Physics MSc

Course overview

Studying the Physics MSc at Leeds will give you the chance to advance your knowledge in aspects of the subject that interests 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 will 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’ ranked 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.

Why study at Leeds:

• Our globally-renowned research conducted right here on campus feeds directly into the course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking in areas such as astrophysics, molecular and nanoscale physics and theoretical physics.
• This Masters degree is highly flexible so you can tailor the course to suit your specific interests with a diverse range of optional modules and specialised pathways.
• Conduct an extensive research project alongside one of our internationally recognised research groups, advancing your skills in research planning, execution and reporting with the possibility of your work being published in an international journal.
• Access specialist facilities and laboratories used by our academics and leading researchers that are fully equipped with the latest technology and research-grade equipment to support your learning.
• Experience expert theoretical and practical teaching delivered by a programme team made up of academics who specialise in a wide range of areas in physics.
• Study in the Sir William Henry Bragg building which provides excellent facilities and teaching spaces for an outstanding student experience.

Course details

A large portion of the MSc is made up of optional modules, and the breadth of physics expertise available at Leeds means that you’re able to study a diverse range of topics (examples listed below).

You'll be required to take a total of 180 credits. 75 credits will come from optional modules, while the remaining 105 credits will consist of your independent research project and the Current Research Topics in Physics module.

The diverse choice of optional modules means you can focus your studies on your own interests. Alternatively, we offer five suggested pathways focused on individual specialisms:

• Quantum Condensed Matter
• Bio Soft Matter Physics
• Theoretical Physics
• Physics Applied to Medicine

Using the knowledge you have gained from the course, you'll be ideally positioned to choose an exciting problem to investigate for your independent research project.

You’ll undertake your project in one of the School of Physics and Astronomy’s internationally-recognised research groups, choosing a topic in an area that interests you. This project will provide you with the key experience in independent research you need to advance your career.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Physics MSc in the course catalogue.

Compulsory modules

MSc Project – 90 credits

In this module you'll create a plan for research work with a supervisor working as part of an effective team to produce results.

Current Research Topics in Physics – 15 credits

Appreciate the frontiers of knowledge and understanding in these areas and discuss at an appropriate level some current significant results in different areas of Physics, as well as experience research seminar presentations from leading physicists and critically analyse some aspects of these results.

Optional modules

Please note: The modules listed below are indicative of typical options.

Candidates will be required to study between 30 and 75 credits from the following optional modules:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging – 15 credits

This module covers the underlying physical principles and the application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for use in hospitals and the biomedical research environment. This module will develop your understanding of the science of MRI, rather than image interpretation.

Medical X-ray Imaging – 15 credits

This module will provide you with a detailed understanding of the science of modern medical X-ray imaging and provide an appreciation of its role in modern medicine. The module covers the underlying scientific principles and technology of X-ray imaging, using for example clinical applications to illustrate their relationship to practice. You will develop a detailed understanding of the physical principles of medical X-ray imaging and give an appreciation of its role in patient diagnosis and treatment.

X-ray Computed Tomography – 15 credits

This module describes scientific principles and techniques employed by modern computed tomography systems. You will develop your abilities to critically assess the performance of a wide range of computed tomography technology available in many clinical application areas. You will develop a detailed understanding of the physical principles of medical X-ray computed tomography and give an appreciation of its role in patient diagnosis and treatment.

Winds, Bubbles and Explosions – 15 credits

Massive stars inject radiative and mechanical energy into the interstellar medium via their intense photon fluxes, powerful winds and SN explosions. This “feedback” is at least partially responsible for dispersing the molecular gas from massive star-forming regions. On larger scales, the energy injected from groups of massive stars powers galactic fountains and superwinds. This module covers the theory behind these processes and the necessary background to understand them.

Soft Matter Physics: Liquid Crystals – 15 credits

Having learnt about solids, liquids and gases, you are ready to learn some soft matter physics and liquid crystals. These are important states of matter that have intermediate order between the liquid and crystal solids. They are relevant to many aspects of science and technology, from display devices to biological. This module will provide you with the background physics behind the principal liquid crystal phases.

Soft Matter Physics: Polymers, Colloids and Glasses – 15 credits

The aim of this module is for you to relate experimental techniques to theoretical principles. You will be able to demonstrate an understanding of most fundamental laws and principles of physics along with their application to a variety of areas in physics, some of which are at the forefront of the discipline.

Superconductivity – 15 credits

In this module, you will learn about the discovery of superconductivity and its classification as a new state of matter. You will develop your knowledge, understanding and application of phenomenological properties and theories of superconductivity, the principal features of superconducting tunnel junctions and contacts and superconductivity using appropriate mathematical tools.

