![](/sites/default/files/styles/focal_point_2000x1500/public/2018-02/physics-course-banner.jpg?itok=Gv-cm6xo)
- Physics
MSc — 2024 entry Physics
Physics is a foundational science that seeks to understand the fundamental laws governing the universe. Our Physics MSc degree offers a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental principles and advanced concepts in this exciting field.
UK students: you can apply by 1 September 2024
Why choose
this course?
Physics is simply the study of nature. And studying physics means aspiring to answer some of nature’s most complex questions. This course allows you to explore and expand our understanding of the world and will prepare you to address the challenges our society faces.
Our School of Mathematics and Physics is home to inspirational research activity and excellent teaching. Our research spans the breadth of modern physics and is supported by advanced facilities.
We also collaborate with a variety of partners across academia, public life and industry, including the National Physical Laboratory.
EDI status
![Institute of Physics Juno Champion logo](/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/2022-04/institute-of-physics-juno-champion-logo-text-and-image.jpg?itok=DcQd1dSX)
What you will study
Our Physics MSc is a flexible course, allowing you to tailor your studies by selecting modules from a wide range of fundamental and applied physics topics. The application-focused modules are co-taught by practitioners in public service and industry to ensure students gain insight relevant to the workplace.
An 11-week dissertation project will give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills to a project relevant to pioneering research. Many of these projects are undertaken in collaboration with leading industry partners.
Equality and diversity
We’re committed to fostering the next generation of physicists in an environment that is diverse and inclusive, ensuring equal opportunities for all, independent of race, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability or other protected characteristics.
We’re a member of the Institute of Physics’ equality and diversity initiative, Project Juno, which rewards physics departments for promoting gender equality in physics. We are proud to have been awarded Juno Champion status.
We also have an active Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) group within the School of Mathematics and Physics, which aims to grow the diversity of our student body and ensure a welcoming environment for everyone.
Teaching Assistant Scheme
Every year, our Teaching Assistant Scheme enables students on our Physics MSc programmes to earn while they study, providing teaching support to undergraduate students. Teaching assistants are involved in a range of duties, including laboratory supervision, in-class tutorial support and support with computing classes. Find out more about the Teaching Assistant Scheme.
You’ll study four 15-credit modules per semester if you join this course full-time. Full-time students complete four modules per semester, while part-time students typically complete two modules per semester.
The dissertation topics you can choose from are usually allocated towards the end of the spring semester. Dissertation project work will be carried out during the summer period. Part-time students will work on their dissertation in the summer of their second year.
The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes:
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Modules are subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff, meaning all modules are comprised of multiples of 15 credits, up to a maximum of 120 credits.
Course options
Year 1
Semester 1
Optional
These lectures describe in detail the principles of radiation detection, measurement and dosimetry.
View full module detailsLectures provide a detailed and systematic overview of atomic and nuclear physics including basic energetics of radioactive decay. An introduction on interactions of radiation with matter and introductory material describing detector operation.
View full module detailsThe module will provide students with practical skills and background knowledge needed to work in a radiation laboratory. Laboratory sessions are designed to provide the student with practical experience in handling radioactive substances, detectors and instrumentation.
View full module detailsThis course starts with an overview of human biology, followed by a discussion of the nature of the interaction of ionising and non-ionising radiation with biological systems. The course emphasises the effects at the cellular level and the impact that this has on the individual and across the population. The behaviour and effects of ingested and inhaled radionuclides are also covered.
View full module detailsThe module will provide students with practical skills and background knowledge needed to work in a clinical setting. It includes two seminars/workshop on research ethics and intellectual property and a set of radiation laboratory experiments.
View full module detailsThis module introduces six advanced topics in physics. Students will be assessed on only four of these topics, with individuals self-selecting the contact sessions, coursework options and exam questions that reflect their preference. An indicative list of these six topics include: biological physics, special relativity, physics of electronic & photonic materials, cosmology, nuclear astrophysics, and quantum computing.
