We strongly recommend that you informally approach your potential supervisor(s) with your research proposal before submitting a formal application to study. This will enable you to find out if they feel they would be able to supervise you and whether they believe your research proposal needs further refinement.<br><br>Being part of a collaborative research community is the ideal environment for you to flourish. We encourage our students to engage with each other, as well as our world-class academics, to promote a vibrant, supportive and friendly research atmosphere.<br><br>The group structure provides a very positive support mechanism, helping research students to sustain productive research, over 90 per cent submit within the EPSRC deadline period, with most publishing several scientific papers during their period of study. <br><br>We understand that it is vital that you are a part of a stimulating and energetic environment with your peers throughout your research degree. We also recognise that being in a position to discuss stages of your work is essential to your long-term success. To support this, we organise a series of postgraduate seminars where research students discuss their work, carry out presentations and swap ideas. We strive to ensure that you are a valued and intrinsic member of a close-knit group of ambitious research students, who will cooperate and provide support to each other when necessary.<br><br>All postgraduate research students are allocated a second supervisor and/or mentor to guide you throughout your postgraduate degree and we deliberately create a policy of openness and approachability. You will undertake a full programme of induction and training in order to<br><br>provide the technical, mathematical, organisational and personal skills required for your research,<br>heighten your awareness of recent advances in physics and astronomy research, through the Colloquium Programme,<br>provide you with essential safety, and fire training,<br>introduce you to the facilities, support and monitoring services provided by Physics and Astronomy and throughout the Faculty.