Nanomagnetism – 15 credits

Having already learnt about Solid State Physics, in this module you will learn about the magnetic materials that underpin much of modern technology and thus our everyday lives, from electric motors to data storage, sensors and computing. An understanding of nanomagnetism requires knowledge in several areas of physics to be brought together, including classical and quantum mechanics, statistical physics and condensed matter physics.

Quantum Many-Body Physics – 15 credits

The understanding of quantum many-body systems is one of the main challenges of modern physics. Such systems exemplify the paradigm “More is Different” – they have emergent properties which cannot be explained by studying their individual constituent particles. On completion of this module, you will be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of common physical laws that govern the physics of quantum systems comprising many interacting particles. Identify relevant principles and apply them to solve specific problems using the methods of quantum many-body physics.

Quantum Information Science and Technology – 15 credits

In this module, you'll acquire the ability to describe the applications and limitations of classical information theory and the processes of quantum communications, solve numerical examples of problems in transmission of quantum information through noisy channels and explain, quantitatively, the fundamental processes of quantum entanglement.

Quantum Field Theory – 15 credits

At the end of this module, you will be able to understand, explain and apply to simple problems all the basic principles, building blocks, tools and concepts of QFT. You will be able to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of classical field theory, canonical quantisation of fields, path integrals and path integral quantisation, calculation of physical processes through Feynman diagrams, and renormalisation.

Advanced Bionanophysics Research – 15 credits

Develop your skills to communicate complex scientific ideas concisely, accurately, and informatively, managing own learning and making use of appropriate texts, illustrations and figures, research articles and other primary sources, and manage time and deliver work to deadlines.

Physics of Biological Systems – 15 credits

You will learn how concepts from physics can help us understand how biological systems function. The range of systems sizes covered spans from molecules and their nanoscale assemblies to cells and tissues.

Candidates may study between 0 and 15 credits from the following optional module:

Candidates may study between 0 and 45 credits of Level 3 modules from the list below, with approval of the Programme Leader:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging – 10 credits

This module covers the underlying physical principles and the application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for use in hospitals and the biomedical research environment. This module will develop your understanding of the science of MRI, rather than image interpretation.

Medical X-ray Imaging – 10 credits

This module will provide you with a detailed understanding of the science of modern medical X-ray imaging and provide an appreciation of its role in modern medicine. The module covers the underlying scientific principles and technology of X-ray imaging, using for example clinical applications to illustrate their relationship to practice. You will develop a detailed understanding of the physical principles of medical X-ray imaging and give an appreciation of its role in patient diagnosis and treatment.

X-ray Computed Tomography – 10 credits

This module describes scientific principles and techniques employed by modern computed tomography systems. You will develop your abilities to critically assess the performance of a wide range of computed tomography technology available in many clinical application areas. You will develop a detailed understanding of the physical principles of medical X-ray computed tomography and give an appreciation of its role in patient diagnosis and treatment.

Cosmology – 15 credits

An introduction to modern Cosmology. You'll see how the geometry of the Universe affects its evolution and how the contents of the Universe shape its geometry. You'll study how we make measurements of distant stars and galaxies to study the properties of the expansion of the Universe, as well as studying the physics of the early Universe, when the seeds of the objects that turned into the Galaxies around us were first created. You'll cover from the first 10-43 seconds through to the present day.

Molecular Simulation: Theory and Practice – 15 credits

Statistical mechanics is the basis of many theories in natural sciences and engineering and plays a prominent role in almost every branch of the subject. In this module, we will guide you through two different (but complementary) types of simulation that allow us to study complex systems of interacting particles.In particular, the module will provide an introduction to the theory and practical implementation of Monte Carlo and Molecular Dynamics simulations of materials, including biomolecules, and will also provide practical experience of using standard software packages to perform these simulations on high performance computing facilities.

Star and Planet Formation – 15 credits

Stars and their surrounding planetary systems form from material within large, cold, and dense molecular clouds found throughout the interstellar medium. This module will instruct you on the physics governing i) the formation of stars, ii) the impact of young stars on their immediate environment, and iii) the birth and evolution of (exo)planetary systems. Also covered will be current knowledge based on observations across multiple wavelengths from state-of-the-art telescopes.

Advanced Quantum Physics – 15 credits

Quantum physics is the study of matter and energy at its most fundamental level, underlining how atoms work, and thus why chemistry and biology work as they do. In this module you will learn and be able to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of separation of variables method, spin systems and Hamiltonians with spins, charged particle in magnetic field, variational method and time-dependent and time-independent perturbation theories.

