MSc in Physics with Nanophotonics
This document provides a definitive record of the main features of the programme and the learning
outcomes that a typical student may reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes
full advantage of the learning opportunities provided. This programme specification is primarily
intended as a reference point for academic and support staff involved in delivering the programme
and enabling student development and achievement, for its assessment by internal and external
examiners, and in subsequent monitoring and review.
Programme Information
Award(s)
MSc
Programme Title
Physics with Nanophotonics
Programme code
F3U10
Awarding Institution
Imperial College London
Teaching Institution
Imperial College London
Faculty
Natural Sciences
Department
Physics
Associateship
Royal College of Science
Mode and Period of Study
1 calendar year full-time (12 months)
Cohort Entry Points
Annually in October
Relevant QAA Benchmark Statement(s) and/or
other external reference points
Master’s Awards in Physics, Astronomy and
Astrophysics
Total Credits
ECTS:
90
FHEQ Level
Level 7 - Master’s
EHEA Level
2nd cycle
External Accreditor(s)
N/A
UK Credits:
180
Specification Details
Student cohorts covered by specification
2015-16 entry
Person Responsible for the specification
Dr William Proud
Date of introduction of programme
October 2014
Date of programme specification/revision
August 2016
Page 1 of 7
Description of Programme Contents
As part of the MSc in Physics with Nanophotonics there are two compulsory lecture modules in the
autumn term (unless the student was taught the material in their undergraduate degree, in which
case they may study further option modules):
Advanced Classical Physics;
Mathematical Methods.
and two compulsory lecture modules:
Imaging;
Plasmonics and Metamaterials.
Also in the first term the students undertake a self-study project in the field of nanophotonics.
In the second term there is the compulsory Research Skills Training module. Students complete the
remaining compulsory lectures module:
Advanced Topics in Nanophotonics.
Students study two optional lecture modules in the first and second terms.
After the examinations, students undertake a three month research project in the field of
nanophotonics, submitting a dissertation, presenting a poster and defending their research with a
viva.
Learning Outcomes
MSc in Physics with Nanophotonics graduates will be able to:
1. Define the physical principles underlying the a selection of physical phenomenon, including a
detailed description of nanphotonics;
2. Describe the current state-of-the-art in nanophotonics and its applications;
3. Critically evaluate the current research in the field;
4. Explain the appropriate mathematical techniques and select the correct tools for the
physical phenomena at hand;
5. Design and construct experiments (which may be mathematical and computational) that
explore the behaviour of physical systems and draw appropriate conclusions, including a
calculation of the errors;
6. Explain orally and in writing the results of the research to a specialist and non-specialist
audience;
7. Conduct appropriately supported independent scientific research.
Page 2 of 7
The Imperial Graduate Attributes are a set of core competencies which we expect students to achieve
through completion of any Imperial College degree programme. The Graduate Attributes are available
at: www.imperial.ac.uk/students/academic-support/graduate-attributes
Entry Requirements
Academic Requirement
English Language Requirement
The minimum qualification for admission is
normally a first class honours degree in physics
with a strong mathematical content or an
equivalent overseas qualification. Applicants
with degrees in other scientific disciplines may
be considered if the degree has significant
physics content and a strong mathematical
underpinning.
IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each element
or equivalent
The
programme’s
competency
standards
documents
can
be
http://www.imperial.ac.uk/natural-sciences/departments/physics/students/currentstudents/taught-postgraduates/
found
at:
Learning & Teaching Strategy
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Methods
The MSc uses lectures, problem classes, practical
work and e-learning to support student learning.
Computing and numerical modelling skills are
taught by tutorials and practical classes.
E-learning & Blended Learning Methods
The MSc uses Blackboard (and Panopto recording
of lectures for some modules) to supplement the
material taught in the lectures.
Project and Placement Learning Methods
The project will ensure that the student
demonstrates their theoretical and practical
understanding to address a current research
problem in nanophotonics in the College or with
an external research organisation.
For students outside the College, the MSc will use
the existing guidelines describing the
responsibilities of the student, the University and
the host organisation which are circulated to and
agreed by all parties prior to the project.
Each project will have identified the Imperial
College members of staff who will be the
supervisor and deputy and they will be
responsible for monitoring the student’s progress
and maintaining weekly contact with the student.
