Why this course?
The course gives you the opportunity to explore and master theoretical, computational and experimental physics skills with wide application.
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
The knowledge you gain in the taught components is then put to use in a cutting-edge research project, which can be theoretical, computational or experimental.
You’ll study
You’ll have two semesters of taught classes made up of compulsory and optional modules. This is followed by a three-month research project.
Facilities
This course is run by the Department of Physics. The department’s 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
Course content
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.
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.
Entry requirements
Minimum second-class honours degree, or international 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 case 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. Please see ELTD for full details.
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.
Fees & funding
2019/20
All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.
Scotland/EU
Rest of UK
International
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.
International students
We have a large range of scholarships available to help you fund your studies. Check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Please note
The fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
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
Success story: Iain Neil
Iain Neil graduated from Strathclyde in Applied Physics in 1977 and is an optical consultant, specialising in the design of zoom lenses for the film industry. He has received a record 12 Scientific and Technical Academy Awards, the most for any living person.