Quantum Photonics – 15 credits

This module gives you an insight into the quantum mechanics of open quantum systems. You will study the interactions between light and matter on the level of single photons and single atoms and be introduced to concepts that are widely used in quantum optics as well as in condensed matter physics and quatum field theory.

Quantum Matter – 15 credits

At the end of this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of the physics of phonons and their contribution to the thermal properties of materials. As well as electron interactions (e.g. Fermi liquid) and scattering mechanisms and the origin of effects observed in, and applications of, semiconductors in device physics. You will also learn nanoscale effects such as optical and electron transport properties of low dimensional systems and present scientific concepts, and results either orally or in extended formal scientific English with illustrations and figures and references to literature sources as necessary.

Magnetism in Condensed Matter – 15 credits

Magnetic materials underpin much of modern technology and thus our everyday lives, from electric motors to data storage, sensors and computing. An understanding of magnetism in condensed matter requires knowledge in several areas of physics to be brought together, including classical and quantum mechanics, statistical physics and condensed matter physics. In the first half of this module, you will focus on the theory of ferromagnetism, while the second half uncovers the physics behind the applications, such as permanent magnets and spin electronics.

Advanced Mechanics – 15 credits

In this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of Lagrangian mechanics and the Euler-Lagrange equation, Hamiltonian mechanics and Hamilton's equations, rotational motion of rigid bodies and small oscillations in coupled dynamical systems.

Bionanophysics – 15 credits

In this module, you will learn about the bionanophysics of nucleic acids, proteins and carbohydrates and cell membranes. You will then be able to make effective use of physics skills and knowledge to applications in Bionanophysics and collate and organise information from published scientific literature. You will also be able to problem solve in bionanophysics, write about complex topics in bionanophysics
and critically analyse research literature.

Theoretical Elementary Particle Physics – 15 credits

This module provides you with an in-depth introduction to theoretical particle physics. It is a basis for further study in particle physics, astrophysics, detector physics and other areas of science and technology, which require elementary knowledge of particle physics concepts.

Learning and teaching

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

Programme team

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.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through 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.

Assessment

Assessment of modules are by problem-solving exams and research assignments. The project is assessed on the ability to plan and conduct research and communicate the results in both written and oral format.

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in physics or a related subject (such as geophysics, natural sciences, or mathematics).

Applicants with any of the following may be considered on a case-by-case basis:

• If you have an engineering degree with a strong background in at least two of the following areas: astrophysics, quantum physics, biophysics, soft matter, or condensed matter.
• If you have a chemistry degree with a strong background in mathematics.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information please contact the Admissions Team.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Science (6 weeks) and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks). 

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Application deadlines

Please read our How to Apply page for full details, including application deadlines and what to include with your application.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

30 June 2025 – International applicants

12 September 2025 – UK applicants

Click below to access the University’s online application system and find out more about the application process.

If you're still unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

The UK Government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) operates a scheme called the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS). If you are an international (non-EU/EEA or Swiss citizen) applicant and require a student visa to study in the UK then you'll need an ATAS certificate to study this course at the University of Leeds.

To apply for an ATAS certificate online, you'll need your programme details and the relevant Common Aggregation Hierarchy (CAH) code and descriptor. For this course, the CAH code is: CAH07-01-01 and the descriptor is: Physics. Your supervisor will be Adam Sweetman.

More information and details on how to apply for your ATAS certificate can be found at GOV.UK.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Physics and Astronomy

Contact us

School of Physics and Astronomy Admissions Team

Email: phymscadmin@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £14,250 (Total)

International: £33,000 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Career opportunities

The employment opportunities in the field of physics are extensive across numerous industries, which is why physics graduates are in demand for some of the highest paid and most satisfying roles in employment.

From finance to energy, aerospace to electronics — the industries open to you with a Physics MSc from Leeds are vast. Our MSc will ground you with a high level of numeracy and mathematical competence, computer skills and extensive technical academic scientific knowledge, all of which are sought after by employers.

And, because you can choose from the wide range of optional modules, you’ll be able to carve your career path before you graduate and be fully equipped with the skill set and knowledge you’ll need to pursue your career aspirations.

Plus, the University of Leeds is in the top 5 most targeted universities in the UK by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2024 report.

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. We have a wide range of careers resources — including our award-winning Employability Team who are in contact with many employers around the country and advertise placements and jobs. They are also on hand to provide guidance and support, ensuring you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.

• Employability events — we run a full range of events including careers fairs in specialist areas and across broader industries — all with employers who are actively recruiting for roles.
• MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
• Qualified careers consultants — gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, write your CV and cover letter, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.
• Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.

Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds.

Find out more about career support.