Master of Science - Physics
It is an exciting time to be studying physics in the 21st century: it is an enabling science
that expands our knowledge of the universe and underpins new technologies that benefit
our society. The School of Physics is well established and is internationally respected
for its research excellence, broad-based undergraduate courses, and a challenging
and rewarding postgraduate experience. Collaborations are aligned with the world's
leading research groups and facilities. We address some of the most important and
fundamental problems of our age.
The School has strengths in the exploration of matter and light interactions, particularly
in advanced materials utilising diamond and silicon, quantum information science,
photonics, advanced electron microscopy, nanoscale imaging, nanoelectronics, all
the way down to the single atom and photon.
Course structure
The Master of Science - Physics offers students an exciting array of topics, designed to prepare students for a
career as a professional physicist and beyond. Students must take seven core subjects from a broad range which includes
Quantum Mechanics, Quantum Field Theory, General Relativity, Statistical Mechanics, Physical Cosmology, Particle Physics,
Condensed Matter, Optics and Experimental Methods.
Students are required to undertake a major research project spread over two years as well as one subject within the
Professional Tools range.
Elective discipline subjects
(87.5 points)
Students must select seven out of the following subjects:
OR
Students may substitute two approved subjects at 300 level or higher.
Professional Tools
(12.5 points)
Students must undertake one of the following subjects:
Research project
(100 points)
Students will gain research experience in Physics by completing:
- preliminary literature survey and research plan at the end of year one (10 page limit; pass/fail)
- oral presentation at the end of year one after the student has enrolled in 25 points of Research Project (up to 20 min; pass/fail)
- major thesis at the end of year two (50 page limit; 90% of final grade)
- oral presentation at the end of year two (up to 30 min; 10% of final grade)
- completion of an advanced seminar in the relevant research area (pass/fail)
Delivery mode and duration
This is a 2 year full-time course, and is available part-time. All program subjects are delivered on-campus (Parkville).
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree with a major in an appropriate discipline with at least an H3 (65%) in the major, or equivalent.
Suggested preparation
The following subjects taken at final undergraduate year level are recommended: Quantum Mechanics, Electrodynamics,
Statistical Physics and either laboratory work and/or computational physics and/or mathematics.
Please note that for students whose preparation is missing some of the above key elements, the Physics program allows
the flexibility to "catch-up" on some final undergraduate level subjects within the Master of Science.
How to apply
How to apply for Science graduate course programs.
Contact details
Dr Nicole Bell
Masters/Honours/Postgraduate Diploma Coordinator
School of Physics
The University of Melbourne
Tel: +61 3 8344 3112
Email: n.bell@unimelb.edu.au
CRICOS Code 062189B