The School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Leicester combines world-class scientific research with an environment of excellence in Physics teaching and learning. Building on more than half a century of cutting-edge research and strong links with industry and international partners, Leicester's diverse scientific community is probing the furthest depths of our Universe, leading the robotic exploration of the worlds of our Solar System, and teaching us about the fragile climate of our home planet. We offer PhD and MPhil supervision in Physics and Astronomy in areas compatible with the research interests of our academic staff including: Earth Observation Science Planetary Science Astrophysics Space Projects and Instrumentation PhD students complete an independent research project under the guidance of a supervisory team. The research is normally completed over a maximum period of 3.0-3.5 years (full-time) or 6.0-6.5 years (part-time). A fourth year (full-time) or seventh year (part-time) or the remaining part of this can be used to prepare the thesis for examination. The thesis should not normally exceed 50,000 words and must make an original contribution to knowledge and contain work of publishable quality. The thesis must then be defended in a viva voce (oral) examination before a degree can be awarded.