Physics - Negotiated Learning

Physics provides us with a model of the universe, on an incredible range of scales, from inside the nucleus of the atom towards the edge of the observable universe. Advances in Physics underpin many technological developments, for example our knowledge of electron transport in semiconductors has led us to the point where computer processors and memory are almost ubiquitous.



This UCD MSc in Physics offers a negotiated learning (NL) model for students with a Physical Science or Engineering background that allows you to customise your learning path and to tailor what you learn to your own specific needs and career aspirations. It can prepare you with skills, including data analytics, either for further research in a PhD programme, or employment directly after graduation.



- Offers specialisation in Space Science, Nano Bio Science and Nano Technology

- This is a flexible programme where the students can design and control their training experience

- The modules are delivered by research active international staff with worldwide reputation



What Will I Learn?

- Describe the state-of-the-art knowledge in the field of space science and technology

- Apply acquired knowledge and skills to an individual internship on a topic relevant to space

- Work independently in multi-disciplinary, international teams on paper studies and laboratory projects

- Engage actively in professional networking within the field

- Draw on a suite of discipline-specific professional skills, such as space project management, bid writing, and technical documentation for space mission development.

- Draw on a suite of transferable skills, such as critical thinking, reflection, problem-solving, scientific report writing, teamwork and presentation skills.

- Participate responsibly and professionally within a team through active engagement and collaboration

- Apply a systems engineering approach to the full life cycle of a space project, from preliminary design through to critical design and implementation, and including the preparation of appropriate documentation.

- Synthesise knowledge, awareness and experience gained from across the programme to continue developing their career

- Conduct a set of physics-based laboratory measurements related to space detectors and analyse the data using Python

- Describe the state-of-the-art knowledge and skills in the field

- Apply acquired knowledge and skills to an individual research project in the field

- Work in cross-disciplinary, international teams on paper studies and laboratory projects

- Draw on a suite of professional skills specific to the field, such as project management, proposal writing, and space science communication skills.

- Draw on a suite of transferrable skills, such as problem-solving, scientific report writing, and presentation skills.

- Participate responsibly and professionally within a team through active engagement and collaboration on an assignment or task.

- Apply a systems engineering approach to the full life cycle of a space project, from preliminary design through to critical design and implementation and including the preparation of appropriate documentation.



Student Internships

There are opportunities to apply for an internship* in an academic or industry workplace. The internship comprises a research project, the theme of which is chosen by the student in agreement with the supervisor and MSc Course Director. The project may include experimental research, modelling/simulations research, and/or other research appropriate to the MSc programme theme.



*Placements are secured through a competitive process and are not guaranteed.

Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:

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

ACM40010 Electrodynamics & Gauge Theory Autumn 5

ACM40750 Gen Relativity & Black Holes Autumn 5

COMP47460 Machine Learning (Blended Delivery) Autumn 5

PHYC30020 Classical Mechanics and Relativity Autumn 5

PHYC30030 Quantum Mechanics Autumn 5

PHYC30100 Stellar Astrophysics & Astronomical Techniques Autumn 5

PHYC40020 Applied Quantum Mechanics Autumn 5

PHYC40080 High Energy Particle Physics Autumn 5

PHYC40120 General Relativity & Cosmology Autumn 5

PHYC40470 Computational Biophysics and Nanoscale Simulations Autumn 5

PHYC40930 Ultrafast Soft X-ray Photonics Autumn 5

PHYC40940 Bio-inspired technologies Autumn 5

PHYC41090 Bio-inspired Technologies PHYC Autumn 5

IA40310 Creative Thinking & Innovation Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate) 5

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

SCI50020 Research Integrity Online Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate) 5

ACM40640 High Performance Computing (ICHEC) Spring 5

COMP47590 Advanced Machine Learning Spring 5

PHYC40200 Quantum Theory of Condensed Matter Spring 5

PHYC40210 Applied Optics Spring 5

PHYC40360 Theoretical Astrophysics Spring 5

PHYC40430 Nanomechanics - from single molecules to single cells Spring 5

PHYC40650 Advanced Statistical Physics Spring 5

PHYC40800 Quantum Field Theory Spring 5

STAT40150 Multivariate Analysis 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

- Entrance to the programme requires a degree or equivalent in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline. An upper second class honours, or the international equivalent is required.



- In special circumstances, students with a strong physics background and lower second class honours degree 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://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax

90

1 year full-time (F012), 2 years part-time (F013). Mode of Delivery: On Campus.

MSc Physics (F012) Full Time

EU fee per year - € 8750

nonEU fee per year - € 25600


MSc Physics (F013) Part Time

EU fee per year - € 4380

nonEU fee per year - € 12800


***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website.

Next Intake: September 2025.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

This programme offers the possibility for graduates to go on to PhD programmes. The MSc will prepare you for employment in the semiconductor industry as a process engineer, the financial sector as a modelling and data expert, or as an engineer in the space sector. Prospective employers include Intel Ireland, Airbus, Analog Devices, Met Éireann, and companies in the Irish Financial Services Centre.