Nuclear and Environmental Physics

Entry requirements

A 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent in Physics. Applications are also welcome from candidates with:

1. a 2:2 in these subject areas,
2. additional industrial experience

For cases (1)-(2), applicants should refer to the PGT programme convenor.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The Masters in Nuclear and Environmental Physics provides training in the physics and applications of nuclear energy generation (and low-carbon energy more generally), and the roles played by nuclear processes in environmental modelling and medical physics. It is an ideal qualification for a professional physicist aiming to work in these sectors.

Students are provided with the theoretical, experimental and computational skills necessary to analyse and solve a variety of advanced physics problems relevant to this range of important global industries. The programme builds on a wide range of advanced Masters-level courses in the School of Physics & Astronomy: from taught courses in energy generation and environmental physics to practical skills in radiation-detection, research skills, data analysis, and an extended research project in relevant areas. Students have the flexibility to tailor their experience through a choice of additional elective lecture courses.

• You will benefit from direct contact with our group of international experts who will teach you cutting-edge physics and work closely with you on a novel, 3-month research project.
• You will gain the theoretical, observational and computational skills necessary to analyse and solve advanced physics problems, providing you with an excellent foundation for a career of scientific leadership in academia or industry.
• You will develop transferable skills that will improve your career prospects, such as project management, team-working, advanced data analysis, problem-solving, critical evaluation of scientific literature, advanced laboratory and computing skills, and how to effectively communicate with different audiences.
• The School is highly active in research and knowledge transfer projects with industry. Our Masters students have opportunities to engage with our industrial collaborators through informal visits, guest lectures, and research projects.
• Members of the School of Physics and Astronomy set up Lynkeos Technology Ltd, for muon imaging of nuclear waste products.
• The School has close links with Sellafield Ltd. and the UK National Nuclear Laboratory in the area of nuclear fuel reprocessing and nuclear waste management.
• The School also plays leading roles in international fundamental physics research, with staff including experts in both theory and experiment connected to Nobel Prize-winning work at the Large Hadron Collider and the LIGO gravitational-wave collaboration.
• You will also benefit from our membership of the Scottish Universities Physics Alliance. The alliance brings together internationally leading physics research across Scotland to form the largest physics grouping in the UK.
• The School has IoP Juno Champion and Athena Swan Silver Awards, demonstrating its support for women and under-represented groups in scientific studies and careers, with the goal to improve the working environment for all.
• It is expected that this programme will be accredited by the Institute of Physics.