Department of Physics

At Te Kura Mātai Ahupūngao our students and scientists explore the fundamental properties of the physical world and tackle problems ranging from the search for planets to developing medical imaging and laser technologies.

Rose nebula

Our department offers a comprehensive range of physics programmes and research areas. Learn more about who we are and what we do.

Haere mai | Welcome
Image of stars and gas clouds in space

Where do all the elements come from?

Dr J.J. Eldridge talks about research into the lives and deaths of stars, especially binary stars that have very different lives to single stars like our Sun.

Associate Professor Stéphane Coen, Department of Physics

Our internationally recognised scholars are committed to producing high-quality research and world-class teaching.

Whakapā mai | Get in touch
Space display

Explore our range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

Hōpara kowhiringa | Explore options
Pink and purple plasma ball

Our research covers topics the fundamental properties of matter and light, climate and astrophysics, and the development of novel devices and technologies.

Tūhuratia | Discover
Associate professor Frédérique Vanholsbeeck

Discover some of the exciting research happening in the Department with our selection of interviews from early-career and up-and-coming academics.

Pānui tonu | Read more
Graduate Neelesh Rampal

Meet our students and graduates and find out where their Physics degree has taken them.

Pānui tonu | Read more
photonics researchers

We collaborate closely with several national Centres of Research Excellence (COREs) and other research institutions.

He whakamārama atu anō | Learn more