| UCAS code | 1234 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year full time |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Physics and Astronomy |
| Contact |
| Typical offer | 2:1 degree in Physics |
|---|---|
Overview
- A highly flexible programme designed for those wishing to pursue a career as a professional scientist
- Broaden and deepen your knowledge through studying a range of topics taught by internationally leading researchers who are actively working in your chosen field
- Our advanced research project develops your skills in research planning, execution and reporting, possibly leading to publication of your work in an international journal
- Benefit from access to advanced research facilities including clean-rooms, a helium liquefier, a water tank, amplified ultra-fast laser systems, and a suite of instruments for imaging biological materials
- Tailor your course to your career aspirations with four specialised pathways in Astrophysics, Biomedical Physics, Electromagnetic and Acoustic Materials or Quantum Systems and Nanomaterials
Fast Track (current Exeter students)
Discover MSc Physics at the University of Exeter.
Top 10 in the UK for Physics and Astronomy
7th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
Study alongside our leading research groups specialising in Astrophysics, Biomedical physics, Quantum systems and Nanomaterials, and Electromagnetic and Acoustic materials
Extensive facilities in our dedicated building including clean-rooms, helium liquefier, water tanks, amplified ultra-fast laser systems, imaging suite, observatory and computer labs
Significant research project modules allow you to make a personal contribution to research while studying
Top 10 in the UK for Physics and Astronomy
7th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
Study alongside our leading research groups specialising in Astrophysics, Biomedical physics, Quantum systems and Nanomaterials, and Electromagnetic and Acoustic materials
Extensive facilities in our dedicated building including clean-rooms, helium liquefier, water tanks, amplified ultra-fast laser systems, imaging suite, observatory and computer labs
Significant research project modules allow you to make a personal contribution to research while studying
Entry requirements
Applicants are required to have at least a 2:1 degree in Physics. Applicants may be interviewed by video conference to assess their suitability for the course.
We may consider applications with non-standard qualifications where there is evidence of exceptional performance in modules relevant to the programme of study, significant relevant work experience, or relevant professional qualifications.
Requirements for international students
If you are an international student, please visit our international equivalency pages to enable you to see if your existing academic qualifications meet our entry requirements.
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
"Our MSc is a flexible programme that is designed for those wishing to pursue a career as a professional scientist, taught by internationally leading researchers who are actively working in your chosen field.
Students are empowered to broaden and deepen their knowledge through studying a range of topics, choosing from a wide range of taught modules to tailor a course that matches that their career aspirations with four specialised pathways in Astrophysics, Biomedical Physics, Electromagnetic and Acoustic Materials, Quantum Systems and Nanomaterials.
The advanced research project provides skills in research planning, execution and reporting, and benefit from access to our world-leading research facilities."
Read more from Prof Julian Moger
Prof Julian Moger
Chair in Biophotonics
Course content
Our MSc physics programme is specifically targeted at those wishing to pursue a career as professional scientist. It is a highly flexible programme that gives you the opportunity to tailor your course towards your individual career aspirations. Supported by our world-leading Physics research, you’ll have the opportunity to broaden and deepen your knowledge through studying a range of topics taught by Internationally leading researchers who are actively working in your chosen field.
