Physics MSc
About this course
What does a 21st Century physicist look like? You will learn to communicate to a broad audience and make physics accessible for all on current topics in physics. You will present your understanding through innovative techniques, including vlogging, infographics, patents, apps, outreach experiments and articles for The Conversation.
Work closely with a dedicated academic team who are all active researchers in their own right and who regularly publish in top physics journals. Visit our academic team pages to learn more about how we support you and explore our research interests.
What you’ll study
Your core modules will include your research methods and research project.
Professional Physicist (20 cp)
In this module, you'll consider key scientific methods and ethical issues in relation to research in your chosen field. You'll cover the techniques required to carry out a research project and literature and the critical appraisal of published research work.
Research project (60 cp)
You'll complete your independent research project - an advanced summary of the tasks and associated skills essential to conducting successful scientific research.
Medical Imaging (20 cp)
This module introduces you to the tools and techniques used in medical imaging and related image-processing research.
Topics include:
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (MRI) imaging and applications in medical diagnostics
- Optical Coherent Tomography (OCT) and its application to medical (e.g. Opthalmology) imaging
- diagnostic sonography (US, ultrasonography)
- computed tomography (CT) and X-ray medical imaging.
Imaging Matter: From Atoms to Galaxies (20 cp)
This module explores the tools and techniques used in materials imaging. Both laboratory classes and case studies will reinforce your knowledge. The main topics include:
- digital imaging and image processing and image capture (CCD, thermal, video, digital cameras), image enhancement and compression
- the operating principles, applications and limitations of advanced optical microscopy, including polarising light microscopy, fluorescence microscopy and confocal and near-field microscopy.
Current Topics in Physics (20 cp)
In this module, you will use current scientific literature to answer topical questions in physics and present findings using various media. Topics will be aligned with projects, preparing you for research tasks.
Science Communication (20 cp)
Covering science communication in the digital age, you will focus on communication for research, to both a specialist and non-specialist audience. You will look at a topical and / or controversial issue within science showing appreciation of the ethical, social and legal issues.
Advanced Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Computing (20 cp)
In this module, you will cover some of the most outstanding intellectual achievements of physics, including the explanation of the universe on the minor length scale. This will be offered in alternate years.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Hands-on physics
How you're taught
You will learn through:
- lectures
- seminars
- research
- case studies
- experimental based work
- image analysis
Learn a new language
Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Find out more about the ULP.
How you're assessed
Coursework (67%), written (24%) and practical (9%)
Contact hours
Lectures / seminars / workshops (20%) and independent study (80%)
Careers and employability
The industry will value the skills you have acquired including teamwork, expertise in communication, hands-on experience and technical know-how. The course provides excellent foundations for a career across various industries and roles, such as business analysts, physicists, management and financial traders. In addition, the course is a good basis for studying towards PhD research.
Re:search Re:imagined
Research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that matter. From conservation management to sustainable farming, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society.
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their businesses.
Campus and facilities
Entry requirements
What are we looking for?
- You will need a UK honours degree (minimum 2.2) from a range of physics-based degrees, engineering or related disciplines.
- Applicants with relevant employment experience will also be considered.
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who can support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
You will need:
- You will need a UK honours degree (minimum 2.2) from a range of physics-based degrees, engineering or related disciplines.
- Applicants with relevant employment experience or other relevant qualifications will also be considered.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
The course fees for September 2025 entry are:
| Study route | UK | International / EU |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,990 | £17,850 |
Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Funding your studies
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and living costs page and our funding page will answer all your questions.
Scholarships
You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those students who demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.
Alumni discount
We’re happy to be able to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, contact our Student Financial Support Service on +44 (0)115 848 2494. For scholarship help, please contact us on +44 (0)115 848 4460.
The course fees for September 2025 entry are:
| Study route | UK | International / EU |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,990 | £17,850 |
Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when offered to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. We are now accepting applications for this course. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the application instructions. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates' guide. Here you'll find advice about how to write an excellent personal statement and much more.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved and a personal statement.
Keeping up to date
After applying, we’ll send you important emails throughout the application process, so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.
If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.
Application advice
Apply early so you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After applying, we'll send you important emails throughout the application process, so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
