External Summary

Educational Aims of Programme

• To provide a solid conceptual understanding of theoretical and mathematical physics including topics ranging from the nature and mathematical structures of particles and fields, quantum theory, cosmology and relativity, soft condensed matter, electronic structure theory, scientific image analysis, and many other topics;
• To provide a thorough grounding in modern-day research in theoretical and mathematical physics, including methods, key aims, controversies, and the wider social and institutional contexts in which theoretical and mathematical physicists work (e.g., career pathways, research funding);
• To provide a powerful interdisciplinary training that enables students from diverse scientific backgrounds to see how their home discipline is connected with other areas of research scholarship, and to use a wide variety of tools for gathering, interpreting, and critically evaluating scientific information;
• To develop students into confident professionals ready for further (e.g., doctoral) study and employment in theoretical physics, mathematical physics, computational science, and other fields by equipping them with key scientific, quantitative, research, critical thinking and presentation skills, and by helping them to identify and successfully target suitable professional opportunities.

Programme outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding

•   A sound conceptual understanding of the key ideas in theoretical and mathematical physics including topics ranging from the nature and mathematical structures of particles and fields, quantum theory, cosmology and relativity, soft condensed matter, electronic structure theory and scientific image analysis;
•   An interdisciplinary outlook combining sufficient knowledge of physics and mathematics to understand the contemporary topics and relations to other fields, such as data science and machine learning, geophysics, biology, pure mathematics;
•   Expertise across a range of technical and computational problem solving methods;
•   A solid understanding of the career paths available in theoretical and mathematical physics through the academic and private sectors.

Programme outcomes: Graduate Attributes - Skills and Abilities in Research and Enquiry

• The attitude of mind conducive to critical questioning and creative thinking;
• A capacity to formulate ideas mathematically and explore them algebraically, graphically, and numerically;
• The ability to harness these skills in tandem with the core knowledge base to solve problems;
• The ability to assimilate and evaluate advanced literature from a range of diverse sources.

Programme outcomes: Graduate Attributes - Skills and Abilities in Personal and Intellectual Autonomy

• A disposition to approach unfamiliar situations with a spirit of critical enquiry;
• Skills in organizing and understanding complicated data or complex topics and in critiquing the work of others in order to reach independent conclusions;
• The ability to formulate a physical problem using the appropriate mathematical or numerical methodologies.
• Creativity, flexibility, confidence and adaptability in research, problem solving, and writing;
• Independence in formulating interesting future research directions.

Programme outcomes: Graduate Attributes - Skills and Abilities in Communication

• Formulate a coherent written and oral presentation based on material gathered and organised independently on a given physics topic;
• Formulate a mathematical argument or analysis of data and communicate this effectively to peers and educators;
• Function effectively as a member or leader of a team working towards a joint report and presentation;
• Disseminate science through slide presentations, chalkboard presentations and posters, with an eye on assessing the target audience and creating opportunity for (and effectively answering) audience questions.

Programme outcomes: Graduate Attributes - Skills and Abilities in Personal Effectiveness

• The ability to collaborate effectively and productively with others in the process of inquiry and learning, including those with a range of backgrounds and knowledge;
• The ability to organize independent learning with an effective schedule;
• Communication with the research advisor and other members of academic staff, to ensure the Dissertation proceeds effectively;
• A commitment to manage time effectively, utilise resources and meet deadlines.

Programme outcomes: Technical/Practical skills

• Confident users of Linux and Microsoft operating systems and software;
• Scientific programming skills in Python, Mathematica, and other programming languages, including open-source codes that are available to solve certain categories of specialised theoretical and mathematical physics research problems;
• Scientific writing and presentation skills typically including proficiency in LaTex for typesetting equations.

Programme Structure and Features

The programme structure is a full time, 180 credit point taught Scottish MSc degree and is fully compliant with the University's Curriculum Framework and Scottish Qualification Framework.

