Physics

Our students often say their enthusiasm to study Physics stems from wanting to learn more about the Higgs particle, dark matter, nanotechnology or just a wide-ranging curiosity about how things really work. Whatever your reasons, our Physics department aims to inform and excite you in the study of Physics, the most fundamental of the sciences.

As one of the most respected centres for Physics teaching and research in the UK, you will join a vibrant environment, where you can pursue your studies and plan your future career.

On our four-year MSci course, we’ll cover the core material that a graduate physicist would be expected to know, including quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, statistical physics and thermodynamics, Einstein’s relativistic physics and the study of the fundamental structure of matter and the universe. You’ll also develop the mathematical, experimental and conceptual knowledge and skills to a more advanced level.

Your fourth year is intercollegiate, which means you can pick choices from other University of London colleges – modules can include Quantum Computation, Nanoscale Physics and others. You’ll also develop experimental, conceptual and observational skills from your final year Major Project, which will make you an attractive candidate in a range of sectors, including management and finance, as well as scientific, technical, engineering and teaching careers.

We’re based at the heart of the campus, where you’ll have access to laboratories, technical help, academic staff and, on the roof of the department, our astronomical dome. In Egham Surrey, we’re well away from the light pollution of the big city so our telescopes can give you the best observational astronomy in the University of London. Beyond the specialist equipment, we also have video-conferencing facilities that allow people to take part in seminars and lectures at other institutions.

Research is expanding in new and exciting directions, plus strategic partnerships such as CERN and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), SNOLAB and with industry, and there are impressive research facilities in the Physics labs with dedicated technical help.

We put a real emphasis on small group teaching – a close-knit, friendly and supportive environment with high staff-student ratio and an open door policy.

We enjoy a strong track record of high student satisfaction in the annual National Student Survey.

We’ve been awarded IOP Juno Champion and Athena SWAN silver awards for best practice in equality, promoting women in science and welcoming large cohorts of female students

This course is fully accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP)

A wide range of fourth-year options taught across the University of London physics consortium, providing access to world-leading experts.

Extended research project embedded within a research group, working directly with your personal academic supervisor.

Final year builds on the core physics content allowing you to gain specialist knowledge in your chosen area of interest.

Course Modules

Core Modules

Year 1

• Mathematics for Scientists 1

• Mathematics for Scientists 2

• Scientific Skills 1

• Scientific Skills 2

• Classical Mechanics

• Fields and Waves

• Classical Matter

• Physics of the Universe

• Academic Integrity

Year 2

• Mathematical Methods

• Scientific Computing Skills

• Quantum Mechanics

• Scientific Skills 3

• Optics

• Electromagnetism

• Classical and Statistical Thermodynamics

• The Solid State

Year 3

• Advanced Skills in Physics

• Quantum Theory

Year 4

• Major Project in Physics

• Research Review

Optional Modules

Below is a taster of some of the exciting optional modules that students on the course could choose from during this academic year. Please be aware these do change over time, and optional modules may be withdrawn or new ones added.

Year 1

• All modules are core

Year 2

• All modules are core

Year 3

• Advanced Classical Physics

• Further Mathematical Methods

• Nonlinear Dynamical Systems

• Quantum Theory

• Particle Physics

• Metals and Semiconductors

• General Relativity and Cosmology

• Stellar Astrophysics

• Particle Astrophysics

• Planetary Geology and Geophysics

• Astronomy

• Energy and Climate Science

• Atomic Physics

Year 4

• Advanced Classical Physics

• Advanced Quantum Theory

• Quantum Field Theory

• Advanced Particle Physics

• Particle Accelerator Physics

• Modelling Quantum Many-Body Systems

• Nano-Electronics and Quantum Technology

• Superconductors and Superfluids

• Statistical Data Analysis

• Astroparticle Cosmology

• Gravitational Waves Astronomy

• Dark Matter & Dark Energy

• Further Mathematical Methods

• Statistical Mechanics

• Advanced Astrophysics

• Photonics and Metamaterials

• Order and Excitations in Quantum Materials

• Theoretical Treatments of Nano-systems

• Advanced Condensed Matter

• Standard Model Physics and Beyond

• Gravitational Wave Physics

• Lie Groups and Lie Algebras

• Theory of Complex Networks

• Elements of Statistical Learning

• String Theory and Branes

• Supersymmetry and Conformal Field Theory

• Equilibrium Analysis of Complex Systems

• Dynamical Analysis of Complex Systems

• Mathematical Biology

• Research Topics in Astrophysics

https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studying-here/undergraduate/physics/physics-msci/

As teachers, we want to introduce, explain, challenge and excite students on the course.

A year’s worth of study is normally broken down into eight modules, each of a nominal 150 hours of study. Physics combines experimental work with conceptual thinking and mathematical analysis, each demanding its own teaching and assessment techniques. So these modules can take a variety of forms, including small group tutorials, problem classes, lectures, laboratory and computing assignments, teamwork, and one-to-one teaching in our laboratories.

For lecture course units, you’ll normally be assessed by a two-hour examination at the end of the year. Coursework and in-class tests also contribute to the assessment of many course units. Experimental work is generally assessed by written reports or oral presentation. You have to pass a minimum of six of the eight course units, with a minimum score of 40 per cent each year.

You’ll be taught the most up-to-date and exciting physics by internationally recognised experts in their fields – all who are still involved in research and bring their working knowledge to the course. Our teaching consistently scores high satisfaction ratings in the annual National Student Survey.

Our close-knit, small-group teaching structure helps create a friendly environment, with an open-door policy, so students feel comfortable coming to us for advice and support.