The CMMP group - CMMP scholarships

CMMP Summer Research Bursaries (UCL)

You will receive about 2,350 EUR (GBP 2,000) for an eight-week (approximately two-month) summer research project in physics at University College London. The amount is based on the London living wage for approximately 17 working hours per week. Payment will be made in two instalments: one at the start and one halfway through the project. You will work on a real research project under the supervision of a researcher from the ‘Condensed Matter and Materials Physics’ (CMMP) group. You will also receive training in the use of the necessary equipment and software. The projects may be experimental, theoretical or computational in nature and cover fields such as solid-state physics, nanophysics, materials science, quantum technology and biophysics. The most outstanding applicants will be awarded the ‘Brian Duff Summer Studentship’, which is funded by a donation from the Brian Duff family. Travel, relocation and laboratory material costs are not covered.

Who can apply

• Study level: You are a second- or third-year Bachelor’s student.
• Field of study: You are studying physics in one of the CMMP group’s research areas.
• University: Any university is eligible. A portion of the funding is reserved for UCL students, but students from other universities may also apply.
• Grades: You have an excellent academic record, as places on the course are allocated through a selection process.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.
• Supervisor: You need a researcher from the CMMP group who is willing to supervise your project.

How to apply

First, find out about the research work carried out by the CMMP group and choose a supervisor whose work interests you. Contact them directly or email the coordinator a two-page CV, your academic transcript and a short paragraph explaining your motivation. Once you have agreed on a project, your supervisor will submit the formal application on your behalf. The application deadline for the 2026 round is 27 March 2026. Each application will be assessed by at least three researchers.

How realistic are your chances?

The target group is narrowly defined: only second- and third-year physics students whose research interests align with a specific CMMP topic and who can find a willing supervisor are eligible to apply. This step involving the supervisor is the key selection criterion, as you must already have a researcher on board before you apply. If you have good grades and agree on a project with a supervisor at an early stage, your chances are good. Due to the selection process, outstanding academic performance remains crucial.