StudyQA — Master: Physics with Extended Research

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The course is open to both physicists and students from mathematics, chemistry or engineering disciplines provided they have a sufficiently strong physics background.
The Department has also introduced a new, two-year MSc in Physics with Extended Research. Tailored to very able BSc students who wish to broaden their knowledge of Physics, the courses will prepare students for PhD level research or a career in an industrial or national research laboratory environment.

The MSc in Physics with Extended Research shares the same course as the 12-month programme, except that the project is undertaken over nine months in the second academic year.

The MSc in Physics with Extended Research shares the same course as the 12 month programme, except that the project is undertaken over 9 months in the second academic year.

MODULES

Compulsory modules

Mathematical techniques
Advanced classical physics (unless you have covered the material in your previous degree in which case another optional module may be chosen)

Project work

Research skills training – a series of practical work and computer based classes
Self-study project – a literature based project on a topic in physics
Literature review and project plan
Supervised research project which runs over nine months in the second academic year

You also attend professional skills courses, delivered by the Graduate School.

Optional modules

You also have a choice of optional modules, which currently includes:

Advanced particle physics
Astrophysics
Atmospheric physics
Biophysics of nerve cells and networks
Computational physics
Cosmology
Device physics
Dynamical systems and chaos
Foundations of quantum mechanics
General relativity
Group theory
Instrumentation
Lasers, optics and holography
Laser technology
Medical MRI and ultrasound
Optical communications physics
Plasma physics
Quantum theory of matter
Quantum field theory
Quantum optics
Space physics
Statistical mechanics
Unification

The minimum qualification for admission is normally a First Class Honours degree in Physics from a UK academic institution or an equivalent overseas qualification. Applicants with degrees in other scientific disciplines (e.g. Engineering, Chemistry, Mathematics) may be considered if the degree has significant physics content and a strong mathematical underpinning. The applicant must also meet the College’s English language requirements. Upon receipt into the Department, all new applications are considered by a meeting of the academic staff charged with reviewing the applications, which includes the Director of the MSc Physics programme. Usually one member of staff will review the application in detail and the applicant will be discussed at the next meeting. In many cases, further information may be sought (from referees, for example). Applicants close to College may be invited for an interview, and telephone interviews may be used for applicants further away. The meeting decides whether to offer the candidate a place on the course and the conditions to be met by the candidate, e.g. successful completion of a BSc course at a suitably high level.