is no funding available. Apply for a project you are interested in, and if your application is successful, you may be awarded a scholarship from one of the following sources.
It is a good idea to contact the supervisor of any PhD project you want to apply for, before you submit your application, as they may also be able to advise you on other sources of funding. We also accept applications from students who are applying for funding separately, or have funding in place already – please include any details in your application form.
EPSRC and STFC studentships
Each year, we have a limited number of studentships available from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, and the Science and Technology Facilities Council, to cover tuition fees and living expenses. This funding is available to home and overseas students.
EPSRC studentships are available to students applying for a project in:
- Biological physics
- Inorganic semiconductors
- Materials physics
STFC studentships are available to students applying for a project in:
- Astronomy and astrophysics
- Particle physics and particle astrophysics
To apply for one of these studentships, complete the University of Sheffield's postgraduate online application form and state that you would like to be considered for an EPSRC or STFC scholarship.
Arthur and Mary Hogg Scholarship
- More information and how to apply
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Arthur and Mary Hogg were alumni of the University of Sheffield. Arthur completed a BSc and MSc in physics, but was unable to afford to continue on to a PhD. A scholarship in their memory has been funded to support students from underprivileged or under-represented backgrounds to reach their full potential. More details of Arthur and Mary's story can be found here.
Applications are welcome from students wishing to study for a PhD on a full-time or part-time basis, and who are from an under-represented group in physics and astronomy. We are using the same definition of under-represented groups as the Bell Burnell Graduate Scholarship Fund, which refers to: women, students of Black-Caribbean, Black-African and other minority ethnic (BAME) heritage, students with disabilities, or who require additional funding to support inclusive learning, LGBT+ students and students from disadvantaged backgrounds who may struggle to find the levels of funding needed to complete their studies.This studentship is available only to applicants with home student status. Priority will be given to applicants who meet multiple criteria and the decision by the department on qualification and funding amounts will be final.
Applications should be submitted using the online form. The closing date for applications is Friday 15 March 2024.When asked for the funding source, please enter `Arthur and Mary Hogg Scholarship' so we can pick up your application. We also require you to submit a personal statement (maximum 1000 words) describing: (a) your reasons for wanting to study for a PhD, (b) How you meet the eligibility criteria, clearly stating which under-represented group you identify as, (c) How you propose to gain benefit from a scholarship. This statement should be uploaded with your application as a supporting document.
Other scholarships from the University of Sheffield and external sources are available for new PhD students to help cover tuition fees and sometimes living expenses.
Research Excellence Framework 2021
We have been rated 1st in the UK in terms of the quality of our research. In the latest REF, 100 per cent of research and impact from our department has been classed as world-leading or internationally excellent.