Particle Physics
Department of Physics and Astronomy,
Faculty of Science
Course description
This course covers the complex theories and experimental techniques that particle physicists use to explain the nature of the universe. It will develop your understanding of the Standard Model by going into even greater depth on topics you might have covered in your undergraduate degree, such as quantum mechanics, electrodynamics and dark matter.
You’ll learn about the methods particle physicists use to study the universe, the experiments that led to the discoveries of neutrons, positrons and neutrinos, and the experimental evidence for quarks and gluons. You can examine the possible explanations for dark matter with scientists who are leading searches for it, and take modules led by researchers who were involved in the Higgs boson and gravitational wave discoveries.
You might also be able to do your research project at a facility where our scientists work off campus, such as CERN.
Modules
Teaching
You will be taught through a series of lectures, seminars, tutorials and your research project.
Assessment
You'll be assessed by examinations, coursework, essays and other written work, presentations and a dissertation and viva.
Duration
1 year full-time
Your career
The advanced topics covered and the extensive research training make this course great preparation for a PhD. Physics graduates also develop numerical, problem solving and data analysis skills that are useful in many careers, including computer programming, software engineering, data science, and research and development into new products and services.
Entry requirements
We usually ask for a first-class degree, or equivalent, in physics.
English language requirements
Overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component, or equivalent.
Fees and funding
Apply
You can apply for postgraduate study using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.
Contact
postgradphysics-enquiry@shef.ac.uk
+44 114 222 3789
The course information set out here may change before you begin, particularly if you are applying significantly in advance of the start date.