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Students
Tuition Fee
Start Date
2025-10-01
Medium of studying
Duration
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Physics
Area of study
Natural Science
Course Language
English
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-10-01-
About Program

Program Overview


Through a balanced combination of coursework, laboratory experiments, and research projects, students develop strong analytical, problem-solving, and research skills. Graduates can pursue careers in various sectors or further studies in physics-related fields. The program is professionally accredited and offers optional modules in advanced topics, allowing students to specialize according to their interests.

Program Outline

The program aims to:

  • Develop a deep appreciation for physics, mathematics, computational, and experimental methods.
  • Engage with mathematical methods and their application in relation to theoretical physics.
  • Enhance problem-solving skills, particularly suited for those with a strong interest in mathematics and its application in physics.
  • Provide a strong foundation in core physics topics like electromagnetism, relativity, and quantum physics.
  • Develop mathematical skills through dedicated modules.
  • Offer flexibility in the third and fourth years to specialize in various optional modules, aligning with the department's diverse research specialisms.
  • Culminate in a substantial final year project exploring a chosen theoretical physics topic in depth.

Outline:


Year 1:

  • Core Modules:
  • Practical Physics: Laboratory, Computing and Problem Solving:
  • Develop laboratory and computing skills, training in experimental techniques across various physics areas.
  • Vector Fields, Electricity and Magnetism: Introduce key concepts of vector calculus and their application to electricity and magnetism.
  • Mechanics and Relativity: Explore the mathematics and physics of motion in space and time, advancing knowledge of classical mechanics.
  • Oscillations and Waves: Gain in-depth knowledge of oscillations and waves, understanding their importance in various physics areas.
  • Statistics of Measurement and the Summer Project: Develop understanding of practical aspects of physics and undertake a project in practical or computational physics.
  • Mathematical Analysis: Learn mathematical thinking, focusing on limits, infinity, and the foundations of calculus.

Year 2:

  • Differential Equations and Electromagnetism: Analyze various topics in electromagnetism and develop knowledge of linear differential equations.
  • Mathematical Methods: Review fundamental mathematical techniques for physics computations and its foundational formulation.
  • I-Explore Module: Choose from a range of subjects outside the department, including business, management, and more.
  • Environmental Physics: Apply core physical concepts to the Earth system, developing awareness of global environmental change.

Year 3:

  • Core Modules:
  • Nuclear and Particle Physics:
  • Examine the physics of elementary particles and nuclei, exploring concepts related to symmetries and using relativistic kinematics.
  • Comprehensives: Test problem-solving abilities using fundamental physics principles in unfamiliar situations.
  • Solid State Physics: Cover the fundamentals of solid-state physics, exploring how microscopic physics determines solid properties.
  • Advanced Classical Physics: Explore advanced concepts in classical physics, emphasizing the role of symmetries in fundamental physics.
  • Project Modules:
  • Year 3 Project:
  • Complete a research project tackling an open problem in physics with an unknown or unsettled answer.
  • Essay Project: Conduct a research investigation focusing on discerning, contextualizing, and critically analyzing the research of others.
  • Optional Modules:
  • Lasers:
  • Gain a mathematically rigorous understanding of laser physics, examining laser action mechanisms and real-world laser operations.
  • Physics of Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy: Analyze clinical imaging modalities and radiotherapies, understanding the physical principles behind x-ray radiation interactions with tissue.
  • Principles of Instrumentation: Investigate the principles and practice of instrument science, using a prototyping system to build and characterize instrument components.
  • Plasma Physics: Discover the physical phenomena governing plasma behavior and the importance of collective effects.
  • Cosmology: Learn the basics of modern cosmology and the foundations of the Hot Big Bang theory.
  • Space Physics: Uncover the key physical theories controlling the properties of different space plasmas and plasma phenomena.
  • Quantum Optics: Examine quantum mechanics using light, atoms, and their interactions, exploring how quantum optics can contribute to quantum technology development.
  • Introduction to Plasmonics and Metamaterials: Broaden appreciation for the optics of small metallic nanoparticles and nanoantennas.
  • Entrepreneurship for Physicists: Develop entrepreneurial and organizational skills, considering how to establish a technology-based enterprise leveraging physics education.
  • Concepts in Device Physics: Explore the workings of electronic, photonic, and magnetic devices, gaining insight into research developments in nanomaterials and device physics.
  • Optical Communications Physics: Deepen knowledge of modern optical communications technologies and the operations of optical fiber networks.
  • Foundations of Quantum Mechanics: Acquire the mathematical techniques and conceptual background needed to understand the foundations of quantum mechanics.
  • Computational Physics: Build understanding of the finite difference methods used to solve differential equations in physics.
  • Astrophysics: Apply physical concepts from earlier studies to explain the formation, existence, and appearance of astronomical objects.
  • Group Theory: Become fluent in the language of representation theory and confident in its applications to non-relativistic quantum mechanics.
  • General Relativity: Develop understanding of general relativity (GR), Einstein's theory of gravity, and the relativistic world view of four-dimensional Lorentzian spacetime.
  • Advanced Particle Physics: Study the "Standard Model" (SM) of particle physics, assessing its advantages and limitations.
  • Unification - The Standard Model: Deepen knowledge of the properties required for the Lagrangian of a field theory, exploring how symmetries are represented mathematically and reflected in physical observables.
  • Quantum Theory of Matter: Understand the concept of topology in condensed matter physics using examples of current interest.

