Physics: Fully funded EPSRC DTP STFC PhD in the Complexity in Conformal and Confining field theories and Holography (RS753)

Funding provider: 50% Match Funded EPSRC 50% Match funded contribution from STFC DTP

Subject area: Physics

Project start date:1 October 2025 (Enrolment open from mid-September)

Supervisors: Carlos Nunez and Maurizio Piai

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Physics

Mode of study: Full-time

Project description:

The idea of Complexity, borrowed from Mathematics and Computer science, has recently emerged as generic Quantum Field Theories. While complexity is well-defined for simple systems like quantum circuits, calculating it for a Quantum Field Theory, which exhibits Conformal or Confining dynamics, is less straightforward.
This project aims to properly define and compute complexity for general Quantum Field Theories. The key technical tool is Holography, namely AdS/CFT and Gauge-Strings dualities. The project has many possible derivations in other areas.
The project builds on recent developments by the supervisors, contributing to the wider Physics community.

Candidates must hold a UK Bachelor's degree with a minimum of Upper Second Class honours in Physics or a related subject. Or overseas Bachelor's degree deemed equivalent to UK Bachelor (by UK ECCTIS) and achieved a grade equivalent to UK Upper Second Class honours in Physics or a related subject

Or a master’s degree with a minimum overall grade at ‘Merit’ (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) – see country-specific qualifications

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.

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 the scholarship course offer.

This scholarship covers the full cost of UK tuition fees and an annual stipend of £19,237.

Additional research expenses of up to £1,000 of the Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) per year will also be available.

Scholarship open to UK and international fee-eligible applicants. 

EPSRC DTP 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 rates. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements. 

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

1. Course choice – please select:

Physics / PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / 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 case, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application.

2. Start year – please select 2025

3. Funding (page 8 on the application process) – ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No; ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter ‘RS753 - Confining Field Theories’

*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.

NOTE: Applicants for PhD/EngD/ProfD/EdD - to support our commitment to providing an environment free of discrimination and celebrating diversity at Swansea University you are required to complete an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form in addition to your programme application form.

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

Please note that completion of the EDI Monitoring Form is mandatory; your application may not progress if this information is not submitted.

· CV
· Degree certificates and transcripts
· A cover letter
· One reference
· Evidence of meeting English Language requirements (if applicable)
· Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable)
· Confirmation of submission of EDI Form

*For ALL scholarship applications from February 2023 an EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) Monitoring Form is required.

Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact Carlos Nunez c.nunez@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.