Applied Physics

As one of the most fundamental sciences, physics has fuelled many of the scientific and technological developments that we take for granted. Physicists have pioneered modern technologies as diverse as the Internet, nuclear power and MRI scanners. Today physicists continue to lead innovation in areas such as quantum information and communications technology, nanosystems design, ultrafast molecular switching and terahertz medical imaging.

DCU’s Applied Physics degree provides a solid physics foundation and invaluable laboratory exposure, with an overarching emphasis on real-life technological skills and applications. The analytical abilities and problem solving skills you’ll develop will also make you a standout candidate on the job market and serve you throughout your career.

This four-year degree combines lectures, tutorials and stimulating laboratory work and projects with fundamental physics concepts and exciting, real-life technological skills and applications.

The basic foundations of physics will be laid in Years One and Two, while in Years Three and Four, you can choose to study specialist topics, such as instrumentation, nanotechnology, semiconductor materials, plasma physics and microfluidics.

In Year Three, your paid INTRA work placement will give you the opportunity experience industry for up to eight months. If you wish to pursue a research career, you will have the option of spending your placement working in one of the research groups in the School of Physical Sciences, where you’ll assist with cutting-edge research projects.

You’ll conduct your Year Four project in DCU’s world-class laboratories, experiencing the excitement and personal achievement associated with scientific research. On several occasions, final-year physics students have received national and international awards from the Undergraduate Awards, the Institute of Physics and the International Society of Automation on the basis of their project work.

During the course, you’ll be encouraged to apply for scientific internship schemes, including visiting fellowships in organisations such as the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) and the European Space Agency (ESA).

General Entry Requirements

A minimum of six Leaving Certificate subjects at Grade 06/H7, to include the subjects English OR Irish AND the subject Mathematics. In addition, applicants must present at least two subjects at grade H5.

Leaving Certificate

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply

Minimum of O3 or H6 in Mathematics and minimum of O3 or H5 in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry or Applied Mathematics

GCE A Level

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply

GCE A Level D or GCE AS Level C or GCSE B Mathematics and GCE A Level D or GCE AS Level C or GCSE B in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Physics with Chemistry.

Applicants presenting Non-EU School Leaving Qualification

All qualifications will be taken into consideration in assessing these applications. Candidates are expected to:

• have taken school leaving examinations of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate or GCE A Level; and
• satisfy the general entry requirements and programme entry requirements outlined within the programme contents
• satisfy the English language requirements

Dublin City University is proud to award merit-based scholarships to high achieving students who enter the Faculty of Engineering and Computing and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences for the 2016/17 academic year. These scholarships are available to Indian applicants only and are based on academic merit to those who have a Full Offer. 

The Faculties also award scholarships of €1,000 to high achievers entering Masters and Bachelor programmes who are ranked by academic achievement.