Physics: Fully Funded STFC and Swansea University PhD Scholarship: String Theory; Chern Simons Theory and Integrability (RS865)

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) ** (Please see the note below regarding potential later start dates)

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: 

Are you fascinated by the deep mathematical structures underlying the laws of physics? Do you want to work at the forefront of theoretical physics and uncover new connections between quantum field theory, string theory, and geometry? 

This PhD project offers the opportunity to explore a rich and rapidly developing area of research where powerful mathematical ideas unlock exact solutions in quantum physics. Most physical systems are notoriously difficult to solve exactly—but in rare and remarkable cases, hidden symmetries make this possible. These special cases, known as integrable systems, offer a window into the exact workings of quantum theories. 

At Swansea University, our group has played a leading role in uncovering new classes of such systems—known as integrable deformations—and in exploring their relevance to string theory, quantum field theory, and holography. A particularly exciting recent development suggests that a higher-dimensional version of Chern-Simons theory might underpin all known integrable deformations, offering a unifying framework. 

As a PhD student on this project, you will: 

• Investigate the mathematical foundations of this new six-dimensional Chern-Simons approach, 

• Explore how it can be used to construct and solve quantum systems with exact integrability, 

• Apply these ideas in contexts ranging from holography to resurgent quantum field theory. 

The project lies at the intersection of geometry, algebra, and quantum physics, and would suit a mathematically inclined student with a background in theoretical physics or mathematics. Prior exposure to quantum field theory, string theory, or related areas is helpful but not essential—what matters most is curiosity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn. 

You'll be part of a vibrant research group with strong national and international links, and have the opportunity to travel, collaborate, and present your work. 

Open to UK fee-eligible applicants only.

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 tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £20,780 for 2025/26). 

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

Funding duration: 3 years  

To apply, please complete the entire application form, following this link: Complete your application here in Learner Gateway

In order to be considered for this scholarship award the following steps are also required. 

1) In section ‘Programme Related Information’ please input the relevant RS Code for the scholarship award i.e. RS865 

2) In section ‘Research’ you will see ‘Proposed project title/studentship title’* (Mandatory) 

• In ‘Proposed project title/studentship title’ please input:  
  • the RS Code, RS865 and 
  • the scholarship title.   
• Please leave Proposed Supervisor field blank 
• Please leave Research Project (if applicable) blank 
• In ‘Do you have a proposal to upload?*’(Mandatory) Please select Yes 
• Then upload copy of advert (you can save the advert by clicking print, and then print to pdf) 

3) In section ‘Funding information’ please choose the option ‘Scholarship Funding’ only. Please ensure no other options are selected.

*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.    

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 Professor 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. 

** In exceptional circumstances, and subject to the discretion of the University and/or the relevant funding body, a deferral of offer may be granted to the next available enrolment period. Such deferral will typically not exceed a duration of three calendar months from the originally stipulated commencement date. Please note that only one deferral may be considered, and any such deferral is not guaranteed.