MSc/PgDip Nanoscience
ApplyKey facts
- Start date: September
- Accreditation: Institute of Physics
- Study mode and duration: MSc: 12 months full-time, 24 months part-time
PgDip: 9 months full-time, 21 months part-time Ranked: #1 in the UK for Physics by the Daily Mail University Guide Subject Tables 2025
Study with us
- obtain a comprehensive overview of the latest research in nanoscience in an interdisciplinary course connecting physics and chemistry
- master state-of-the-art nanoscience research methods and develop the skills necessary to progress in this rapidly expanding field
- prepare for a research-based career in industry, or to progress towards a PhD
- suitable for physical science graduates looking to work in the field of nanoscience
Why this course?
Our MSc Nanoscience degree explores the frontiers of science on the nanoscale. It provides a strong grounding in basic nanoscience before progressing to advanced topics. The strongly interdisciplinary research in the physics of life sciences groups links the fundamental science to applications in chemistry, biology and medicine.
Taught classes on this Masters course have been developed from the many years of nanoscience research at the University in areas such as:
- nanoscale imaging
- nanoparticle fabrication and functionalisation
- chemical physics
- computational modelling of the nanoworld
Who’s the course suitable for?
The course will be of interest to physical science graduates looking to work in the field of nanoscience. It’s also suitable for those with an industrial background as a further training opportunity and a way of gaining insights into topics at the forefront of academic research.
What you’ll study
Two semesters of formal teaching are followed by a three-month intensive project.
Research project
Following the taught classes, you’ll undertake a research-intensive project in a relevant nanoscience topic. Projects take place primarily in research labs located in the University’s physical science departments. There are also opportunities for relevant industrial placements.
Learning & teaching
Our teaching is based on lectures, tutorials, workshops, laboratory experiments, and research projects. The program is interdisciplinary, with the majority of modules being taught by the Department of Physics. The Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry provides a module on nanochemistry and its applications.
Assessment
The assessment of most taught modules is based on a written examination and continuous coursework (about 20%), and, in some modules, an oral examination. The final project is assessed mainly by a report supplemented by a talk, an oral examination (viva) and an assessment of the performance and engagement during the project by the supervisor.
Student competitions
The Department of Physics MSc Excellence Prize
This will be awarded to a meritorious student of at least distinction level on any MSc course offered by the Department. It will be awarded to the student who achieves the highest credit weighted average over the whole course portfolio.
The Department of Physics MSc Prize
This will be awarded to a meritorious student of at least distinction level on any MSc course offered by the Department. It will be awarded to the student who achieves the highest mark for the MSc Project.
Facilities
This course is run by the Department of Physics. Departmental facilities include:
- photophysics lab with world-leading instrumentation for fluorescence lifetime, spectra, microscopy, imaging and sensing
- a scanning electron microscopy suite for analysis of hard and soft matter
- the Ultrafast Chemical Physics lab with state-of-the-art femtosecond laser systems for multi-dimensional IR spectroscopy
- access to top-of-the-range facilities for high-performance computing
- industry standard clean room in the Institute of Photonics
Excellent classes and support by the faculty members helped me to understand the multidisciplinary aspects of Nanoscience very well. Professors spared no effort to make the classes interesting and innovative.
Science at Strathclyde
Take a tour of one of our physics quantum research labs on YouTube and get a flavour of what it’s like to study with us.
In our advanced electron microscope facility, the semiconductor spectroscopy group are pioneering new developments for in-depth analysis of semiconductor materials and nanostructures, including multi-mode imaging, i.e. combining light emission, X-ray emission, electron diffraction and induced currents. This provides an excellent opportunity for a MSc project in solid-state physics and nanoscience.
Course content
For full-time study, you'll be required to study the three compulsory modules in semester one and two compulsory modules and one elective module in semester two.
If you would like to study the course part-time, you can choose one or two modules per semester.
Semester 1
Introductory Nanoscience (20 credits)
You'll learn basic concepts relating to nanoscale physics before progressing to the techniques associated with production and characterisation of nanomaterials/nanostructures. During the module you'll also study their potential impact in engineering, energy and healthcare.
Physics Skills (20 credits)
You'll gain necessary skills in IT, working with literature, data analysis, and written and oral communication to support a great learning experience in your programme.
