Physics: Fully Funded EPSRC & SFTC PhD Scholarship: Quantum spacetime geometry beyond the horizon (RS755)

Funding providers: EPSRC and STFC

Subject areas: Theoretical Physics, Black Holes, String Theory, Quantum Field Theory, Quantum Gravity, Quantum Information 

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

Supervisors: 

Primary: Professor Prem Kumar

Secondary: Prof. Tim Hollowood  and  Prof. Dan Thompson

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Physics

Mode of study: Full-time

Project description:

Quantum mechanics and Einstein’s general relativity (GR) are the two major mathematical pillars on which our understanding of the physical world rests. We know the world is quantum, and GR tells us that gravity is curvature of spacetime geometry whose quantum description is largely unknown. This project will leverage recent insights on:  (i) black holes and the quantum information puzzle; and (ii) holographic emergence of classical spacetime and gravity in D dimensions from quantum information measures applied to a dual quantum mechanical model in D-1 dimensions;  to reveal quantum signatures of spacetime geometry behind the horizon of a black hole, and further aim to explore the physics of spacetime singularities.

The project will use advanced analytical methods in nonperturbatively tractable regimes of:

1. Solvable gravity models including e.g. JT gravity and supersymmetric string backgrounds.
2. Worldsheet perspective of strings in target black hole spacetimes.
3. Analytical and numerical approaches, applied to a dual quantum model which consists of the SYK model of interacting Majorana spins at a point, coupled to e.g. quantum spin chains on the half-line.

We will study highly excited states in the dual model and examine the evolution of certain quantum information measures under the effect of "modular flow". The goal of the project will be to show how modular flow gives an emergent description of the experience of infalling observers in spacetimes with horizons and/or singularities and reveal their quantum and stringy signatures.

Candidates must hold a UK Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of Upper Second Class honours or an overseas bachelor’s degree deemed equivalent to a 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 recognised equivalent. Further details are available in the Swansea University English Language entry policy.

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.

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 tuition fees and an annual stipend at the UKRI rate (currently £19,237 for 2024/25).

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

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 event, 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)–
4. ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No
5. ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter ‘RS755 - Quantum Spacetime’

*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.

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

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.

*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.