Physics with Extended Research

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.

A Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma are not available on this programme.

Tuition fees (2015–2016):

• Home/EU Full-time — £6,750 per year
• Overseas Full-time — £18,000 per year