View full module detailsQuantum computers are built around a central processing unit which is a physical device operating according to the rules of quantum mechanics. This module teaches the principles of how quantum processors are built and how they function. The module follows the superconducting architecture, which currently has a significant role in the industry and has been widely studied and implemented. The module will start with reviewing the basic physics required to understand superconducting qubits and the theory of superconducting circuits. It will then continue to the operation of such qubits to perform gates, storage, and readout. After studying the basic building blocks and operations, the module will discuss early demonstrations of important algorithms on superconducting processors. These will lead us naturally to the important topics of improving performance through protection of coherence, advanced control, and validation. The last part of the module will focus on state-of-the-art superconducting processors, focusing on the various challenges in scaling up and the strategies that the industry is pursuing to overcome them.
View full module detailsThe first half of this module covers various applications of statistical physics to model share prices and financial markets. This mathematics is then applied to calculating prices for some examples of financial derivatives. The second half of the module then focusses on optimization problems with examples including logistics, aerospace, traffic control and finance (which includes pricing, risk managements and portfolio optimizations in financial markets). There is a particular focus on the role of quantum optimization and the use of quantum computer algorithms in finance.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Compulsory
All students aiming for the MSc degree qualification undertake an MSc dissertation project. Students choose a project either from a list of proposed topics within the University, or in some cases arrangement is made for the project to be undertaken in industrial, research or hospital-based environment. The majority of part-time students arrange to undertake the project in their place of work. Students are assigned a supervisor relating to the project chosen. Students undertaking their project outside of the University are assigned both an internal and an external supervisor. The work is assessed as follows: Project write-up A write up of no more than 40 pages in total, including title page, brief abstract, text, diagrams and references must be submitted. Supervisors will give guidance on the layout of the project and the first draft of material where appropriate. When referencing in your written work, you should use the Harvard referencing system unless otherwise directed by the Module Co-ordinator. Further information relating to referencing in your work, can be found on the University Library website at http://www.surrey.ac.uk/library/subject/bibref/
View full module detailsOptional
This 15-credit M-Level module introduces important topics and techniques in theoretical physics that have a wide range of applications in many areas physics and engineering and which the students will not have met before. Both the mathematical techniques and their applications are covered at a level appropriate for Masters level students coming to the end of their degree and who should be able to pull many different ideas in theoretical physics together.
View full module detailsRadiations of various types are widely used for therapeutic purposes. The bulk of hospital physicists work with ionising radiation and hence the topic is fundamental for anyone entering the profession. In this module, an introduction is given to radiotherapy systems, for beam delivery, guidance and dosimetry. Around one-third of the module is then devoted to a number of key uses of non-ionising radiation in delivery of various therapies, with sources based on laser light, uv and high-intensity focused ultrasound.
View full module detailsIonising radiation is widely used for diagnostic purposes, and multi-modality imaging is now becoming ubiquitous. The majority of hospital physicists work with ionising radiation and hence the topic is fundamental for anyone entering the profession. In this module, an introduction is given to imaging systems and image perception. Detailed lectures then cover X-radiography, X-ray computed tomography, radiopharmaceuticals, nuclear medicine. The lectures will be supported by an assessed nuclear medicine practical and by tutorials in image processing and image registration.
View full module detailsThe module is designed to give students knowledge of the basic physics that underpins nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMR / MRI) and ultrasound, together with details of common imaging strategies.It delivers material on the basic principles of NMR and medical MRI . It also provides an introduction to ultrasound, a major non-ionising radiation imaging modality, with lectures complemented by three laboratory sessions.
View full module detailsThis module aims to provide an advanced level understanding of explosive nuclear astrophysics and the physics of stars. In particular, the course will provide an analytical underpinning of resonant reaction rates, together with the experimental techniques involved in their determination, as well as a theoretical treatment of nuclear reactions and celestial objects.
View full module detailsThis module will introduce the students to the principles and formalism of General Relativity and its applications to Black Holes and astrophysical phenomena.
