PhD Studentship: Theoretical Cosmology, Physics: Quantum Fields, Information, and Next-Generation Cosmological Probes

Quantum Fields, Information, and Next-Generation Cosmological Probes

This PhD project will investigate theoretical aspects of quantum field theory in cosmological spacetimes, with a particular focus on the physics of the early Universe. It will explore the behaviour of quantum fields in expanding backgrounds, including particle production, the dynamics of cosmological perturbations, and the emergence of effectively classical observables from primordial quantum fluctuations. 

A central theme of the project will be the role of quantum information concepts in cosmology. Notions such as entanglement, quantum coherence, and information flow offer new perspectives on the quantum-to-classical transition, as well as on the structure and evolution of quantum correlations generated during the early Universe. These questions will be addressed using frameworks from open quantum systems, decoherence, and non-equilibrium quantum dynamics, providing a unified description of quantum fields interacting with a cosmological environment. 

The project will further aim to connect these theoretical developments with potential observable signatures. In particular, it will investigate how quantum information–theoretic features may be encoded in cosmological and astrophysical observables, and how they could be accessed through next-generation probes, including gravitational-wave observatories, measurements of the cosmic microwave background, and emerging concepts inspired by quantum sensing technologies. 

The research will be primarily theoretical, relying on analytical methods from quantum field theory, general relativity, and cosmology, with interdisciplinary links to statistical physics and quantum information theory. 

**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. 

Applications may be submitted in Welsh and any application submitted in Welsh will be treated no less favourably than an application submitted in English. Please refer to the University’s Welsh Language Policy on Awarding Grants.  

Funding Details

Covers full tuition, £21,805 stipend (2026/27), plus up to £1,000 yearly for research costs.

Closing Date: 31/07/2026

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