Year 4:

  • Core Modules:
  • Research Interfaces:
  • Develop communication, teamwork, and leadership skills, learning how to develop a successful research proposal from initial idea to presenting a bid.
  • MSci Project: Conduct a substantial research project embedded in a research group, guided by research-active staff.
  • This project is the most significant element of the degree, providing firsthand insight into scientific research operations and developing transferable skills.
  • Space Physics: Uncover the key physical theories controlling the properties of different space plasmas and plasma phenomena.
  • Quantum Optics: Examine quantum mechanics using light, atoms, and their interactions, exploring how quantum optics can contribute to quantum technology development.
  • Introduction to Plasmonics and Metamaterials: Broaden appreciation for the optics of small metallic nanoparticles and nanoantennas.
  • Entrepreneurship for Physicists: Develop entrepreneurial and organizational skills, considering how to establish a technology-based enterprise leveraging physics education.
  • Concepts in Device Physics: Explore the workings of electronic, photonic, and magnetic devices, gaining insight into research developments in nanomaterials and device physics.
  • Optical Communications Physics: Deepen knowledge of modern optical communications technologies and the operations of optical fiber networks.
  • Theoretical Optional Modules:
  • Advanced Particle Physics: Study the "Standard Model" (SM) of particle physics, assessing its advantages and limitations.
  • General Relativity: Develop understanding of general relativity (GR), Einstein's theory of gravity, and the relativistic world view of four-dimensional Lorentzian spacetime.
  • Unification - The Standard Model: Deepen knowledge of the properties required for the Lagrangian of a field theory, exploring how symmetries are represented mathematically and reflected in physical observables.
  • Quantum Theory of Matter: Understand the concept of topology in condensed matter physics using examples of current interest.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a balanced approach to assessment, incorporating:

  • Coursework: 25% in Year 1, 20% in Year 2, 15% in Year 3, and 35% in Year 4.
  • Practical: 15% in Year 1, 10% in Year 2, 5% in Year 3, and 15% in Year 4.
  • Written Examination: 60% in Year 1, 70% in Year 2, 80% in Year 3, and 50% in Year 4.
  • Assessment methods include:
  • Computing reports and laboratory reports
  • Mastery tests
  • Oral presentations and assessments
  • Poster presentations
  • Project reports
  • Progress tests and quizzes
  • Written examinations
  • Written problems

Teaching:

The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:

  • Lectures
  • Tutorials
  • Laboratory classes
  • Computing labs
  • Project work
  • Virtual learning environment
  • Independent learning
  • Teaching is guided by world-leading researchers with expertise in their respective fields, ensuring a high level of instruction.

Careers:

Graduates of this program are highly sought after by employers due to their strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Potential career paths include:

  • Traditional technical jobs: Oil and gas, telecommunications, business consultancy, banking, and finance.
  • Other sectors: Civil service, cyber risk modeling, energy industry, automotive industry.
  • The program also prepares students for further study, with approximately half pursuing MSc or PhD degrees.

Other:

  • Professional Accreditation: The program is professionally accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP), demonstrating industry-recognized competency.
  • It also satisfies the academic requirements for professional registration as a Chartered Physicist (CPhys).
  • Associateship: Upon completion, students receive the Associateship of the Royal College of Science (ARCS).
  • Year Abroad: The program offers a Year Abroad option, allowing students to study at partner universities in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Singapore, or the USA.
  • Transfer between Courses: Transfer to other Physics degrees within the department is usually possible in the first two years, subject to specific module requirements.
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