View full module detailsThe course provides an introduction to nuclear energy generation and applications of nuclear science. Nuclear reactors, their physics and operation are described. Nuclear reactor safety case work is also discussed. Future potential energy generation mechanisms such including nuclear fusion will be discussed. The module will also present a range of applications of radioactivity measurement including aspects of Environmental Science and Medical Diagnogstics and treatment therapy. The module will include some aspects of calculus and first order differential equations.
View full module detailsQuantum Mechanics topics are essential building blocks for our understanding of many physical systems. The module assumes basic knowledge in quantum mechanics from modules in earlier years, but will provide a review at the beginning. Topics include a review of quantum mechanics, operator methods and applications to the harmonic oscillator, spin & angular momentum, symmetries in quantum mechanics. The second half of the module then moves beyond isolated quantum systems by addressing the topic of Quantum Entanglement and Quantum Coherence. Here the important concepts of entanglement and decoherence will be studied by developing an understanding of open quantum systems and the density matrix formalism.
View full module detailsThis module comprises two independent halves, on making qubit, and quantum communications. Quantum technologies, including quantum computing, rely on the quantum mechanical principles of superposition and entanglement. Furthermore, this superposition and entanglement needs to be controlled in useful ways. In this module you will learn about what physical systems allow quantum technology production, and their limitations. Quantum computers are only one type of device that uses these principles, and several other technologies are being created that are also enhanced by use of superpositions. Others include atomic clocks and Magnetic Resonance Imaging, MRI. We will also learn about the errors that inevitably build up in quantum computers when quantum superpositions are disturbed, and the strategies that might be built in to correct them. Quantum communications. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles, protocols, and applications of quantum communications. Students will explore the fundamental concepts of quantum information transmission, quantum cryptography, and quantum communication protocols. They will also examine the challenges, advancements, and real-world applications of quantum communications including both theory and practical aspects.
View full module detailsThe module is aimed at giving students an understanding of the use of computers in the broader context of medical physics. This will range from the use of Monte Carlo modelling using TOPAS for dosimetry and experimental design, to the use of Python to code simple problems related to image processing and data science. In addition, they will learn the importance of data security and data governance with specific application to a clinical context.
View full module detailsOptional modules for Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Levels 6 and 7
For further information regarding programme structure and module selection, please refer to the course catalogue.
Year 1
Semester 1
Optional
These lectures describe in detail the principles of radiation detection, measurement and dosimetry.
View full module detailsLectures provide a detailed and systematic overview of atomic and nuclear physics including basic energetics of radioactive decay. An introduction on interactions of radiation with matter and introductory material describing detector operation.
View full module detailsThe module will provide students with practical skills and background knowledge needed to work in a radiation laboratory. Laboratory sessions are designed to provide the student with practical experience in handling radioactive substances, detectors and instrumentation.
View full module detailsThis course starts with an overview of human biology, followed by a discussion of the nature of the interaction of ionising and non-ionising radiation with biological systems. The course emphasises the effects at the cellular level and the impact that this has on the individual and across the population. The behaviour and effects of ingested and inhaled radionuclides are also covered.
View full module detailsThe module will provide students with practical skills and background knowledge needed to work in a clinical setting. It includes two seminars/workshop on research ethics and intellectual property and a set of radiation laboratory experiments.
View full module detailsThis module introduces six advanced topics in physics. Students will be assessed on only four of these topics, with individuals self-selecting the contact sessions, coursework options and exam questions that reflect their preference. An indicative list of these six topics include: biological physics, special relativity, physics of electronic & photonic materials, cosmology, nuclear astrophysics, and quantum computing.
View full module detailsQuantum computers are built around a central processing unit which is a physical device operating according to the rules of quantum mechanics. This module teaches the principles of how quantum processors are built and how they function. The module follows the superconducting architecture, which currently has a significant role in the industry and has been widely studied and implemented. The module will start with reviewing the basic physics required to understand superconducting qubits and the theory of superconducting circuits. It will then continue to the operation of such qubits to perform gates, storage, and readout. After studying the basic building blocks and operations, the module will discuss early demonstrations of important algorithms on superconducting processors. These will lead us naturally to the important topics of improving performance through protection of coherence, advanced control, and validation. The last part of the module will focus on state-of-the-art superconducting processors, focusing on the various challenges in scaling up and the strategies that the industry is pursuing to overcome them.
