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University of Glasgow: Theoretical Physics
| Institution | University of Glasgow View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | School of Physics and Astronomy |
| Web | glasgow.ac.uk |
| Telephone | 0141 330 4515 |
| Study type | Taught |
MSc
Summary
The Masters in Theoretical Physics provides an introduction to advanced topics in theoretical physics, ranging across the research frontier from quantum computing and optics, to theoretical astrophysics and cosmology, and calculations for elementary-particle physics. The constituent courses and research projects are delivered by experts in these areas, including members of the teams responsible for the discoveries and theoretical exploitations of the Higgs-boson discovery at the LHC, and of gravitational waves by the LIGO collaboration. It is suitable both for students who want a more advanced knowledge of theoretical concepts than possible at undergraduate level (and real research experience), and as an ideal preparation for applications to PhDs in theoretical physics.
WHY THIS PROGRAMME - Theoretical research in the School ranges from fundamental physics to experimental applications, and includes cutting edge topics such as quantum information and computing, and chirality and light-matter interactions.
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You will gain the theoretical, observational and computational skills necessary to analyse and solve advanced physics problems, from quantum theory to cosmology, providing you with an excellent foundation for a scientific career in academia or industry.
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You will benefit from direct contact with our group of international experts who will teach you cutting-edge physics and work closely with you on a novel, 3-month research project.
-
Fundamental-physics researchers in the School play leading roles in theory calculations for the Large Hadron Collider and other particle physics, and for gravitational wave searches with Advanced LIGO and future GW detectors.
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You will develop transferable skills that will improve your career prospects, such as project management, team-working, advanced data analysis, problem-solving, critical evaluation of scientific literature, advanced laboratory and computing skills, and how to effectively communicate with different audiences.
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You will also benefit from our membership of the Scottish Universities Physics Alliance. The alliance brings together internationally leading physics research across Scotland to form the largest physics grouping in the UK.
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The School of Physics and Astronomy is active in research and knowledge transfer projects with industry. Our Masters students have opportunities to engage with industry through seminars and research projects.
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This programme is accredited by the Institute of Physics. Accredited MSc programmes automatically meet the master’s level education requirement for Chartered Physicist (CPhys) status. To fully meet the educational requirements for CPhys graduates must also possess an IOP accredited undergraduate degree or equivalent.
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The School has IoP Juno Champion and Athena Swan Silver Awards, demonstrating its support for women and under-represented groups in scientific studies and careers, with the goal to improve the working environment for all.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE Modes of delivery of the MSc in Theoretical Physics include lectures, seminars and tutorials and allow students the opportunity to take part in lab, project and team work.
The programme draws upon a wide range of advanced Masters-level courses. You will have the flexibility to tailor your choice of optional lecture courses and project work to a wide variety of specific research topics and their applications in the area of theoretical physics.
Core courses include Particle Physics Advanced Data Analysis For Physics And Astronomy [[[PHYS5004]]] Electromagnetic Theory 2 Groups And Symmetries Research Skills MSc Project
Optional courses include Quantum and Atom Optics General Relativity and Gravitation (course runs on alternate years) Mathematical Methods 2 Plasma Theory and Diagnostics (course runs on alternate years) Relativistic Quantum Fields Statistical Mechanics The Sun's Atmosphere
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | 2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in Theoretical Physics with at least 4 credit bearing modules in Modern Physics at an average grade of pass. We may also accept degrees in Mathematics with content in Physics or Joint Physics in Mathematics or Chemistry. A 2.2 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in Theoretical Physics/Physics followed by substantial relevant experience may be considered on an individual basis. A personal statement is required for this programme. Prerequisite experience needed: Assumed knowledge for the core courses in this degree include: Basic mathematics for physics: single and multi-variable calculus (differentiation and integration), trigonometry, complex numbers, vectors, vector calculus, Taylor and Fourier series, Fourier transforms. You must also have an understanding of the following: Familiarity with basic quantum mechanics, e.g. the meaning of wavefunctions, solving the time-independent Schrodinger equation for a set of simple potentials. |
| Location | Gilmorehill (Main) Campus University Of Glasgow University Avenue Glasgow G12 8QQ |
Summary
The Masters in Theoretical Physics provides an introduction to advanced topics in theoretical physics, ranging across the research frontier from quantum computing and optics, to theoretical astrophysics and cosmology, and calculations for elementary-particle physics. The constituent courses and research projects are delivered by experts in these areas, including members of the teams responsible for the discoveries and theoretical exploitations of the Higgs-boson discovery at the LHC, and of gravitational waves by the LIGO collaboration. It is suitable both for students who want a more advanced knowledge of theoretical concepts than possible at undergraduate level (and real research experience), and as an ideal preparation for applications to PhDs in theoretical physics.
