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Department of Physics and Astronomy

Physics

(MSc) Physics

Entry for 2025

FHEQ level

This course is set at Level 7 (Masters) in the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.

Course Aims

- To produce students with a solid knowledge in Physics, including underlying mathematical methods, appropriate computing skills, and applications in Atomic or Experimental Particle Physics, which prepares students for doctoral studies in these or related areas.
- To introduce students to research problems in modern Physics through either a research project or by a critical review of an area of contemporary research interest.
- To introduce students to a wide range of topics in modern Atomic or Experimental Particle Physics and to provide them with a range of transferable skills, such as communication skills and, as appropriate, laboratory techniques.

Course learning outcomes

A solid understanding of the basics of their chosen research area in Physics, the associated mathematical, computational, and experimental methods, as well as applications to the field.

A critical awareness of the various current research directions in Atomic or Particle Physics, as well a thorough understanding of a particular research subject.

A range of research skills and an understanding of how to conduct scientific research.

Independently seek and digest material on a specific topic

Critically assess such material

Demonstrate basic research skills and the ability to perform research in a given area

Problem-solving and mathematical skills

Investigative skills

Presentation and communication skills

Computer skills

For experimental topics, appropriate laboratory skills

Manage resources and time

Learn independently with open-mindedness and in the spirit of critical enquiry

Full-time course composition

YearTermStatusModuleCreditsFHEQ level
1Autumn SemesterOptionAdvanced Materials for Sustainable Energy (921F3)157
  Atom Light Interactions (897F3)157
  Cosmology (900F3)157
  Data Analysis Techniques (890F3)157
  Galactic Astrophysics (889F3)157
  General Relativity (881F3)157
  Programming through Python (823G5)157
  Quantum Field Theory (877F3)157
  Quantum Optics and Quantum Information (895F3)157
  Symmetry and the Standard Model (878F3)157
 All Year TeachingCoreMSc Project Research Skills (PGT) (919F3)307
 Spring SemesterOptionAdvanced Cosmology (879F3)157
  Advanced Quantum Field Theory (882F3)157
  Astrophysical Processes (902F3)157
  Beyond the Standard Model (901F3)157
  Electrons, Cold Atoms & Quantum Circuits (888F3)157
  Frontiers in Particle Physics (894F3)157
  Introduction to Nano-materials and Nano-characterisation (907F3)157
  Lasers and Photonics (F3218)156
  Monte Carlo Simulations (L7) (865G1)157
  Particle Physics (F3214)156
  Practical Quantum Technologies (893F3)157
  Semiconductors and Nanomaterial Devices (L6) (F3231)156
  Stellar and Planetary Physics (F3244)156
 Spring & Summer TeachingCoreMSc Project P&A (PGT) (920F3)607

Part-time course composition

YearTermStatusModuleCreditsFHEQ level
1Autumn SemesterOptionAtom Light Interactions (897F3)157
  Cosmology (900F3)157
  Data Analysis Techniques (890F3)157
  Galactic Astrophysics (889F3)157
  General Relativity (881F3)157
  Programming through Python (823G5)157
  Quantum Field Theory (877F3)157
  Quantum Optics and Quantum Information (895F3)157
  Symmetry and the Standard Model (878F3)157
 All Year TeachingCoreMSc Project Research Skills (PGT) (919F3)307
 Spring SemesterOptionAdvanced Cosmology (879F3)157
  Advanced Quantum Field Theory (882F3)157
  Astrophysical Processes (902F3)157
  Beyond the Standard Model (901F3)157
  Electrons, Cold Atoms & Quantum Circuits (888F3)157
  Frontiers in Particle Physics (894F3)157
  Introduction to Nano-materials and Nano-characterisation (907F3)157
  Lasers and Photonics (F3218)156
  Monte Carlo Simulations (L7) (865G1)157
  Particle Physics (F3214)156
  Practical Quantum Technologies (893F3)157
  Semiconductors and Nanomaterial Devices (L6) (F3231)156
  Stellar and Planetary Physics (F3244)156
YearTermStatusModuleCreditsFHEQ level
2Autumn SemesterOptionAtom Light Interactions (897F3)157
  Cosmology (900F3)157
  Data Analysis Techniques (890F3)157
  Galactic Astrophysics (889F3)157
  General Relativity (881F3)157
  Programming through Python (823G5)157
  Quantum Field Theory (877F3)157
  Quantum Optics and Quantum Information (895F3)157
  Symmetry and the Standard Model (878F3)157
 Spring SemesterOptionAdvanced Cosmology (879F3)157
  Advanced Quantum Field Theory (882F3)157
  Astrophysical Processes (902F3)157
  Beyond the Standard Model (901F3)157
  Electrons, Cold Atoms & Quantum Circuits (888F3)157
  Frontiers in Particle Physics (894F3)157
  Introduction to Nano-materials and Nano-characterisation (907F3)157
  Lasers and Photonics (F3218)156
  Monte Carlo Simulations (L7) (865G1)157
  Particle Physics (F3214)156
  Practical Quantum Technologies (893F3)157
  Semiconductors and Nanomaterial Devices (L6) (F3231)156
  Stellar and Planetary Physics (F3244)156
 Spring & Summer TeachingCoreMSc Project P&A (PGT) (920F3)607

Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.

The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.