Quantum String Theory: Fully Funded PhD Studentship in Black Hole Microstates, Integrable Systems, and Quantum String Theory (RS760)

Funding providers: Match funded, UKRI EPSRC DTP and STFC DTP

Subject areas: Theoretical Physics, Mathematical Physics, Quantum Field Theory, String Theory

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

Supervisors: Prof Daniel Thompson, Prof Tim Hollowood and Prof Prem Kumar

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Physics 

Mode of study: Full or Part-time study is possible

Project description: Black Hole Microstates, Integrable Systems, and Quantum String Theory

Understanding black holes at the quantum level is one of the most profound challenges in theoretical physics. This project seeks to explore the microscopic origins of black hole entropy, the dynamics of black hole microstates, and their effective descriptions using cutting-edge techniques in string theory and integrable systems. Recent breakthroughs, including connections between integrable deformations and six-dimensional holomorphic Chern-Simons theory, offer a new lens to analyze the quantum structure of spacetime. The aim is to develop a quantum framework to describe black hole microstates, linking tools from integrability, holography, and quantum string theory.

Candidates will have the opportunity to investigate applications ranging from black hole thermodynamics to the emergence of spacetime geometry, contributing to fundamental questions about quantum gravity.

Candidates must hold a UK bachelor’s degree with a minimum of a Upper Second Class honours or overseas bachelor’s degree deemed equivalent to UK Bachelor (by UK ECCTIS) and achieved a grade equivalent to UK Upper Second Class honours – see country specific qualifications

OR a master’s degree with a minimum overall grade at ‘Merit’ (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University).

IELTS 6.5 overall (with at least 6.0 in each individual component) or a 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 scholarship course offer.

This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £19,237 for 2024/25). 

Additional research expenses of up to £1,000 per year will also be available.

Scholarship open to UK and international fee eligible applicants.
STFC 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.

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

1. Course choice– (Full-time) Physics / PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / October (or) (Part-time) Physics / PhD / Part-time / 6 Years / October
2. Start year– please select 2025
3. Funding (page 8 on the application process)
4. ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No
5. ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter ‘RS760 - Quantum String Theory’

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 event, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application.

*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.

As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via email): 

• CV 

• Degree certificates and transcripts (if you are currently studying for a degree, screenshots of your grades to date are sufficient) 

• A cover letter including a ‘Supplementary Personal Statement’ to explain why the position particularly matches your skills and experience and how you choose to develop the project. 

• One reference (academic or previous employer) on headed paper or using the Swansea University reference form. Please note that we are not able to accept references received citing private email accounts, e.g. Hotmail. Referees should cite their employment email address for verification of reference. 

• Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable). 

• Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable) 

• Confirmation of EDI form submission 

Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact Daniel Thompson - d.c.thompson@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.