The first step is to decide where you want to study. On this website there are comprehensive list that include what research areas each university concentrate on. You should browse these and decide what area(s) you like the look of and then go deeper. Check that you are still interested at the lab level and wouldn't nod off reading papers on the fine details.
Now you've narrowed down the field, look at the individuals that you could be working with. How many papers they have published and what they were in recently. These are the people that you send an introductory letter to and your CV.
Now you're ready to fill in your application. Make sure that you send off your reference letters, partially filled in, with self addressed envelopes and an explanation to your referees. You may need to collect official photocopies of your transcript and/or your degree certificate(s). Also include a copy of our CV if you feel that there is insufficient detail on your application form. This should be sent off before christmas.
Interviews
Once the university has your application, they will contact you with dates of open days and/or your interview. Don't be fooled, if you're going to an open day, they will probably interview you. Make sure that you look the part, take with you a hard copy of your project and also take it on a disk. Try not to rush off after your interview, you should take the time to check out the leisure facillities of the university or the city, meet other post graduate students out of the office and get their take on the department.
Funding
Most universities will offer a PPARC funded PhD whereby your tutition fees are covered and you recieve a tax free stipend to cover your living expenses. This may also cover an allowance for observational trips, conference trips and the like. To find out if you are eligible, check out the PPARC website. You should be a member of the UK or EU and be on target to get a 2:i or a first in your degree, normally a masters.
You can fund yourself if you do not reach the grant requirements or you may be eligible for a college funded PhD although this may exclude a travel allowance. Some universities only offer to pay your tutition fees so make sure you know the conditions for funding at the universities you decide on.
Housing
Most universities will prioritise first year PhD student for halls of residence or PhD housing. You should be informed of your options if/when you are offered a place.
Reading
When you have decided what you would like to specialise in, you should start reading the basics. These are areas that you could be asked in an interview applying the physics that you would have learnt in your degree and that you should be able to apply to bigger questions. They will be looking for your ability to 'think outside the box'. [This is taught in "Synoptic Physics" a third year, non examinable course held in phyics at QM.]
Once you have been offered a position, you should be given a reading list of papers relavant to your choosen area, but not neccessarily to a particular project. Many universities do not expect you to know what exact question you're going to dedicate the next three years to answering. You may want to read about observation techniques, experimental proceedures and how to research guides also.
