
MSc Physics
Dublin, Ireland
DURATION
1 up to 2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
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STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Introduction
Physics provides us with a model of the universe, on an incredible range of scales, from inside the nucleus of the atom towards the edge of the observable universe. Advances in Physics underpin many technological developments, for example our knowledge of electron transport in semiconductors has led us to the point where computer processors and memory are almost ubiquitous.
This UCD MSc in Physics offers a negotiated learning (NL) model for students with a Physical Science or Engineering background that allows you to customise your learning path and to tailor what you learn to your own specific needs and career aspirations. It can prepare you with skills, including data analytics, either for further research in a PhD programme, or employment directly after graduation.
- Offers specialisation in Space Science, NanoBio Science and Nanotechnology
- This is a flexible programme where the students can design and control their training experience
- The modules are delivered by research active international staff with worldwide reputation
Vision and Values Statement
Physics is a model of the world. We educate our students to become critical thinkers, bringing a structured, questioning approach to problems. Our students, who will be graduates in Physics or related disciplines will progress along a clear route towards their career goals and/or further research programmes in Physics. Our learning environment emphasises research laboratory work and combines knowledge acquisition with problem-solving work, including data analysis and programming. Typically their MSc will cover a subset of the material described in the core of physics (the core of physics is defined by the IOP accreditation process).
Our students will be imbued with professional values including scientific integrity and ethical behaviour, and the ability to effectively communicate complex information. Students on the programme will be assessed using a variety of methods, including problem-sets, examinations, reports and oral presentations.
On successful completion, students will have acquired knowledge in a specific area of Physics, to a level that will enable them to participate in research activity at the level required to conduct a PhD and qualified to work in appropriate sectors at a MSc level.
Ideal Students
Who should apply?
Full-Time option suitable for:
- Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
- International (Non-EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region: Yes
Part-Time option suitable for:
- Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
- International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region: No
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please contact our Admissions team!
Curriculum
A full list of modules is available for the MSc Physics. Modules are subject to change and are not guaranteed by UCD.
Student Internships
There are opportunities to apply for an internship* in an academic or industry workplace. The internship comprises a research project, the theme of which is chosen by the student in agreement with the supervisor and MSc Course Director. The project may include experimental research, modelling/simulations research, and/or other research appropriate to the MSc programme theme.
*Placements are secured through a competitive process and are not guaranteed.
Program Outcome
- Describe the state-of-the-art knowledge in the field of space science and technology
- Apply acquired knowledge and skills to an individual internship on a topic relevant to space
- Work independently in multi-disciplinary, international teams on paper studies and laboratory projects
- Engage actively in professional networking within the field
- Draw on a suite of discipline-specific professional skills, such as space project management, bid writing, and technical documentation for space mission development
- Draw on a suite of transferable skills, such as critical thinking, reflection, problem-solving, scientific report writing, teamwork and presentation skills
- Participate responsibly and professionally within a team through active engagement and collaboration
- Apply a systems engineering approach to the full life cycle of a space project, from preliminary design through to critical design and implementation, and including the preparation of appropriate documentation
- Synthesise knowledge, awareness and experience gained from across the programme to continue developing their career
- Conduct a set of physics-based laboratory measurements related to space detectors and analyse the data using Python
- Describe the state-of-the-art knowledge and skills in the field
- Apply acquired knowledge and skills to an individual research project in the field
- Work in cross-disciplinary, international teams on paper studies and laboratory projects
- Draw on a suite of professional skills specific to the field, such as project management, proposal writing, and space science communication skills
- Draw on a suite of transferrable skills, such as problem-solving, scientific report writing, and presentation skills
- Participate responsibly and professionally within a team through active engagement and collaboration on an assignment or task
- Apply a systems engineering approach to the full life cycle of a space project, from preliminary design through to critical design and implementation and including the preparation of appropriate documentation
Program Tuition Fee
Student Testimonials
Program Admission Requirements
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