Research Group: Astronomy Unit
Number of Students: 1
Length of Study in Years: 4 years
Full-time Project: yes

Funding

Funding is provided via the China Scholarship Council.  

• Available to Chinese applicants only.
• Applicant required to start in September 2026.
• The studentship arrangement will cover overseas tuition fees for the duration of the studentship.

Project Description

On the scale of the entire observable Universe it is no longer appropriate to use Newtonian theory to describe gravitational interactions. Instead, we need to use Einstein’s relativity in order to gain a proper understanding of the large-scale expansion of space, and to make detailed predictions of the relativistic effects that can only be observed on the very largest of scales that we will ever see. This project will use Einstein’s theory of spacetime to investigate structure formation in cosmological modelling, and to make predictions that can be tested using upcoming observational missions. This is the ideal time to be performing this work, with astronomical surveys being performed over the coming decade that will map out the Universe to unprecedented depth and accuracy.

During this project, the PhD student will investigate relativistic effects in cosmology. This project could include:

• Investigating how cosmological expansion emerges in inhomogeneous spacetimes, and the consequences of this for cosmological observables.
• Applying higher-order perturbation theory to the study of gravitational fields in the Universe, in order to calculate subtle relativistic effects.
• Simulating relativistic effects in the formation of large-scale structure, by developing novel techniques that allow for their inclusion.
• Calculating and predicting the observational properties of the distribution of galaxies in the Universe, and how they can be used to investigate relativistic gravity.

Application Method:

To apply for this studentship and for entry onto the Physics programme (Full Time), please follow the instructions detailed on the following webpage:

https://www.qmul.ac.uk/spcs/phdresearch/application-process/#apply

Deadline for application - 28th of January 2026

Supervisor Contact Details:

For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Prof. Chris Clarkson

Email: chris.clarkson@qmul.ac.uk

Requirements

• This project is only available to Chinese nationals eligible for China Scholarship Council Funding.
• The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good Honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) and MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent).
• You will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in all categories. The English certificate will be required at the point of application.

SPCS Academics: Professor Chris Clarkson