Assessment Strategy
Page 3 of 7
Assessment Methods
The lecture modules are usually assessed by
examination. Some modules may have other
assessment methods, and these will be made
clear at the start of the module.
The practical work is continually assessed by
problem sheets and small projects.
The self-study project is assessed by written
report and an oral presentation.
The major project is assessed by report, a viva, a
poster and continuous assessment by the
supervisor.
Academic Feedback Policy
The feedback policy will follow the guidelines of the Department of Physics, where written feedback
should be provided to the student within two weeks of the work being submitted.
Many of the lecture modules have classworks, which allow students to work through problems under
the guidance of the lecturer.
The practical work is continually assessed.
Re-sit Policy
Students will be permitted to retake written examination on one occasion only. Students will not be
permitted to retake practical classes and projects.
Mitigating Circumstances Policy
The College’s Policy on Mitigating Circumstances is available at: www.imperial.ac.uk/registry/exams
Programme Structure
Term
One
Term
Two
Term
Three
Core Modules - Lectures
4
1
0
Core Modules - Practical
0
1
0
Full-time
Elective Modules
Projects
2
1
0
0
1
Assessment Dates & Deadlines
Written Examinations
January and May. Modules taken outside the
MSci programme may have examinations at
other times.
Coursework Assessments
Continuous
Project Deadlines
September
Practical Assessments
Continuous
Page 4 of 7
Assessment Structure
Programme Component
ECTS
% Weighting
Advanced Classical Physics*
6
Mathematical Methods*
8
Imaging
6
Plasmonics and Metamaterials
6
Advanced Topics in Nanophotonics
6
Optional lecture modules
12
Research Skills
6
6%
Self Study project
6
6%
Dissertation
36
36%
92
100%
52%
* Students may replace these modules if they have already been
taught the material
Total
Marking Scheme
The MSc consists of two elements:
• Taught modules, accounting for 54% of the total programme mark, and
• Practical work, accounting for 46% of the total programme mark.
The marking scheme for the elements and components will follow the ‘Regulations for the
Examinations of Masters Degrees’
Page 5 of 7
Core/
Elective
L&T
Hours
Ind.
Study
Hours
Placement
Hours
Total
Hours
%
Written
Exam
%
Coursework
Advanced Classical Physics
Core
27
123
0
150
100%
0%
0%
6
6
Mathematical Methods
Core
32
168
0
200
80%
20%
0%
7
8
PH9-OIM
Imaging
Core
28
122
0
150
100%
0%
0%
7
6
PH9MSTPM
Advanced Topics in Nanophotonics
Core
24
126
0
150
100%
0%
0%
7
6
PH4-PM
Plasmonics and Metamaterials
Core
27
103
0
150
100%
0%
0%
7
6
Elective
27
123
0
150
100%
0%
0%
6/7
6
Code
PH3-ACP
PH9-TMTM
Title
Optional lecture modules (typical
values)
%
FHEQ
Practical Level
ECTS
PH9-GRST
Research Skills
Core
27
123
0
150
0%
100%
0%
7
6
PH9-GSSP
Self Study project
Core
0
150
0
150
0%
80%
20%
7
6
Project
Core
0
900
0
900
0%
92%
8%
7
36
PH9-GPROJ
Page 6 of 7
Supporting Information
The Programme Handbook is available at: http://www.imperial.ac.uk/naturalsciences/departments/physics/students/current-students/taught-postgraduates/
The Module Handbook is available at: http://www.imperial.ac.uk/naturalsciences/departments/physics/students/current-students/taught-postgraduates/
The College’s entry requirements for postgraduate programmes can be found at:
www.imperial.ac.uk/study/pg/apply/requirements
The College’s Quality & Enhancement Framework is available at:
www.imperial.ac.uk/registry/proceduresandregulations/qualityassurance
The College’s Academic and Examination Regulations can be found at:
http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/proceduresandregulations/regulations
Imperial College is an independent corporation whose legal status derives from a Royal Charter
granted under Letters Patent in 1907. In 2007 a Supplemental Charter and Statutes was granted
by HM Queen Elizabeth II. This Supplemental Charter, which came into force on the date of the
College's Centenary, 8th July 2007, established the College as a University with the name and
style of "The Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine".
http://www.imperial.ac.uk/admin-services/secretariat/college-governance/charters-statutesordinances-and-regulations/
Imperial College London is regulated by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE)
http://www.hefce.ac.uk/reg/of/
Page 7 of 7