View full module detailsThe first half of this module covers various applications of statistical physics to model share prices and financial markets. This mathematics is then applied to calculating prices for some examples of financial derivatives. The second half of the module then focusses on optimization problems with examples including logistics, aerospace, traffic control and finance (which includes pricing, risk managements and portfolio optimizations in financial markets). There is a particular focus on the role of quantum optimization and the use of quantum computer algorithms in finance.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Optional
This 15-credit M-Level module introduces important topics and techniques in theoretical physics that have a wide range of applications in many areas physics and engineering and which the students will not have met before. Both the mathematical techniques and their applications are covered at a level appropriate for Masters level students coming to the end of their degree and who should be able to pull many different ideas in theoretical physics together.
View full module detailsRadiations of various types are widely used for therapeutic purposes. The bulk of hospital physicists work with ionising radiation and hence the topic is fundamental for anyone entering the profession. In this module, an introduction is given to radiotherapy systems, for beam delivery, guidance and dosimetry. Around one-third of the module is then devoted to a number of key uses of non-ionising radiation in delivery of various therapies, with sources based on laser light, uv and high-intensity focused ultrasound.
View full module detailsIonising radiation is widely used for diagnostic purposes, and multi-modality imaging is now becoming ubiquitous. The majority of hospital physicists work with ionising radiation and hence the topic is fundamental for anyone entering the profession. In this module, an introduction is given to imaging systems and image perception. Detailed lectures then cover X-radiography, X-ray computed tomography, radiopharmaceuticals, nuclear medicine. The lectures will be supported by an assessed nuclear medicine practical and by tutorials in image processing and image registration.
View full module detailsThe module is designed to give students knowledge of the basic physics that underpins nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMR / MRI) and ultrasound, together with details of common imaging strategies.It delivers material on the basic principles of NMR and medical MRI . It also provides an introduction to ultrasound, a major non-ionising radiation imaging modality, with lectures complemented by three laboratory sessions.
View full module detailsThis module aims to provide an advanced level understanding of explosive nuclear astrophysics and the physics of stars. In particular, the course will provide an analytical underpinning of resonant reaction rates, together with the experimental techniques involved in their determination, as well as a theoretical treatment of nuclear reactions and celestial objects.
View full module detailsThis module will introduce the students to the principles and formalism of General Relativity and its applications to Black Holes and astrophysical phenomena.
View full module detailsThe course provides an introduction to nuclear energy generation and applications of nuclear science. Nuclear reactors, their physics and operation are described. Nuclear reactor safety case work is also discussed. Future potential energy generation mechanisms such including nuclear fusion will be discussed. The module will also present a range of applications of radioactivity measurement including aspects of Environmental Science and Medical Diagnogstics and treatment therapy. The module will include some aspects of calculus and first order differential equations.
View full module detailsQuantum Mechanics topics are essential building blocks for our understanding of many physical systems. The module assumes basic knowledge in quantum mechanics from modules in earlier years, but will provide a review at the beginning. Topics include a review of quantum mechanics, operator methods and applications to the harmonic oscillator, spin & angular momentum, symmetries in quantum mechanics. The second half of the module then moves beyond isolated quantum systems by addressing the topic of Quantum Entanglement and Quantum Coherence. Here the important concepts of entanglement and decoherence will be studied by developing an understanding of open quantum systems and the density matrix formalism.
View full module detailsThis module comprises two independent halves, on making qubit, and quantum communications. Quantum technologies, including quantum computing, rely on the quantum mechanical principles of superposition and entanglement. Furthermore, this superposition and entanglement needs to be controlled in useful ways. In this module you will learn about what physical systems allow quantum technology production, and their limitations. Quantum computers are only one type of device that uses these principles, and several other technologies are being created that are also enhanced by use of superpositions. Others include atomic clocks and Magnetic Resonance Imaging, MRI. We will also learn about the errors that inevitably build up in quantum computers when quantum superpositions are disturbed, and the strategies that might be built in to correct them. Quantum communications. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles, protocols, and applications of quantum communications. Students will explore the fundamental concepts of quantum information transmission, quantum cryptography, and quantum communication protocols. They will also examine the challenges, advancements, and real-world applications of quantum communications including both theory and practical aspects.
