MSc/PgDip Advanced Physics
ApplyKey facts
- Start date: September
- Study mode and duration: MSc: 12 months full-time, 24 months part-time
PgDip: 9 months full-time, 21 months part-time Rated: Number 1 for Physics research in the UK (REF2014 GPA Scores, Times Higher Education)
Study with us
- focus on topics such as theoretical physics, quantum information, plasma physics and solid state physics
- choose taught elements relevant to your career interests
- gain transferable, problem solving and numeracy skills
- opportunity to choose classes relevant to your interests
How could the Covid-19 pandemic affect my studies?
Covid-19: information & FAQsWhy this course?
Our four divisions – Nanoscience, Optics, Plasmas and the Institute of Photonics – all contribute research-based teaching expertise to the course. You can choose taught elements relevant to your career interests from a wide range of topics, including:
- theoretical & computational physics
- quantum optics and quantum information
- complexity science
- physics and the life sciences
- solid-state physics
- plasma physics
You'll put the knowledge gained in the taught components to use in a cutting-edge research project, which can be theoretical, computational or experimental.
What you’ll study
You'll explore and master theoretical, computational and experimental physics skills. Two semesters of taught classes are made up of compulsory and optional modules. MSc students also undertake a three-month research project.
Learning & teaching
Our teaching is based on lectures, tutorials, workshops, laboratory experiments, and research projects.
Assessment
The final assessment will be based on your performance in examinations, coursework, a research project and, if required, in an oral examination.
Facilities
The course is run by the Department of Physics. Departmental facilities include:
- cutting-edge high-power laser research with SCAPA, researching the future of particle accelerators via laser-based acceleration
- the Ultrafast Chemical Physics lab with state-of-the-art femtosecond laser systems for multi-dimensional IR spectroscopy
- access to the top-of-the-range high performance and parallel computer facilities of ARCHIE-WeSt
- a scanning electron microscopy suite for analysis of hard and soft matter
- new high-power microwave research facility in the Technology & Innovation Centre
- advanced quantum optics and quantum information labs
Research Skills
This course introduces core skills needed to obtain research funding and successfully manage the resulting research in both an academic and a commercial environment.
Project Training
This course develops your transferable skills (communication skills, literature survey) in preparation for the project undertaken on the course.
It also helps you in developing an understanding of the management of projects in an industrial setting and preparation for successful working in technological industries.
Project
You'll undertake a cutting edge research project in either one of the research groups of the Department of Physics or with collaborating departments and institutions (Chemistry, Institute of Photonics, Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Centre for Biophotonics).
Introductory Nanoscience
The course addresses basic concepts relating to nanoscale physics before progressing to the techniques associated with production and characterisation of nanomaterials/nanostructures, and their potential impact in engineering, energy and healthcare.
Advanced Nanoscience 1: Imaging & Microscopy
The aim of this course is to introduce the spectroscopy, imaging and microscopy techniques associated with modern nanoscience such as:
- Fluorescence methods
- Single molecule imaging and microscopic techniques
- Atomic force microscopy (AFM)
- Electron microscopy
Advanced Nanoscience 2: Solid State Nanoscience
This course introduces advanced key concepts in modern nano-scale condensed matter physics and optics.
Modern computational methods to investigate these systems will then be introduced to illustrate methods of applying these concepts to realistic nanosystems.
Topics in Photonics: Laser & Nonlinear Optics
The course provides an introduction to laser physics, laser optics and nonlinear optics as required for the work in many photonic labs.
Optical Design
The course provides an introduction to lens design and the characterisation and optimisation of system performance including practical exercises with Oslo software.
Experimental Quantum & Atom Optics
The course provides an introduction to basic phenomena and experimental techniques in quantum and atom optics with a focus on laser cooling and Bose-Einstein condensation.
Advanced Topics in Photonics: Ultrafast Physics & Plasmas
The course provides an introduction to laser-plasma interaction, in particular with very high power and ultrashort pulses, and the resulting applications in radiation sources from the terahertz to the X-ray region, laser fusion and laser-based particle acceleration.
Device Microfabrication-Principle & Practice
This course introduces the principles, facilities and processes for device fabrication and cleanroom operation underpinning modern semiconductor photonics and other optical technologies.
Photonics Materials & Devices (topics in solid state physics)
The course provides an introduction into semiconductor physics, semiconductor electronics and semiconductor photonics with an outlook on micro and nano-structures and current hot topics.
