University of Oxford - The John Thresher Prize for a MPhys Project in Particle and Nuclear Physics

The John Thresher Prize

The one-off cash prize of about 175 EUR (£150) is awarded for an outstanding MPhys dissertation in the field of particle and nuclear physics. The Department of Physics at the University of Oxford awards it once a year. The MPhys is Oxford’s four-year physics degree programme, and the project takes up around a third of the final year. The prize is named after John Thresher, who obtained his 1956 in particle physics at Oxford.

Who can apply

• University: You’re studying physics at the University of Oxford.
• Study phase: You are in the fourth and final year of the MPhys degree programme.
• Field of study: Your MPhys project focuses on particle and nuclear physics.
• Achievement: Your project is regarded as one of the best in this field.
• Nationality: You can apply regardless of your nationality.

How to apply

There is no separate application process. The department selects the winner from the final-year dissertations submitted for assessment. All you need to do, therefore, is produce a compelling MPhys dissertation in this field.

How realistic are your chances?

This prize is awarded on a highly selective basis. It is presented each year to a physics student at Oxford, exclusively for an outstanding project in the field of particle and nuclear physics. The pool of eligible candidates is small, and only the very best project is recognised. It is not possible to apply for it directly; therefore, it is the quality of the project work that determines who wins the prize.