Physics: Fully Funded STFC and Swansea University PhD Scholarship: Chern Simons Theory and Integrability (RS756)

Funding providers: Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and Swansea University's Faculty of Science and Engineering

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

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

Project supervisors: Professor Daniel C. Thompson, Professor Tim Hollowood

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Physics

Mode of study: Full-time or part-time

Project description: 

This exciting project in mathematical and theoretical physics will investigate novel approaches to quantum systems with integrability.   Normally the equations that determine physical systems, be it quantum field theory describing particle physics or string theory describing quantum gravity, are too hard to solve exactly. However, there are very special systems that have deep hidden symmetries that allow one to exactly solve these equations instead of using e.g. perturbation theory. The study of these integrable systems is a critical area in the intersection of mathematical and theoretical physics and string theory. 

The group at Swansea led by Hollowood and Thompson have been pivotal in the recent discoveries of a landscape of integrable models known as Integrable Deformations. Very recently a new outlook on this topic has been provided by the six-dimensional holomorphic Chern Simons theory which has been conjectured to provide an origin for all such integrable deformations. The goal of this project is develop a detailed quantum understanding of this approach and to apply it in a range of contexts in including to resugrence, holography and string theory. 

Candidates must hold a UK Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of Upper Second Class honours or 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 Swansea recognised equivalent. Further details available on the Swansea University English Language entry policy.

This scholarship covers the full cost of UK tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (£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 

   (Full-time) Physics / PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / October

   OR

   (Part-time) Physics / PhD / Part-time / 6 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) –

• ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No
• ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter ‘RS756 - Theory and Integrability’'

*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):

• 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 EDI form submission 

One application is required per individual Swansea University-led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards.

Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact Professor Daniel C. 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.