A major distinguishing feature of the MSc programme is an advanced research project in one of our internationally recognised research groups. This will enable you to develop the advanced skills in research planning, execution, and reporting, possibly leading to publication of your work in an international journal and prepare you to progress to PhD study.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHYM502 | Frontiers in Physics Research | 15 |
| PHYM503 | Research Project | 90 |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Level 5/6 Optional Modules | ||
| PHY2029 | The Physics of Living Systems | 15 |
| PHY2030 | Observing the Universe | 15 |
| PHY2032 | Analytical and Chaotic Dynamics | 15 |
| PHY2037 | Nonlinear Optics and Imaging | 15 |
| PHY3051 | Electromagnetism II | 15 |
| PHY3052 | Nuclear and High Energy Physics | 15 |
| PHY3055 | Electromagnetism and Quantum Mechanics | 15 |
| PHY3061 | The Biophysics of Cells and Tissues | 15 |
| PHY3062 | Methods of Theoretical Physics | 15 |
| PHY3064 | Nanostructures and Graphene Science | 15 |
| PHY3066 | Galaxies and High Energy Astrophysics | 15 |
| PHY3067 | Energy and the Environment | 15 |
| PHY3068 | Principles of Theoretical Physics | 15 |
| PHY3070 | Stars from Birth to Death | 15 |
| PHY3071 | Soft Matter | 15 |
| PHY2222 | Physics of Climate Change | 15 |
| PHY3220 | Fluid Dynamics in Physics and Astronomy | 15 |
| PHY3222 | Energy, Materials and Sustainability | 15 |
| M Level Optional Modules | ||
| PHYM001 | Statistical Physics | 15 |
| PHYM002 | Quantum Mechanics II | 15 |
| PHYM003 | Condensed Matter II | 15 |
| PHYM004 | Computational Physics and Modelling | 15 |
| PHYM006 | Relativity and Cosmology | 15 |
| PHYM008 | Physical Methods in Biology and Medicine | 15 |
| PHYM012 | Solar and Extra-Solar Planets and Their Atmospheres | 15 |
| PHYM013 | Quantum Many-Body Theory | 15 |
| PHYM015 | Quantum Optics and Photonics | 15 |
| NSCM005 | Mathematical Modelling in Biology and Medicine | 15 |
| BIOM555 | Bioimaging | 15 |
Please note that we are aware of an error in displaying the module descriptors for PHYM502 Frontiers in Physics Research and PHYM503 Research Project. The information for these two modules is:
PHYM502 Frontiers in Physics Research (15 credits)
This module aims to provide you with an appreciation of the frontiers of knowledge and understanding in a chosen area of Physics research. You will attend research presentations given by leading international researchers (both internal and external) that are part of our research groups regular seminar programmes. Seminars cover topics in Astrophysics, Electromagnetic Materials, Soft Matter Physics and Biophotonics, and Quantum Systems and Nanomaterials and you will be able to choose which seminars to attend based on your chosen areas of interest.
You will be required to take notes during each seminar they attend and select two seminar topics to explore in more depth using online research resources such as reviews and research articles. You will receive taught lectures to provide the skills required to perform a critical literature review and prepare a 3,500 report on your selected topic. It is expected that completing this module you will be well placed to decide upon a research problem to investigate in their research project.
PHYM503 Research Project (90 credits)
A major distinguishing feature of our MSc programme is its substantial project which will require you to apply the knowledge you have acquired to a real problem in a professional research environment. The aim is to foster the skills in open-ended problem solving necessary for the practising physicist. You will be given the opportunity to select a project supervisor from your chosen area of expertise and work together to design a suitable research project. The project will contribute towards 50% of the mark for your degree and will provide you with the key experience in independent research you need to advance your career.
You will work on a project linked to one of our research groups and using the knowledge gained from the modules, you will be ideally positioned to choose an exciting problem to investigate in a topic in an area that interests and motivates you. Over the period of the project, you will learn how to work as part of a research group and to develop advanced skills in research planning, execution, and reporting, possibly leading to publication of your work in an international journal.
Fees
2025/26 entry
UK fees per year:
£12,600 full-time
International fees per year:
£28,600 full-time
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.
For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
*Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Teaching and research
Teaching
- You will attend research presentations given by leading international researchers (both internal and external) that form part of our research groups regular seminar programmes. You will be able to choose which seminars to attend based on your chosen areas of interest.
- Your research project contributes towards 50% of the mark for your degree and will provide you with the key experience in independent research. You will work on a project linked to one of our research groups and using the knowledge gained from the modules, you will be ideally positioned to choose an exciting problem to investigate in an area that interests and motivates you.
Research
You will join an active research community and benefit from the world-leading research being carried out within our four research groups:
- Astrophysics: Specialisms include star formation, exoplanets, stellar physics and interstellar medium.
- Biomedical physics: activities range from studies of the cell membrane, to how cells sense and respond to physical signals.
- Electromagnetic and acoustic materials (EMAG): exploring the interaction of matter with electromagnetic radiation (from x-ray to microwave) and sound.
- Quantum systems and nanomaterials: studying the physical properties of systems at the nanoscale.
Facilities
You will have access to advanced research facilities including clean-rooms, a helium liquefier, a water tank, amplified ultra-fast laser systems, and a suite of instruments for imaging biological materials.
Find out more about our facilities on our dedicated webpage.
Careers
Our Physics MSc programme is specifically targeted at those wishing to pursue a career as professional scientist or researcher. You will develop the core research skills required to become a candidate for a PhD in Physics.
You will develop a range of skills including:
- Analytical skills
- Scientific writing
- Independent learning
- Critical evaluation
- Research technique
- Oral communication
Career support
The College's Employability Officer works with our central Career Zone team to give you access to a wealth of business contacts, support and training, as well as the opportunity to meet potential employers at our regular Careers Fairs.
