Physics MSc

Studying the Physics MSc at Leeds will give you the chance to advance your knowledge in aspects of the subject that interest you the most, with a highly flexible course that can be tailored towards your career aspirations.

Whether you’re intrigued by the formation of planets, or your interests lie firmly on earth in medical X-ray imaging, we can offer you a uniquely expansive selection of optional modules to choose from, touching on a variety of topics, that’ll equip you with the expertise you’ll need in the field you wish to pursue once you graduate.

You’ll study in the School of Physics and Astronomy which is responsible for developing ‘internationally excellent’ research that has impacted the world. This gives us first-hand insight into emerging trends, issues and practices in physics — much of which is fed directly into the course.

This means that, once you graduate, you’ll be fully equipped with the forward-thinking, relevant and topical knowledge sought after by employers in your areas of interest. Plus, your extensive skill set will open the door to many different career paths, from aerospace to medicine, IT to electronics — and beyond.

Learning and teaching

Teaching methods include a combination of lectures, seminars, supervision, problem-solving, presentation of work, independent research, and group work (depending on the modules you choose to study).

Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.

You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.

Programme team

The Programme Leader, Dr Adam Sweetman, is the group leader of the high-resolution scanning probe group at the University of Leeds. He holds a Royal Society University Research Fellowship – and his research interests are focused on the understanding and quantifying of the interactions that occur between single atoms and molecules via the use of low-temperature scanning probe microscopes, and their simulation via ab-initio calculations.

The wider programme team is made up of researchers and academics from the School of Physics and Astronomy who have extensive expertise across a variety of physics disciplines.

In this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

We bring together experts in computer science, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, physics and astronomy to deliver outstanding student education and research within the following schools.

Our schools

• Chemical and Process Engineering
• Chemistry
• Civil Engineering
• Computing
• Electronic and Electrical Engineering
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Physics and Astronomy

Research and innovation

The range and scope of our research are extensive and cover all of the major engineering disciplines, mathematics and physical sciences, integrating fundamental science and mathematical modelling with the development of processes, devices and technologies that can address challenges of national and global importance.

Research areas

• Explore our multidisciplinary research areas which bring together engineers and scientists to work on challenges of global importance.
• Robotics - An interdisciplinary network driving innovation in robotics research.
• Materials - The Bragg Centre aims to discover, create and design new materials.
• Data Analytics - The Leeds Institute for Data Analytics ensures a new understanding of health and behaviour from vast data collections
• Fluid dynamics - The Leeds Institute for Fluid Dynamics brings together cross-disciplinary expertise to maximise the impact of fluids research
• Medical technologies - The Medical Technologies IKC develops innovative technological solutions for improving health and restoring body function
• Functional surfaces - Scientific and engineering expertise in tribology, corrosion and surface engineering