View full module detailsThe module is aimed at giving students an understanding of the use of computers in the broader context of medical physics. This will range from the use of Monte Carlo modelling using TOPAS for dosimetry and experimental design, to the use of Python to code simple problems related to image processing and data science. In addition, they will learn the importance of data security and data governance with specific application to a clinical context.
View full module detailsOptional modules for Year 1 (part-time) - FHEQ Levels 6 and 7
For further information regarding programme structure and module selection, please refer to the course catalogue.
Year 2
Semester 1
Optional
These lectures describe in detail the principles of radiation detection, measurement and dosimetry.
View full module detailsLectures provide a detailed and systematic overview of atomic and nuclear physics including basic energetics of radioactive decay. An introduction on interactions of radiation with matter and introductory material describing detector operation.
View full module detailsThe module will provide students with practical skills and background knowledge needed to work in a radiation laboratory. Laboratory sessions are designed to provide the student with practical experience in handling radioactive substances, detectors and instrumentation.
View full module detailsThis course starts with an overview of human biology, followed by a discussion of the nature of the interaction of ionising and non-ionising radiation with biological systems. The course emphasises the effects at the cellular level and the impact that this has on the individual and across the population. The behaviour and effects of ingested and inhaled radionuclides are also covered.
View full module detailsThe module will provide students with practical skills and background knowledge needed to work in a clinical setting. It includes two seminars/workshop on research ethics and intellectual property and a set of radiation laboratory experiments.
View full module detailsThis module introduces six advanced topics in physics. Students will be assessed on only four of these topics, with individuals self-selecting the contact sessions, coursework options and exam questions that reflect their preference. An indicative list of these six topics include: biological physics, special relativity, physics of electronic & photonic materials, cosmology, nuclear astrophysics, and quantum computing.
View full module detailsQuantum computers are built around a central processing unit which is a physical device operating according to the rules of quantum mechanics. This module teaches the principles of how quantum processors are built and how they function. The module follows the superconducting architecture, which currently has a significant role in the industry and has been widely studied and implemented. The module will start with reviewing the basic physics required to understand superconducting qubits and the theory of superconducting circuits. It will then continue to the operation of such qubits to perform gates, storage, and readout. After studying the basic building blocks and operations, the module will discuss early demonstrations of important algorithms on superconducting processors. These will lead us naturally to the important topics of improving performance through protection of coherence, advanced control, and validation. The last part of the module will focus on state-of-the-art superconducting processors, focusing on the various challenges in scaling up and the strategies that the industry is pursuing to overcome them.
View full module detailsThe first half of this module covers various applications of statistical physics to model share prices and financial markets. This mathematics is then applied to calculating prices for some examples of financial derivatives. The second half of the module then focusses on optimization problems with examples including logistics, aerospace, traffic control and finance (which includes pricing, risk managements and portfolio optimizations in financial markets). There is a particular focus on the role of quantum optimization and the use of quantum computer algorithms in finance.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Compulsory
All students aiming for the MSc degree qualification undertake an MSc dissertation project. Students choose a project either from a list of proposed topics within the University, or in some cases arrangement is made for the project to be undertaken in industrial, research or hospital-based environment. The majority of part-time students arrange to undertake the project in their place of work. Students are assigned a supervisor relating to the project chosen. Students undertaking their project outside of the University are assigned both an internal and an external supervisor. The work is assessed as follows: Project write-up A write up of no more than 40 pages in total, including title page, brief abstract, text, diagrams and references must be submitted. Supervisors will give guidance on the layout of the project and the first draft of material where appropriate. When referencing in your written work, you should use the Harvard referencing system unless otherwise directed by the Module Co-ordinator. Further information relating to referencing in your work, can be found on the University Library website at http://www.surrey.ac.uk/library/subject/bibref/
View full module detailsOptional
This 15-credit M-Level module introduces important topics and techniques in theoretical physics that have a wide range of applications in many areas physics and engineering and which the students will not have met before. Both the mathematical techniques and their applications are covered at a level appropriate for Masters level students coming to the end of their degree and who should be able to pull many different ideas in theoretical physics together.
