Why Choose Lincoln
Training in fundamental and applied physics
Access to specialist computational facilities
A focus on personal and professional development
Select from specialist optional modules
Complete an extended individual research project
MSc
Physics
Key Information
Academic Year
Course Overview
The MSc Physics programme at Lincoln is designed to provide training in fundamental and applied physics. Students can develop broadly applicable problem-solving skills and produce a substantial research component. A choice of modules such as Materials Modelling, which uses specialist computational facilities to perform classical and quantum mechanical simulation of materials; and Advanced Instrumentation, which is designed to equip students to design and analyse complex experiments, aim to take students to the borders of current physics research occurring in our School and train them to work as professional physicists.
Physics is a fundamental science which underpins our understanding of the world around us, from distant galaxies to the smallest particles. Physics challenges our thinking and changes our lives through developments in new technologies, healthcare, and how we live. We want our students to think about how they can apply their knowledge in wider society. The Entrepreneurial Physics module will encourage students to think beyond traditional academic limits, and aims to provide the tools to start or join a small specialist company, including intellectual property awareness and project planning. The Financial Kinetics module introduces students to the stochastic modelling of markets.
How You Study
Students on this course will be part of a small cohort that works closely with the academic team and guest lecturers. There is a focus on small group workshops, hands-on learning, and mentoring.
Four elective taught modules are designed to provide an in-depth introduction to cutting-edge physics ideas in theoretical, computational, and experimental physics. The material is introduced in weekly lectures and followed up with tutorials, seminars, workshops, laboratories, and group research.
An extended individual research project feeds into the 'Student as Producer' ethos of the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences. The project begins in the second term. Students can co-design the project with two supervisors (one of which could be from industry or from an external institution) to fit with your ambitions for the future.
In the Personal and Professional Development module students will have regular meetings with a mentor to discuss their progress, develop and explore their skills and qualifications, and research specialised topics to equip them for employment in their chosen area.
Modules
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
What You Need to Know
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.
How you are assessed
This course is assessed through coursework assignments, a portfolio of individual study materials, research reports and presentations, and examinations.
How to Apply
Postgraduate Application Support
Applying for a postgraduate programme at Lincoln is easy. Find out more about the application process and what you'll need to complete on our How to Apply page. Here, you'll also be able to find out more about the entry requirements we accept and how to contact us for dedicated support during the process.
Entry Requirements 2025-26
Entry Requirements
First or upper second class honours degree in Physics or a closely related subject, or equivalent experience.
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages:
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/
If you are an overseas student, you may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) certificate in order to enrol on this course.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme
Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page:
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study:
Course Fees
You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.
The University offers a range of merit-based, subject-specific, and country-focused scholarships for UK and international students. To help support students from outside of the UK, we offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.
Funding Your Study
Postgraduate Funding Options
Find out more about the optional available to support your postgraduate study, from Master's Loans to scholarship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.
Career Development
Postgraduate study is an investment in yourself and your future. It can help you to further or completely change your career, develop your knowledge, enhance your salary, or even prepare you to start your own business. Postgraduate students at the University of Lincoln benefit from inspirational teaching combined with high-quality facilities and learning spaces, great industry links, and unique research opportunities, all of which are designed to help you stand out from the crowd and make the most of your time with us.
Academic Contact
For more information about this course, please contact the Programme Leader.
Dr Matt Watkins
mwatkins@lincoln.ac.uk
Postgraduate Events
To get a real feel for what it is like to study at the University of Lincoln, we hold a number of dedicated postgraduate events and activities throughout the year for you to take part in.
