Particle and Nuclear Physics MSc
Awards: MSc
Study modes: Full-time
Funding opportunities
Programme website: Particle and Nuclear Physics
The study of Particle and Nuclear Physics brings together advanced experimental techniques, computational techniques, and theoretical understanding.
The experiments are typically large collaborations working at international laboratories using highly sophisticated detectors. These detector technologies also find applications in medical physics and other forms of position sensing. The computational aspects deal with large data sets and use machine learning and other advanced techniques in data science.
Theoretical nuclear and particle physics aims to interpret the experimental results in terms of mathematical models of the structure and evolution of the physical world.
Taught courses
The taught element of the programme includes two compulsory courses and a minimum of three specialist courses which will bring you to an advanced level in the required subject material. You will also have the opportunity to select courses from a range of options depending on your interests and career ambitions.
Dissertation
Following the taught component of the programme, you will undertake a three-month research project leading to a dissertation. You will be based within one of the projects of the Institute for Particle and Nuclear Physics as part of an international collaboration, and may have the opportunity to visit a leading research laboratory.
Find out more about compulsory and optional courses
We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.
Award | Title | Duration | Study mode | |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSc | 1 Year | Full-time | Programme structure 2020/21 |
By engaging with and completing the MSc in Particle & Nuclear Physics, graduates will acquire core knowledge of current experiments in nuclear and particle physics and gain a theoretical understanding of nuclear and particle physics.
The programme aims to develop research and problem solving skills, with graduates gaining the skills to apply advanced data analysis techniques to large data sets, critically assess research activities and design future experiments.
This programme provides an exposure to frontier activities in experimental nuclear and particle physics and develops general transferable skills related to data analysis, research and communication.
This provides a platform for employment in research, science-based industry, medical physics, education and a wide spectrum of professions that call for numeracy and data analysis skills.
A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in physics or a related subject with sufficient physics content. In particular we expect that you will have completed a quantum mechanics course.
University level mathematics and basic programming skills are essential. During your degree you should have gained experience in at least one of the following: C/C++, Java, Python, R, Matlab, Haskell, ML and you should state this information on your application. If you are in doubt on this point please contact the Programme Director.
We may also consider your application if you have relevant experience; please contact us to check before you apply.
International qualifications
Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:
English language requirements
You must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies, regardless of your nationality or country of residence.
English language tests
For 2021 entry we will accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:
- IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL-iBT (including Special Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each section.We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
- CAE and CPE: total 176 with at least 169 in each paper.
- Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL or Trinity ISE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.
Degrees taught and assessed in English
We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:
We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries.
If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than three and a half years old at the beginning of your programme of study.
Find out more about our language requirements:
Award | Title | Duration | Study mode | |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSc | 1 Year | Full-time | Tuition fees |
Featured funding
UK government postgraduate loans
If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments. The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on your programme, the duration of your studies, and your residency status. (Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.)
Other funding opportunities
Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:
- Postgraduate Recruitment Administrator, Alicja Ross
- Phone: +44 (0)131 651 3448
- Contact: msc.pnp@ph.ed.ac.uk
- Contact: victoria.martin@ed.ac.uk
- School of Physics and Astronomy
- University of Edinburgh
- James Clerk Maxwell Building, Peter Guthrie Tait Road
- The King's Buildings Campus
- Edinburgh
- EH9 3FD
- Programme: Particle and Nuclear Physics
- School: Physics & Astronomy
- College: Science & Engineering
- Prospectus: Physics & Astronomy prospectus (PDF)
Applying
Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.
MSc Particle and Nuclear Physics - 1 Year (Full-time)
We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.
You must submit one reference with your application.
Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:
Further information
- Postgraduate Recruitment Administrator, Alicja Ross
- Phone: +44 (0)131 651 3448
- Contact: msc.pnp@ph.ed.ac.uk
- Contact: victoria.martin@ed.ac.uk
- School of Physics and Astronomy
- University of Edinburgh
- James Clerk Maxwell Building, Peter Guthrie Tait Road
- The King's Buildings Campus
- Edinburgh
- EH9 3FD
- Programme: Particle and Nuclear Physics
- School: Physics & Astronomy
- College: Science & Engineering
- Prospectus: Physics & Astronomy prospectus (PDF)