Bachelor of Science (Frontier Physics) and Master of Physics

Program Overview

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Bachelor of Science (Frontier Physics) and Master of Physics

Course Details

Careers and further study

This course opens up a world of future study pathways and career opportunities.

Career Pathways

Upon graduation, you can pursue a number of careers in the field of physics and beyond:

• Physicist
• Astronomer
• Academic Researcher
• Defence Scientist
• Computational Scientist
• Technical Specialist
• High School Physics Teacher
• Lab Technician
• Software Developer
• Metallurgist
• Meteorologist
• Science Journalist
• Patent Attorney
• Geophysical Data Analyst

Postgraduate study at UWA

• Master of Physics

Fees and scholarships

Domestic Student Fees

• Fee calculator

Scholarships

• Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.
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Cost of living

• There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

International Student Fees

• Annual course fee: $50,000.00 (2025)
• Onshore international students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled. Annual course fees are calculated based on an annual study load. Check the handbook to confirm the annual study load for your course.
• Fees are subject to annual indexation.
• Fee calculator

Scholarships

• Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.
• Search Scholarships

Cost of living

• There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Admission requirements

Minimum entry requirements

• Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) 2016 onwards: 96

ATAR Requirements

• A scaled mark of at least 50% in:
  • ATAR Physics (or equivalent or higher)
  • ATAR Mathematics Methods (or equivalent or higher)
  • ATAR Mathematics Specialists (or equivalent or higher)

Admission requirements

• For applicants with recent secondary education, information on admission criteria is available on our entry requirements page or on the UWA Handbook for course specific requirements and prerequisites.

English competency

• English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.
• Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

Course details

About the course

• The frontier of contemporary physics is built on a broad base of deep theoretical ideas that have been verified with astonishing precision by the most intricate and challenging experiments known to mankind.
• This accelerated four-year masters provides you with a solid grounding in the fundamental theories, conceptual framework, computational techniques and experimental skills in frontier physics; enabling you to progress to postgraduate studies, research or a career in physics faster.

Course structure

• In your first three years, you will complete the Bachelor of Science (Frontier Physics) and a semester of postgraduate study. You will then complete your selected specialisation in the Master of Physics. Refer to the example study plan on the Handbooks website for more information.

Research areas

• Dark Matter Detection
• Gravitational Wave Astronomy
• Astrophysics and Cosmology
• Quantum Information and Computing
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Biophysics
• Theoretical physics beyond the Standard Model

Work Integrated Learning

• Work Integrated Learning (WIL) helps bridge the gap between theory and practice by providing opportunities for students to gain hands-on, practical industry relevant experience and for employers to help shape the graduates of tomorrow.

Student Clubs

• The University Physics Society
• UWA Aerospace

Degree options

• Bachelor of Science + Master of Physics
• Bachelor of Philosophy

Why Study Frontier Physics and Master of Physics

• Study at the frontiers of discovery in physics, including advanced theories of General Relativity and Quantum Field Theory, gaining advanced knowledge and research skills
• Work with world-leading researchers and award winning lecturers in dark matter discovery, gravitational wave detection, quantum information and computing, quantum technology such as spintronics, quantum gravity and field theory, radio and optical astronomy.
• Gain both Bachelor and Masters degrees in four years, fast-tracking your journey to postgraduate research or a professional career in physics
• Be part of a community of like-minded high-achieving students, where you can share knowledge and make lifelong friendships and connections

You'll learn

• A thorough grounding in the fundamental theories and conceptual framework of contemporary and frontier physics, allowing a broad and fundamental understanding of the universe at its smallest and largest scales
• The ability to identify research areas and problems at frontiers of physics
• How to experimentally test concepts in advanced and frontier physics using state-of-the-art techniques and instrumentation
• To utilise appropriate mathematical expression and communication of physical concepts
• To investigate physical and theoretical problems using computational techniques
• The ability to undertake and complete a substantial research project in physics, and to communicate the outcomes both orally and in writing