University College London (UCL)
Physics MSc
London, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
The Physics MSc program focuses on developing a deep understanding of core and advanced topics in physics. Students explore areas like quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and condensed matter physics. The program emphasizes applying theoretical knowledge to real-world problems and encourages research skills through projects and coursework. It’s designed to prepare students for careers in research, industry, or further academic study by building strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Students benefit from access to cutting-edge laboratories and facilities, allowing hands-on experience in modern experimental techniques. The curriculum offers opportunities to specialize in specific fields, such as astrophysics or particle physics, depending on personal interests. Throughout the course, students gain valuable skills in data analysis, scientific communication, and teamwork, which are essential for a future in scientific research or technical roles. The program aims to support students in achieving their academic and career goals through a structured, supportive learning environment.
UCL Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships available to postgraduate students, including our UCL Master's Bursary for UK students and our UCL Global Master's Scholarship for international students. You can click the link below to search via the scholarships finder for awards that you might be eligible for. Your academic department will also be able to provide you with more information about funding.
External Scholarships
Online aggregators like Postgraduate Studentships, Scholarship Search, Postgraduate Funding and International Financial Aid and College Scholarship Search contain information on a variety of external schemes.
If you have specific circumstances or an ethnic or religious background, it is worth searching for scholarships/bursaries/grants that relate to those things. Some schemes are very specific.
Funding for disabled students
Master's students who have a disability may be able to get extra funding for additional costs they incur to study.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, small-group workshops, and asynchronous content, delivered as part of the taught component. A research literature review/essay and a major research project together comprise one half of the course; each student is directed by an academic supervisor through regular meetings for consultation and advice. To supplement their experience, students are encouraged to participate in subject-relevant scientific seminar series organised by the research groups within the Department.
Assessment is through examinations and coursework assignments. The research project is assessed through a written dissertation and an oral presentation.
A 15-credit module consists of around 150 hours of learning time, and for a lecture module typically includes 20-30 hours of contact time, plus engagement with online materials asynchronously, and personal study time.
For full-time students, typical contact hours are approximately 8-10 hours per week. This includes 3 lecture modules, each typically involving 2.5 contact hours per week, and additional contact with a project supervisor once every two weeks.
In addition to these scheduled lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials, full-time students are expected to dedicate the equivalent of a full-time job to self-directed study and completing coursework assignments.
During terms one and two, full-time students can expect between 8 and 10 contact hours per teaching week, delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, critiques (crits), and tutorials. In term three and throughout the summer period, students focus on completing their dissertation research while meeting with their dissertation supervisors once every two weeks.
The research-project module is 60 credits, and consists of around 600 hours of personal study time alongside approximately 15-20 hours of contact time.
The research-essay module (literature review) is 30 credits, and consists of around 300 hours of personal study time alongside approximately 10 hours of contact time.
Below are three examples of project titles offered by researchers within the Department. These projects cover the full range of science conducted by the research groups within the Department and change each year.
- Ganymede (the Sequel): Mighty Little Magnetic Moon
- Probing new physics with LHC measurements
- Attosecond processes in three-electron atoms
Disclaimer: Contact hours and schedules may vary depending on individual module choices, pathway selections, and other programme-specific factors.
Modules
Full-time
The programme is made up of modules to the value of 180 credits. The programme consists of a dissertation/report (60 credits), a research essay (30 credits), plus 6 optional and elective modules (90 credits). Students select three optional modules comprising core subjects in Physics, and three further modules from a very wide selection of elective modules, including fourth-year MSci modules, selected modules from Space and Climate Physics, modules from the MSc in Astrophysics, and a small selection of third-year Physics modules.
Full-Time Structure
Term One: You will study 3 or 4 modules from your selection of 6 taught modules. These could be optional and elective modules.
Term Two: You will study the remainder of your 6 taught modules, which could be optional or a combination of optional and elective modules.
You will also start work on your research essay (literature review) during the first term, and continue to work on it during the first two terms; the literature review is completed and submitted at the end of the second term. The research for this review lays the foundation for the research project, on which work is also started during the second term.
Term Three: You will focus entirely on your research project, preparing a written project report which is submitted at the end of August. You will prepare and deliver an oral presentation on your project in September.
Part-time
The programme is made up of modules to the value of 180 credits. The programme consists of a dissertation/report (60 credits), a research essay (30 credits), plus 6 optional and elective modules (90 credits). Students select three optional modules comprising core subjects in Physics, and three further modules from a very wide selection of elective modules, including fourth-year MSci modules, selected modules from Space and Climate Physics, modules from the MSc in Astrophysics, and a small selection of third-year Physics modules.
Part-Time Structure
Year One: You will study 4 modules from your selection of 6 taught modules. These could be optional and elective modules.
Year Two: You will study the remainder of your taught modules, which could be optional or a combination of optional and elective modules.
You will work on your research essay (literature review) during the first two terms; the literature review is completed and submitted at the end of the second term. The research for this review lays the foundation for the research project, on which work is also started during the second term.
Term Three: You will focus entirely on your research project, preparing a written project report which is submitted at the end of August. You will prepare and deliver an oral presentation on your project in September.
Compulsory modules
- Research Essay
- Physics Research Project
Optional modules
- Mathematics For General Relativity
- Climate and Energy
- Theoretical Condensed Matter
- Advanced Topics in Statistical Mechanics
- Galaxy Dynamics, Formation and Evolution
- Advanced Physical Cosmology
- Physics of Exoplanets
- Advanced Quantum Theory
- Quantum Computation and Communication
- Particle Physics
- Quantum Field Theory
- Molecular Physics
- Molecular Biophysics
- Atom and Photon Physics
- High Energy Astrophysics (SS7)
- Symmetry and Phase Transitions
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment, and module content and availability are subject to change.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Physics.
What this course will give you
UCL Physics & Astronomy is among the top departments in the UK for this subject area: UCL is consistently placed in the global top 20 across a wide range of university rankings - and is currently 4th in the UK in the QS World University Rankings 2024 for Physics & Astronomy.
The department's participation in many international collaborations means we provide exceptional opportunities to work as part of an international team. Examples include our academics who work at the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva, and at the EISCAT radar instruments in Scandinavia for studying the Earth's upper atmosphere.
For students whose interests tend towards the theoretical, the department is involved in many international projects, some aimed at the development of future quantum technologies, others at fundamental atomic and molecular physics.
The Department of Physics & Astronomy at UCL is are proud holder of the Athena Swan Silver Award and achieved a Juno Champion Award from the Institute of Physics.
The foundation of your career
A Master's degree in Physics is highly regarded by employers. Students gain a deep understanding of both basic phenomena underpinning a range of technologies with huge potential for future development, e.g. quantum information, as well as direct knowledge of cutting-edge technologies likely to play a major role in short to medium term industrial development while addressing key societal challenges such as energy supply or water sanitisation.
Employability
Physics-based careers embrace a broad range of areas, e.g. space science and technology, information technology, Large Data science (in commerce and industry), engineering, finance, research and development, medicine, nanotechnology and photonics. Employers regard a physics degree as flexible and highly desirable university training.
Networking
Students are encouraged to participate in scientific seminars and meetings organised by research groups within the Department. Students are also encouraged to attend relevant meetings organised by scientific societies which are based in London (eg, Royal Astronomical Society, Institute of Physics, Royal Society, etc.). The department arranges regular careers talks given by guest speakers from industry, research, teaching and beyond.