Quantum Fields and Fundamental Forces

The Quantum Fields and Fundamental Forces MSc at Imperial College London offers a rigorous and comprehensive postgraduate education aimed at providing students with a deep understanding of the fundamental principles that govern the universe. This programme is designed for students who are passionate about theoretical physics and eager to explore the complex interactions of elementary particles and the fundamental forces that shape the cosmos. Throughout the course, students will engage with advanced topics including quantum field theory, the Standard Model of particle physics, symmetry principles, and the latest developments in modern theoretical physics. The curriculum combines both theoretical concepts and practical skills, equipping students with the ability to analyze, model, and interpret phenomena at the smallest scales. The programme is structured to foster critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and research competence, with opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research projects within the department. Students will benefit from Imperial College's strong links with international research institutions and industry leaders, providing valuable insight into the applications and future directions of quantum physics. Upon completion of the MSc, graduates will be well-prepared for careers in academia, research, or sector-specific roles that require advanced expertise in quantum phenomena and the fundamental forces of nature. The programme also serves as an excellent foundation for students who wish to pursue further doctoral studies in physics or related fields. Dedicated faculty members, state-of-the-art laboratories, and a vibrant academic community ensure an enriching educational experience that encourages innovation and intellectual growth. Whether your interest lies in understanding the mysteries of the universe or developing new technologies based on quantum principles, this MSc enables students to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of theoretical physics and our understanding of the fundamental forces that govern the universe.

Year one
Term one:
In the first term there is the non-examined Introduction to Particle Physics course. The compulsory courses Unification/the Standard Model (8 ECTS), Quantum Field Theory (8 ECTS) and Particle Symmetries (8 ECTS), plus some of the Quantum Electrodynamics (8 ECTS) lectures take place in the first term, along with the optional courses Quantum Information (6 ECTS) and Differential Geometry (8 ECTS). Students can take up to two MSci courses (in the first term these are Group Theory (6 ECTS), Quantum Information (6 ECTS) and General Relativity (6 ECTS)). Students are encouraged to attend Graduate Schhol professional skills workshops throughout their studies.
Term Two: After Christmas, there will be two tests (two hours long) on the first term's courses, one on Particle Symmetries, the other examining both the QFT and Unification courses. These do not count towards the final mark so students are not obliged to take them, but they are strongly recommended, since the results are important in assisting staff members to write recommendation letters for PhD applications (which take place in the second term). They may also be used in the event of borderline performance in the final exam. Lectures for the remaining optional courses take place in the second term. The courses offered are (all 8 ECTS) String Theory, Particle Cosmology, Supersymmetry, Advanced Quantum Field Theory, Black Holes and the remaining Quantum Electrodynamics lectures. The final MSci options available are Foundations of Quantum Mechanics (6 ECTS), Quantum Theory of Matter (6 ECTS) and Complexity and Networks (6 ECTS).
For Master’s courses – June –Sept: The examinations for all the courses are in May-June. After the exams there are a series of special topics lectures, in which postdocs and staff members talk about their research interests. This is a particularly good source of inspiration for your MSc dissertation. By the beginning of July students shall have chosen the topic of their dissertation (30 ECTS), which is submitted in late September. 

The entry requirement for the course is a first class honours degree (BSc or MSci) in Physics or Mathematics, assuming it has sufficient theoretical physics content.

We will also consider degrees in other fields if they are supplemented with an MSc or postgraduate diploma course in physics.

International applicants can find more information about the international qualifications that the College accepts in our Country Index.

Please note, however, that our MSc is significantly more selective than many other Master's courses, and therefore the requirements for research students are a better guide for what grades you will need.

Also note that these are guidelines only and satisfying the academic requirements does not guarantee a place.

The financing studies for the Quantum Fields and Fundamental Forces program at Imperial College London are primarily supported through a combination of scholarships, research grants, and government funding. Students may be eligible for competitive scholarships such as the Imperial College PhD Scholarships, which are aimed at outstanding applicants demonstrating academic excellence and research potential. Additionally, there are numerous funding opportunities provided by UK research councils including UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), which offers Doctoral Training Partnership grants specific to physics research. International students may also explore external scholarships or national funding sources from their home countries that support postgraduate studies abroad. The university encourages applicants to seek funding from relevant research councils, foundations, and industry collaborations, as many projects within this programme are aligned with cutting-edge research initiatives that attract external financial support. The program may also offer paid teaching or research assistant positions to help fund students' studies while providing valuable academic experience. Furthermore, students often benefit from sponsorship programs linked with industry partners which may provide financial support in exchange for collaboration or future employment commitments. It is advisable for applicants to consult the university’s official funding database and contact the admissions office or the departmental postgraduate finance office for detailed guidance on available funding options, application procedures, and deadlines. Overall, studying the Quantum Fields and Fundamental Forces at Imperial College London offers robust financial support avenues aimed at facilitating advanced research and academic excellence.

Tuition fees (2015–2016):

• Home/EU Full-time — £9,000
• Overseas Full-time — £24,000