View full module detailsRadiations of various types are widely used for therapeutic purposes. The bulk of hospital physicists work with ionising radiation and hence the topic is fundamental for anyone entering the profession. In this module, an introduction is given to radiotherapy systems, for beam delivery, guidance and dosimetry. Around one-third of the module is then devoted to a number of key uses of non-ionising radiation in delivery of various therapies, with sources based on laser light, uv and high-intensity focused ultrasound.
View full module detailsIonising radiation is widely used for diagnostic purposes, and multi-modality imaging is now becoming ubiquitous. The majority of hospital physicists work with ionising radiation and hence the topic is fundamental for anyone entering the profession. In this module, an introduction is given to imaging systems and image perception. Detailed lectures then cover X-radiography, X-ray computed tomography, radiopharmaceuticals, nuclear medicine. The lectures will be supported by an assessed nuclear medicine practical and by tutorials in image processing and image registration.
View full module detailsThe module is designed to give students knowledge of the basic physics that underpins nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMR / MRI) and ultrasound, together with details of common imaging strategies.It delivers material on the basic principles of NMR and medical MRI . It also provides an introduction to ultrasound, a major non-ionising radiation imaging modality, with lectures complemented by three laboratory sessions.
View full module detailsThis module aims to provide an advanced level understanding of explosive nuclear astrophysics and the physics of stars. In particular, the course will provide an analytical underpinning of resonant reaction rates, together with the experimental techniques involved in their determination, as well as a theoretical treatment of nuclear reactions and celestial objects.
View full module detailsThis module will introduce the students to the principles and formalism of General Relativity and its applications to Black Holes and astrophysical phenomena.
View full module detailsThe course provides an introduction to nuclear energy generation and applications of nuclear science. Nuclear reactors, their physics and operation are described. Nuclear reactor safety case work is also discussed. Future potential energy generation mechanisms such including nuclear fusion will be discussed. The module will also present a range of applications of radioactivity measurement including aspects of Environmental Science and Medical Diagnogstics and treatment therapy. The module will include some aspects of calculus and first order differential equations.
View full module detailsQuantum Mechanics topics are essential building blocks for our understanding of many physical systems. The module assumes basic knowledge in quantum mechanics from modules in earlier years, but will provide a review at the beginning. Topics include a review of quantum mechanics, operator methods and applications to the harmonic oscillator, spin & angular momentum, symmetries in quantum mechanics. The second half of the module then moves beyond isolated quantum systems by addressing the topic of Quantum Entanglement and Quantum Coherence. Here the important concepts of entanglement and decoherence will be studied by developing an understanding of open quantum systems and the density matrix formalism.
View full module detailsThis module comprises two independent halves, on making qubit, and quantum communications. Quantum technologies, including quantum computing, rely on the quantum mechanical principles of superposition and entanglement. Furthermore, this superposition and entanglement needs to be controlled in useful ways. In this module you will learn about what physical systems allow quantum technology production, and their limitations. Quantum computers are only one type of device that uses these principles, and several other technologies are being created that are also enhanced by use of superpositions. Others include atomic clocks and Magnetic Resonance Imaging, MRI. We will also learn about the errors that inevitably build up in quantum computers when quantum superpositions are disturbed, and the strategies that might be built in to correct them. Quantum communications. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles, protocols, and applications of quantum communications. Students will explore the fundamental concepts of quantum information transmission, quantum cryptography, and quantum communication protocols. They will also examine the challenges, advancements, and real-world applications of quantum communications including both theory and practical aspects.
View full module detailsThe module is aimed at giving students an understanding of the use of computers in the broader context of medical physics. This will range from the use of Monte Carlo modelling using TOPAS for dosimetry and experimental design, to the use of Python to code simple problems related to image processing and data science. In addition, they will learn the importance of data security and data governance with specific application to a clinical context.