Advanced Photonics Devices
This introduces advanced photonics devices including their principles and applications (quantum confinement, waveguide optics, photonic and electronic bandgaps, photonic crystals).
Theoretical Quantum Information
The course provides an introduction to the basic concepts and theoretical ideas of quantum information processing.
Quantum Optics, Nonlinearity & Open Quantum Systems
The course provides an introduction to the basic concepts and theoretical ideas of quantum optics, open quantum systems and nonlinear optics.
Advanced Topics in Complex Systems
The course introduces concepts of complexity science as the synchronisation of nonlinear oscillators, nonlinear waves and solitons and self-organisation and pattern formation in spatially extended nonlinear systems.
Advanced Topics In Theoretical Physics
The class covers topics in advanced mechanics both classical and quantum by introducing you to the concepts of Lagrangians, Hamiltonians and more in depth study of fields.
Advanced Topics In Electromagnetism And Plasma Physics
The class introduces you to the primary methods for transmitting, storing and manipulating electromagnetic waves and the interaction of these waves with plasmas and plasma physics. It will look at both theoretical and practical considerations for a range of applications.
Entry requirements
| Academic requirements | Minimum second-class Honours degree, or overseas equivalent, in physics (Mathematics and Physics, Theoretical Physics, Astrohphysics, Engineering Physics etc), or a related subject. Applicants from an engineering discipline need to have had sufficient exposure to fundamental physics courses in quantum mechanics and electromagnetism, or need to demonstrate that they can acquire the necessary background. Contact us about your application and the possibility of conversion courses. |
|---|---|
| English language requirements | You must have an English language minimum score of IELTS 6.0 (with no component below 5.5). We offer comprehensive English language courses for students whose IELTS scores are below 6.0. As a university, we now accept many more English language tests other than IELTS for overseas applicants, for example, TOEFL and PTE Cambridge. View the full list of accepted English language tests here. |
Pre-Masters preparation course
The Pre-Masters Programme is a preparation course held at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre, for international students (non EU/UK) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for a Masters degree at University of Strathclyde. The Pre-Masters programme provides progression to a number of degree options.
Upon successful completion, you will be able to progress to this degree course at the University of Strathclyde.
International students
We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 100 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.
Visit our international students' section
Fees & funding
2020/21
All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.
| Scotland/EU | £8,100 |
|---|---|
| Rest of UK | £8,100 |
| International | £20,350 |
| Available scholarships | Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities. |
Please note: the fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
How can I fund my course?
Scottish and non-UK EU postgraduate students
Scottish and non-UK EU postgraduate students may be able to apply for support from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). The support is in the form of a tuition fee loan and for eligible students, a living cost loan. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from England
Students ordinarily resident in England may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance England. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from Wales
Students ordinarily resident in Wales may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance Wales. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from Northern Ireland
Postgraduate students who are ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland may be able to apply for support from Student Finance Northern Ireland. The support is a tuition fee loan of up to £5,500. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Careers
A Masters degree in physics prepares you for a wide and versatile range of careers in science and engineering as well as all areas of management, financial services, etc. Many graduates proceed to a PhD.
Strathclyde physics graduates are working across the world in a number of different roles including:
- Medical Physicist
- Senior Engineer
- Professor
- Systems Engineer
- Treasury Analyst
- Patent Attorneys
- Software Engineer
- Teacher
- Spacecraft Project Manager
- Defence Scientist
- Procurement Manager
Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city
Our campus is based in the very heart of Glasgow, Scotland's largest city. National Geographic named Glasgow as one of its 'Best of the World' destinations, while Rough Guide readers have voted Glasgow the world’s friendliest city! And Time Out named Glasgow in the top ten best cities in the world - we couldn't agree more!
We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.
Find out what some of our students think about studying in Glasgow!
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Advanced Physics
Qualification: MSc
Start Date: Sep 2020
Mode of Attendance: part-time
Advanced Physics
Qualification: PG Diploma
Start Date: Sep 2020
Mode of Attendance: part-time
Advanced Physics
Qualification: MSc
Start Date: Sep 2020
Mode of Attendance: full-time
Advanced Physics
Qualification: PG Diploma
Start Date: Sep 2020
Mode of Attendance: full-time
International students
We've a large range of scholarships available to help you fund your studies. Check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Have you considered?
We've a range of postgraduate taught and Masters courses similar to this one which may also be of interest.