Applied physics is the study of physics specifically as it pertains to developing and growing a wide range of practical uses in society through research and technology. Students may focus on a specific industry that uses this science, including aerospace, satellites, mobile telecommunications, lasers, microchips, fiber optics, semiconductors and information technology.

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom and Britain, is a sovereign state located off the northwestern coast of continental Europe. The two most famous (and oldest) universities are Oxford and Cambridge (often referred to as Oxbridge by many Britons). England also has several other world-class institutions, including several in London (notably Imperial College, the London School of Economics, University College London and King's College London, all are part of London University).

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.