View full module detailsOptional modules for Year 2 (part-time) - FHEQ Levels 6 and 7
For further information regarding programme structure and module selection, please refer to the course catalogue.
General course information
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Timetable
Course timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester.
New students will receive their personalised timetable in Welcome Week, and in subsequent semesters, two weeks prior to the start of semester.
Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday). Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities. Part-time classes are normally scheduled on one or two days per week, details of which can be obtained from Academic Administration.
Location
Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
As a graduate of this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge to work in a range of sectors on an international scale, including the nuclear and medical sectors, and higher education.
Previous graduates have gone on to work for:
- CERN
- Diamond Microwave Devices Ltd
- NHS
- Scottish Environment Protection Agency
- UK Atomic Energy Agency.
Employers in the education sector include:
- Sultan Quaboos University
- University College London
- University of Nottingham
- University of Umm Al-Qura.
We have an excellent record for graduate employability: 100 per cent of our physics postgraduate students go on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2024, HESA).
UK qualifications
A minimum of a 2:2 UK honours degree in chemistry, electronic engineering, nuclear engineering, physics, or a recognised equivalent international qualification.
We'll also consider relevant work experience if you don't meet these requirements.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in each other element.
These are the English language qualifications and levels that we can accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Recognition of prior learning
We recognise that many students enter their course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of ways.
If this applies to you, the recognition of prior learning process may mean you can join a course without the formal entry requirements, or at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience.
There are restrictions for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims. Please contact the Admissions team with any queries.
Fees per year
Explore UKCISA’s website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the list of fees for all postgraduate courses.
September 2024 - Full-time - 1 year
- UK
- £12,300 per year
- Overseas
- £25,000 per year
September 2024 - Part-time - 2 years
- UK
- £6,200 per year
- Overseas
- £12,500 per year
- If you are on the two-year part-time masters programme, the annual fee is payable in Year 1 and Year 2 of the programme
- These fees apply to students commencing study in the academic year 2024-25 only. Fees for new starters are reviewed annually.
Payment schedule
- Students with Tuition Fee Loan: the Student Loans Company pay fees in line with their schedule (students on an unstructured self-paced part-time course are not eligible for a Tuition Fee Loan).
- Students without a Tuition Fee Loan: pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
- 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be October/November of each academic year)
- 50% in January of the same academic year.
- Students on part-time programmes where fees are paid on a modular basis: cannot pay fees by instalment.
- Sponsored students: must provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of study.
The exact date(s) will be on invoices.
Additional costs
Commuting (local travel expenses): Unable to specify amount - Potentially travel costs for the dissertation which may be reimbursable.
Funding
You may be able to borrow money to help pay your tuition fees and support you with your living costs. Find out more about postgraduate student finance.
Funding opportunities are also available for MSc Students with the Higher Education Sponsorship Scheme by the Society for Radiological Protection.
The School of Mathematics and Physics offers MSc students the opportunity to earn while they study through the MSc Teaching Assistant Scheme.
You may be able to borrow money to help pay your tuition fees and support you with your living costs. Find out more about postgraduate student finance.
Scholarships and bursaries
Discover what scholarships and bursaries are available to support your studies.
Apply online
To apply online first select the course you'd like to apply for then log in.
Select your course
Choose the course option you wish to apply for.
Sign in
Create an account and sign into our application portal.
Admissions information
Once you apply, you can expect to hear back from us within 14 days. This might be with a decision on your application or with a request for further information.
Our code of practice for postgraduate admissions policy explains how the Admissions team considers applications and admits students. Read our postgraduate applicant guidance for more information on applying.
About the University of Surrey
Need more information?
Contact our Admissions team or talk to a current University of Surrey student online.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to follow our policies and procedures, student regulations, and terms and conditions.
We provide these terms and conditions in two stages:
- First when we make an offer.
- Second when students accept their offer and register to study with us (registration terms and conditions will vary depending on your course and academic year).
View our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2023/24 academic year, as a guide on what to expect.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.
Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.
It is important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer.