Program Overview

Overview of the Quantum Fields, Strings and Gravity Program

The Quantum Fields, Strings and Gravity program is a one-year, full-time taught M.Sc. program run by the School of Mathematics at Trinity College Dublin. The degree offers advanced education in modern High Energy Theory and Mathematical Physics, covering topics such as string theory, conformal field theory, general theory of relativity & cosmology, quantum field theory, and lattice gauge theory.

Course Details

• NFQ Level: 9
• Duration: 1 year full-time
• Number of Places: 20
• Next Intake: September 2025
• Course Coordinator: Professor Sergey Frolov
• Course Director: Professor Andrei Parnachev
• Closing Date: 31 July 2025

Admission Requirements

Applicants are expected to have achieved a Second-Class Honours (2.1) in a Bachelor's degree in Theoretical Physics or Mathematics or Physics with a strong Theoretical Physics component. A personal statement detailing interests and clearly indicating whether the applicant wishes to follow the formal or lattice pathway is required. Updated academic transcripts and two references are also necessary.

English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements.

Course Structure

The M.Sc. in Quantum Fields, Strings and Gravity is a one-year, full-time taught Masters degree. To complete the M.Sc. studies, students should take a total of 60 ECTS units of coursework plus a 30 ECTS research project, making a total of 90 ECTS.

Course Content

The program offers two streams: Formal and Lattice. Mandatory modules for both streams include:

• Dissertation (to be completed during the summer semester)
• Theoretical Physics Student Seminar (2 semesters)
• Topics in Theoretical Physics
• Lattice Field Theory

Formal Stream

Students within the Formal stream can choose between two strands:

• Advanced Formal Strand: Offers modules such as Modern Quantum Field theory, Introduction to Conformal Field Theory, String Theory, and Advanced Quantum Field Theory.
• Fundamental Formal Strand: Offers modules such as Introduction to Conformal Field Theory, General Relativity and Cosmology, Standard Model, and Quantum Field Theory (2 semesters).

Lattice Stream

Students within the Lattice stream can also choose between two strands:

• Advanced Lattice Strand: Offers modules such as Numerical Methods, C programming, C++ programming, Parallel Numerical Algorithms, Modern Quantum Field theory, and Advanced Quantum Field Theory.
• Fundamental Lattice Strand: Offers modules such as Numerical Methods, C programming, C++ programming, Parallel Numerical Algorithms, and Quantum Field Theory (2 semesters).

Career Opportunities

Successful graduates are expected to continue their education at top Ph.D. programs in Theoretical Physics worldwide. Masters students will be strong applicants for IRC postgraduate funding for a Ph.D. within Trinity's School of Mathematics. This course provides the background necessary to carry out research in a wide range of areas in mathematical and theoretical physics.

Course Fees

For a full list of postgraduate fees, refer to the official Trinity College Dublin website.

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