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The University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NZ, T +44 (0)1227 764000
Physical Sciences
Programmes
Taught programmes
Research programmes
Taught-Research Programmes
Did you know?
In the most recent Research Asessment Exercise: our Functional Materials Research Group was ranked 2nd nationally in the Metalurgy and Materials discipline, with 80% of our research rated “world-leading” or “internationally excellent”.
Kent was ranked 1st in the UK for student satisfaction in The Times Good University Guide 2012.
Overview
The School of Physical Sciences offers postgraduate students the opportunity to participate in groundbreaking science in the realms of physics, chemistry, forensics and astronomy. With strong international reputations, our staff provide plausible ideas, well-designed projects, research training and enthusiasm within a stimulating environment. Recent investment in modern laboratory equipment and computational facilities accelerates the research.
The School maintains a focus on progress to ensure each student is able to compete with their peers in their chosen field. We carefully nurture the skills, abilities and motivation of our students which are vital elements in our research activity. We offer higher degree programmes in chemistry and physics (including specialisations in forensics, astronomy and space science) by research. We also offer taught programmes in Forensic Science, studied over one year full-time, and a two-year European-style Master's in Physics.
Our principal research covers a wide variety of topics within physics, astronomy and chemistry, ranging from specifically theoretical work on surfaces and interfaces, through mainstream experimental condensed matter physics, astrobiology, space science and astrophysics, to applied areas such as biomedical imaging, forensic imaging and space vehicle protection. We scored highly in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise, with 25% of our research ranked as “world-leading” and our Functional Materials Research Group ranked 2nd nationally in the Metallurgy and Materials discipline.
Did you know?
In the most recent Research Asessment Exercise: our Functional Materials Research Group was ranked 2nd nationally in the Metalurgy and Materials discipline, with 80% of our research rated “world-leading” or “internationally excellent”.
Kent was ranked 1st in the UK for student satisfaction in The Times Good University Guide 2012.
Postgraduate resources
The University has good facilities for modern research in physical sciences. Among the major instrumentation and techniques available on the campus are NMR spectrometers (including solutions at 600 MHz), several infrared and uv-visible spectrometers, a Raman spectrometer, two powder X-ray diffractometers, X-ray fluorescence, atomic absorption in flame and graphite furnace mode, gel-permeation chromatography, gas-chromatography, analytical and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (including GC-MS and HPLC-MS), mass spectrometry (electrospray and MALDI), scanning electron microscopy and EDX, various microscopes (including hot-stage), differential scanning calorimetry and thermal gravimetric analysis, dionex analysis of anions and automated CHN analysis. For planetary science impact studies, there is a two-stage light gas gun.
Did you know?
In the most recent Research Asessment Exercise: our Functional Materials Research Group was ranked 2nd nationally in the Metalurgy and Materials discipline, with 80% of our research rated “world-leading” or “internationally excellent”.
Kent was ranked 1st in the UK for student satisfaction in The Times Good University Guide 2012.
Key information
Dynamic Publishing Culture
Staff publish regularly and widely in journals, conference proceedings and books. Among others, they have recently contributed to: Nature; Science; Astrophysical Journal; Journal of Polymer Science; Journal of Materials Chemistry; Applied Optics. Details of recently published books can be found within the staff research interests.
Interdisciplinary approach
Much of the School's work is interdisciplinary and we have successful collaborative projects with members of the Schools of Biosciences, Computing and Engineering and Digital Arts at Kent, as well as an extensive network of international collaborations.
National and international links
The School is a leading partner in the new South East Physics Network (SEPnet), a consortium of six universities in the south-east, acting together to promote physics in the region through national and international channels. The School benefits through the £12.5 million of Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) funding, creating new facilities and resources to enable us to expand our research portfolio.
The School's research is well supported by contracts and grants and we have numerous collaborations with groups in universities around the world. We have particularly strong links with universities in Germany, France, Italy and the USA.
UK links include King's College, London and St Bartholomew's Hospital, London. Our industrial partners include British Aerospace, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, and Ophthalmic Technology Inc, Canada. The universe is explored through collaborations with NASA, ESO and ESA scientists.
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|Did you know?
In the most recent Research Asessment Exercise: our Functional Materials Research Group was ranked 2nd nationally in the Metalurgy and Materials discipline, with 80% of our research rated “world-leading” or “internationally excellent”.
Kent was ranked 1st in the UK for student satisfaction in The Times Good University Guide 2012.
Contacts
Admissions enquiries
T: +44 (0)1227 827272
E: information@kent.ac.uk
Subject enquiries
Director of Graduate Studies
School of Physical Sciences,
Ingram Building,
University of Kent, Canterbury,
Kent CT2 7NH,UK
T: +44 (0)1227 823759
F: +44 (0)1227 827558
Did you know?
In the most recent Research Asessment Exercise: our Functional Materials Research Group was ranked 2nd nationally in the Metalurgy and Materials discipline, with 80% of our research rated “world-leading” or “internationally excellent”.
Kent was ranked 1st in the UK for student satisfaction in The Times Good University Guide 2012.