WHY THIS PROGRAMME
You will benefit from direct contact with our group of international experts who will teach you cutting-edge physics and work closely with you on a novel, 3-month research project.
Theoretical research in the School ranges from fundamental physics to experimental applications, and includes cutting edge topics such as quantum information and computing, and chirality and light-matter interactions.
Fundamental-physics researchers in the School play leading roles in theory calculations for the Large Hadron Collider and other particle physics, and for gravitational wave searches with Advanced LIGO and future GW detectors.
You will gain the theoretical, observational and computational skills necessary to analyse and solve advanced physics problems, from quantum theory to cosmology, providing you with an excellent foundation for a scientific career in academia or industry.
You will develop transferable skills that will improve your career prospects, such as project management, team-working, advanced data analysis, problem-solving, critical evaluation of scientific literature, advanced laboratory and computing skills, and how to effectively communicate with different audiences. You will also benefit from our membership of the Scottish Universities Physics Alliance. The alliance brings together internationally leading physics research across Scotland to form the largest physics grouping in the UK.
The School of Physics and Astronomy is active in research and knowledge transfer projects with industry. Our Masters students have opportunities to engage with industry through seminars and research projects.
This programme is accredited by the Institute of Physics. Accredited MSc programmes automatically meet the master’s level education requirement for Chartered Physicist (CPhys) status. To fully meet the educational requirements for CPhys graduates must also possess an IOP accredited undergraduate degree or equivalent.
The School has IoP Juno Champion and Athena Swan Silver Awards, demonstrating its support for women and under-represented groups in scientific studies and careers, with the goal to improve the working environment for all.
The programme draws upon a wide range of advanced Masters-level courses. You will have the flexibility to tailor your choice of optional lecture courses and project work to a wide variety of specific research topics and their applications in the area of theoretical physics.
Core courses include ADVANCED DATA ANALYSIS FOR PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY QUANTUM INFORMATION QUANTUM THEORY RESEARCH SKILLS MSC PROJECT
Optional courses include QUANTUM AND ATOM OPTICS DYNAMICS, ELECTRODYNAMICS & RELATIVITY ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY 2 GENERAL RELATIVITY AND GRAVITATION (course runs on alternate years) MATHEMATICAL METHODS 2 PLASMA THEORY AND DIAGNOSTICS (course runs on alternate years) RELATIVISTIC QUANTUM FIELDS STATISTICAL MECHANICS THE SUN'S ATMOSPHERE
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | A 2.1 Honours degree in Physics or a related subject. |
| Location | Gilmorehill (Main) Campus University Of Glasgow University Avenue Glasgow G12 8QQ |
The University of Glasgow is one of the UK’s most prestigious seats of learning, and the fourth oldest university in the English speaking world. Established in 1451 and recognised for its world-changing research and teaching, our people have always been at the forefront of innovation, including eight Nobel Laureates, two UK Prime Ministers, three First Ministers of Scotland, 10 Fellows of the Royal Society and 11 Fellows of the British Academy. Our past achievements inspire our current world changers.
Rankings
The University:
- is ranked 79th in the world: QS World University Rankings 2025
- is …
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