MSc Physics (Euromasters)

Why Surrey?
The unique selling point of our Physics (Euromasters) programme is that it combines our excellent taught MSc modules with particular strengths in topics related to Radiation Detection Instrumentation, Medical Physics and Radiation Environmental Protection. You will receive the opportunity to develop, design and see through a complete Research Project. This feature will prepare you for a career in research and for doctoral studies in academia and industry and makes the MSc Bologna compatible, recognised in all EU countries.

Programme overview
Our Physics (Euromasters) MSc is a two-year (120 ECTS credits) programme, a joint initiative of the South East Physics Network (SEPnet). This is the same length and number of credits as most Masters degrees in continental Europe and offers you the opportunity to study in the UK for a qualification that will be widely recognised across Europe and beyond.

Students select eight modules from a wide range of fundamental and applied physics topics offered in the first year from the Department of Physics ’ internationally-respected fundamental physics taught provision, as well as from the vocationally-oriented MSc programmes. Students tailor their study programme to suit their interests and needs in discussion with the Course Director (and subject to timetabling). The skills learnt are then used and developed in the second year, when students will have training in research skills and a five to six-month research project that will equip you for further research work in industry, international research laboratories or universities. During the second year, students will also study two compulsory modules: Research Skills, and Academic Research and Communication Skills.

During the project, the student will be part of a research group and so will receive help and support, and learn from, the other members of the group. The project may be undertaken in collaboration with an external partner organisation, which might be an industrial company or a national or international research facility such as the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. It is this project in the second year that differentiates the Euromasters programme from most UK MSc courses.
Research experience opens the door to many careers, not just further research. The maturity and experience gained during a research project provide an extra dimension to the qualification beyond that of a conventional one-year Masters programme.

Why not explore the experiences of past and present students on our course?

Scholarships for this MSc programme

Teaching Assistantships (up to £3,000pa)
Our department-led scholarships enable you to assist with the teaching of Physics undergraduate students through laboratory sessions, tutorials, problem-solving classes, computing and other teaching activities depending on suitability. Open to home or international, full-time or part-time students, the University of Surrey gives out approximately six of these awards per annum. The Teaching Assistantship award is available on all MSc Physics programmes, and if successful, you can earn up to £3,000 throughout the year. Eligible MSc applicants will be sent an application form by email in August 2015 and the application procedure includes an interview (which can be completed by telephone).

Programme structure
The Physics (Euromasters) degree is designed to be fully compatible with the European Bologna accord. Like most Masters degrees in continental Europe, it is two years long.

The programme is a joint initiative of the South East Physics Network (SEPnet). This is a network of the following universities: the University of Kent; Queen Mary University of London; Royal Holloway University of London; the University of Southampton; the University of Surrey; and the University of Sussex.

Students can elect to research their dissertation at international laboratories such as the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire or at mainland European universities, subject to availability of placements, for instance, through Erasmus exchanges.

The first year of the programme comprises a selection of taught modules from the Department’s existing module catalogue. In the second year students will have the unique opportunity to pursue a supervised extended research project, following two modules in Research Skills as well as Academic Research and Communication Skills.

Year 1
Typically eight modules are selected from the topics listed below.

- Radiation Physics
- Radiation Measurement
- Radiation Laboratory Skills
- Introduction to Radiation Biology
- Non Linear Physics
- Topics in Theoretical Physics
- Imaging and Remote Sensing
- Non-ionising Radiation Imaging
- Therapy Physics
- Diagnostic Applications of Ionising Radiation Physics
- Radiation Protection
- Nuclear Power and Non-ionising Radiation
- Environmental Physics and Environmental Protection
- Extended group project

Year 2

- Research Project/Euromasters Dissertation
- Research Skills
- Outreach and Public Engagement

Entry requirements
A minimum 2.2 honours degree (or overseas equivalent) in the physical sciences or in a relevant engineering discipline. For direct entry to the second year, students are required to have achieved the equivalent of a Postgraduate Diploma in Physics (120 credits at Level M). Applicants with suitable industrial experience will also be considered.

How to apply
For more information on the course and how to apply please visit the course website.

General enquiries:
+44 (0)1483 681 681

Admissions enquiries:
+44 (0)1483 682 222
admissions@surrey.ac.uk