Conversion Course (20 credits)
This module will provide students with a non-physics background with a strong knowledge base in optics and solid-state physics from which to tackle the rest of the syllabus. Students with a physics background are provided with an introduction to chemistry principles and practice.
Semester 2
Advanced Nanoscience 1: Imaging & Microscopy (20 credits)
You'll study 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 Topics in Nanoscience 3: Nanochemistry (20 credits)
This module is taught by the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry. It provides an introduction to nanochemisty, its utilization in enhancing drug solubilisation and diagnostic as well a therapeutic applications. Spectroscopic methods in chemistry covered are electronic and vibrational optical spectroscopy and NMR spectroscopy. It provides an understanding of the chemistry aspects and point of view of the contents discussed in the physics part of the programme and hence complements the understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of nanoscience.
Summer
Project (60 credits)
You'll gain experience of research techniques by performing an open-ended cutting-edge research project that runs over summer after the taught component of the MSc. The topic may be from a programme relevant field in physics or its interdisciplinary applications. Students with the corresponding ambition and relevant qualification will be supported to find an alternative placement in chemistry or an industrial placement but this depends on availability. The work is normally carried out in the research laboratories under the individual supervision of an experienced researcher.
Semester 2
Advanced Nanoscience 2: Solid State Nanoscience (20 credits)
You'll learn advanced key concepts in modern nano-scale condensed matter physics and optics, as well as modern computational methods to investigate these systems. The module will illustrate methods of applying these concepts to realistic nanosystems.
Experimental Laboratories (20 credits)
You'll carry out open-ended practical work in the laboratory conveying the basic skills of instrument handling, data management, record keeping, and develop report-writing and oral presentation skills. You're required to complete two experiments selected from a range of topics.
Entry requirements
| Academic requirements | Minimum second-class (2.2) Honours degree, or overseas equivalent, in Physics (Mathematics and Physics, Theoretical Physics, Astrophysics, Engineering Physics etc), Chemistry, 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. Please see ELTD for full details. As a university, we now accept many more English language tests in addition to IELTS for overseas applicants, for example, TOEFL and PTE Cambridge. View the full list of accepted English language tests here. |
Chat to a student ambassador
Want to know more about what it’s like to be a Science student at the University of Strathclyde? A selection of our current students are here to help!
Our Unibuddy ambassadors can answer all your questions about courses and studying at Strathclyde and offer insight into their experiences of life in Glasgow and Scotland.
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-UK/Ireland) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for a Masters degree at University of Strathclyde.
Upon successful completion, you'll be able to progress to this degree course at the University of Strathclyde.
Fees & funding
All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.
Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.
All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.
Annual revision of fees
Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that the majority of fees will increase annually. The University will take a range of factors into account, including, but not limited to, UK inflation, changes in delivery costs and changes in Scottish and/or UK Government funding. Changes in fees will be published on the University website in October each year for the following year of study and any annual increase will be capped at a maximum of 10% per year.
| Scotland | £11,900 |
|---|---|
| England, Wales & Northern Ireland | £11,900 |
| Republic of Ireland |
If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status. For more information and advice on tuition fee status, you can visit the UKCISA - International student advice and guidance - Scotland: fee status webpage. Find out more about the University of Strathclyde's fee assessments process. |
| International | £28,700 |
| Available scholarships | Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities. |
| Visa & immigration | If you are an international student, you may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information. All recommended textbooks are available in the library (and some freely available as online resources). However you may wish to purchase your own copies. There are computers in the library and teaching labs but having access to your own laptop will be beneficial. |
Please note: the fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
It is very fulfilling to support our students and help them build an inter-disciplinary skillset that empowers them to effectively tackle the challenges of the world.
MSc Nanoscience
How can I fund my course?
Scottish postgraduate students
Scottish 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've a large range of scholarships available to help you fund your studies. Check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
International students
We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 140 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.
Careers
What kind of jobs do Strathclyde Physics graduates get?
Our graduates are working across the world in a number of different roles including:
- Medical Physicist
- Senior Engineer
- Professor
- Systems Engineer
- Treasury Analyst
- Patent Attorney
- Software Engineer
- Teacher
- Spacecraft Project Manager
- Defence Scientist
- Procurement Manager
Apply
Start date: Sep 2025
Nanoscience
Contact us
Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city
Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. 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.
Have you considered?
We've a range of postgraduate taught and Masters courses similar to this one which may also be of interest.