Computational Physics

Computational Physics is a basic specialisation that offers broad opportunities for future employment in research, development, data analytics and informatics-related industry sectors. The MSc Computational Physics is developed in close connection with the more applied NanoBio and - specialties, offering you both solid training in computational methods and direct access to laboratory-based research projects.



The programme is aimed at students with a strong background in Physics or related Natural Sciences, who wish to learn how to convert a mathematical model of a physical system into accurate and robust computer programmes that can capture quantitatively its behaviour.



- At UCD, our MSc Programme in Computational Physics is developed in close connection with the more applied NanoBio and NanoTechnology specialties, offering students both a solid training in computational methods and a direct access to laboratory-based research projects.



- The programme will enhance students’ CVs with expertise which is much sought-after by employers in a broad range of sectors, including the bio-pharmaceutical, telecommunications, data mining and analysis, IT consulting and green technologies industry sectors. The course is also a stepping-stone to PhD research in the areas of theoretical and computational physics, biological and medical physics, nanotechnology and nanoscience.

Students help design their own curricula (negotiated structure)



- Students help design their own curricula (negotiated structure)

Stage 1 Core Modules

PHYC41090 Bio-inspired Technologies PHYC Autumn 5



Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:

Optional modules suggested - final approval of module choices following consultation with Programme Director.

COMP30030 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence Autumn 5

COMP30250 Parallel Computing Autumn 5

PHYC40400 Nanooptics and biophotonics Autumn 5

PHYC40410 Physics of nanomaterials Autumn 5

PHYC40470 Computational Biophysics and Nanoscale Simulations Autumn 5

PHYC40930 Ultrafast Soft X-ray Photonics Autumn 5

PHYC40940 Bio-inspired technologies Autumn 5

PHYC41070 Techniques in Biophysics Autumn 5

STAT30010 Time Series Autumn 5

STAT40400 Monte Carlo Inference Autumn 5

STAT40800 Data Prog with Python (online) Autumn 5

IA40430 Creative Thinking & Innovation Autumn & Spring & Summer (separate) 5

ACM30020 Applied Analysis Spring 5

COMP40400 Bioinformatics Spring 5

COMP47590 Advanced Machine Learning Spring 5

PHYC40210 Applied Optics Spring 5

PHYC40430 Nanomechanics - from single molecules to single cells Spring 5

PHYC40650 Advanced Statistical Physics Spring 5



Stage 1 Options - B)1 of:

Students must take one of the following modules:

PHYC40850 Physics Research Project 45 2 Trimester duration (Spr-Sum) 45

PHYC40860 Physics Research Project 60 2 Trimester duration (Spr-Sum) 60

PHYC40840 Physics Research Project 30 Summer 30

This programme is intended for applicants who have a strong background in physics, chemistry, engineering, material sciences or a related discipline with a significant physics content. An upper second class honours or international equivalent is required. In special circumstances, students with a strong physics background and 2.2 class honours may be accepted.



Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.



Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD’s Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/



These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/

Apply online



Who Should Apply?

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

1 year full-time.

Delivery: On Campus.

F120 Computational Physics (Master of Science) Full-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

The programme prepares you for a career in industry or for further PhD research. Career opportunities are broad, including the bio-pharmaceutical, telecommunications, data mining and analysis, IT consulting and green technologies industry sectors, both in Ireland and internationally. It is also a stepping stone to PhD research in the areas of theoretical and computational physics, biological and medical physics, nanotechnology and nanoscience. Recent and prospective employers include Deloitte, Murex Inc., Intel, Pfizer, MSD, Philips, Tullow Oil, the University of Edinburgh, Imperial College London, and the National Institutes of Health, USA.