University of Oxford - The BP Prize for a MPhys Project in Theoretical Physics

What you get

You will receive a one-off cash prize of about 190 EUR (£150) for the best final-year dissertation in Theoretical Physics at the University of Oxford. Theoretical Physics refers to work based on mathematics and models rather than on laboratory experiments. The energy company BP funds the prize. It recognises work already completed and is therefore a one-off reward, not ongoing funding for your studies.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You are enrolled on the four-year Master’s programme in Physics (MPhys) at the University of Oxford.
• Stage: You are in your fourth and final year of study, during which you will carry out an independent research project and write a detailed report on it.
• Topic: Your project focuses on theoretical physics.
• Result: Your project has been rated as the best of its kind in your year group.
• Nationality: Open to students of all nationalities.

How to apply

There is no need to submit anything, and there is no deadline. Oxford selects the winner based on the grades and projects of its fourth-year physics students. So, to remain in the running, all you need to do is produce outstanding project work.

How realistic are your chances?

Each year, just one prize is awarded for the best project in the field of theoretical physics amongst final-year MPhys students at Oxford. The pool of candidates is small, but the bar is set very high. You cannot apply for the prize, nor can you improve your chances by fulfilling formal requirements. The award is based solely on the quality of the project. Think of it as recognition that you can earn through outstanding achievement, rather than as funding that you can use to adjust your plans.