University of Sussex
School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Physics MSc
www.sussex.ac.uk/physics
Why Sussex?

World-renowned research
The Department offers excellent supervision from our leading researchers
in the areas of Astronomy, Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics,
Experimental Particle Physics and Theoretical Particle Physics. 95 per cent
of our Physics research activity is rated as 'internationally recognised' or
higher, with 15 per cent rated as 'world leading' in the most recent
Research Assessment Exercise (2008).

Teaching excellence
Physics at Sussex was ranked 5th for teaching satisfaction in the most
recent National Student Survey (NSS 2013). Our teaching inspires our
students which is why we were rated 1st for both being enthusiastic about
teaching, and teaching an intellectually stimulating course. Physics at
Sussex was ranked 2nd on student staff ratio (The Guardian 2013). In 2009,
one of our lecturers won UK Lecturer of the Year award.

Fantastic career prospects
Our Physics graduates are in high demand and we are ranked joint 3 rd for
graduate prospects in the Times Good University Guide Comparison 20092012.The department actively engages with employers in the South East
region through South East Physics Network (SEPnet), thus ensuring an
excellent match between their requirements and the skills and versatility
that our students develop during their degree. Many of our graduates also
go on to pursue further studies both here and at other institutions.

High student satisfaction
We boast high student satisfaction. Physics at Sussex was ranked 1 st, with
100% satisfaction, in the most recent National Student Survey (NSS 2013).
We were also ranked joint 4th for overall satisfaction in the Guardian
University Guide 2014 and the Complete University Guide 2014.

Fabulous location
We are situated on the edge of the beautiful South Downs National Park.
The delights of Brighton are only nine minutes away by train, for clubs,
music, shopping and the arts, or even for a paddle in the sea. London is
just one hour away by train. Excellent travel links connect us to Europe and
the world via nearby Gatwick Airport.
Physics MSc
Overview
In this course you can build up your
knowledge of physics to an advanced
level if your first degree was in a different
subject, or you can specialise in a
particular area of physics if you already
have a broad training in physics. You
can choose from a wide range of physics
and astronomy modules.
For an indicative list of possible projects
and sample modules, visit:
www.sussex.ac.uk/physics/pgstudy
(full-time)
You will typically take three or four
modules in the autumn; and two or
three in the spring.
You will begin work on your project
between the Autumn and Spring terms,
and it will be completed in the summer.
(part-time)
Students enjoy studying in our extensively
refurbished social and study spaces.
Course content
Your time is split equally between taught
modules and a physics research project.
You will have a supervisor who oversees
your work in general, is responsible for
the supervision of your project, and will
advise you on the choice of your
modules. Supervisors and topics are
allocated, in consultation with you, during
induction week.
You take six modules in total. They are
normally selected from the department’s
Masters level modules. Some modules
from maths, chemistry, biology or
engineering are also available.
Distribution of modules over the two
years is flexible and will be agreed
between you, your supervisor and the
course convenor. Most of your project
work will naturally fall into the second
year.
Assessment
Assessment for the taught modules is
by coursework and/or unseen
examination. Assessment for the project
is by seminar, and a dissertation.
Student Heinrich working together with Dr
Elisabeth Falk on a calibration system for
the SNO+ neutrino experiment.
UK admission requirements
A first- or second-class undergraduate honours degree in a physics-based
subject (including mathematics and engineering degrees with significant physics
content).
Overseas admission requirements
Please refer to column B on the Overseas qualifications table:
www.sussex.ac.uk/study/pg/applying/2014entry/international/
overseasqualifications
For a list of available courses, please consult our online prospectus:
www.sussex.ac.uk/physics/pgstudy/2014
For more information about our research, visit:
www.sussex.ac.uk/physics/research
For information about Funding and Fees, visit:
www.sussex.ac.uk/physics/pgstudy/funding
Further information
If you have specific questions, please contact:
E [email protected]
T +44 (0)1273 878557
To apply online
Visit www.sussex.ac.uk/study/pg/applying