The minimum entry requirement is a good 2:1 (or equivalent) degree in a mathematics of physics degree or, on a case-by-case basis, another technical degree such as engineering. We also assess candidates based on a personal statement discussing why they are interested in the programme and why their particular background has a high likelihood for success in the degree. English language requirements are the same as for other MSc programmes in the School of Physics and Astronomy.

The programme conforms to the SCQF and University of Edinburgh curriculum framework requirements for a taught postgraduate Masters with 180 credits in total. There are a maximum or 30 taught credits at SCQF level 10 (depending on student choice). All other credits are at level 11 including the 60 credit dissertation course.

Progression to the dissertation requires pass marks above 50% in at least 80 points of taught courses, and an average mark of at least 50% over all 120 points. A PG Diploma is awarded to students with pass marks above 40% in at least 80 points of taught courses, and an average mark of at least 40% over all 120 points.  

            Three required courses make up 90 of the 180 credit points for the degree:

The remaining 90 credits are selected from the tables below, following the relevant guidelines given at the beginning of each table.

Students must take between 50 and 90 credits of the following courses

(all are SCQF Level 11 in the School of Physics and Astronomy):

Students may take between 0 and 40 credits of the following courses

(all are SCQF Level 11, from various Schools as indicated,

GEO = School of Geosciences, INFORMATICS = School of Informatics,

ENG = School of Engineering, PHYS = School of Physics and Astronomy):

Students may take between 0 and 30 credits of the following courses

(all are SCQF Level 10, from various Schools as indicated,

GEO = School of Geosciences, INFORMATICS = School of Informatics,

ENG = School of Engineering, PHYS = School of Physics and Astronomy):

            No more than 30 credits of SCQF Level 10 courses may be taken in total.

Students may take between 0 and 40 credits of the following courses

(all are SCQF Level 11, from the School of Mathematics):

            Students may take between 0 and 30 credits of the following courses

(all are SCQF Level 10, from the School of Mathematics):

No more than 30 credits of SCQF Level 10 courses may be taken in total.

Equality and Diversity

The School is an active participant in the Institute of Physics JUNO project with "Champion" status. In this capacity we monitor and report on the equality and diversity across the whole School including activities of academic staff, research staff, postdoctoral research fellows, and students.

The Higgs Scholarships, awarded every year to 5 promising admitted applications in the Theoretical Physics and Mathematical Physics MSc programmes, include financial need as a criterion in the decision-making process. This is intended to improve inclusion for students from backgrounds for which the financial cost of the MSc is a limiting factor.

Teaching and Learning Methods and Strategies

Depending on the precise balance of course options chosen, about 60% of the teaching and learning time is used for independent and directed learning, 20% for lectures and seminars, and 20% for workshops and practicals.

Teaching and Learning strategies are tailored to meet the overall aims of the programme. The taught component is provided by leading national and international specialists across a diverse range of research fields. It is delivered through lectures, seminars, tutorials and practicals including computer- and lab-based tasks, and it is complemented by student-focussed learning activities for independent learning, critical thinking and the synthesis and presentation of scientific literature. Students have access to the University Library facilities and all recommended reading material.

Specific activities vary depending on course content and the students are supported throughout with opportunities for discussion and feedback on performance. In many courses, feedback is provided on problem sets.

Innovative Learning Week
The University of Edinburgh Innovative Learning Week is scheduled after Week 5 of Semester 2.  During this week "normal" teaching is suspended, providing the opportunity for staff and students to explore new learning activities.  Some examples of the types of activities held in Physics and Astronomy are workshops, peer assisted learning activities, public engagement activities and careers events. This time is also used in the Theoretical Physics and Mathematical Physics MSc programmes to run student chalkboard presentations, providing an opportunity for students to communicate the background of their Dissertation topic in a setting much like a modern research-topic-focused workshop.

Assessment Methods and Strategies

Career Opportunities

The MSc programmes offer the preparation needed for a research career in physics, either via further academic study (e.g. towards a PhD) or via industrial research.  In addition, a wide range of employers recognise that Theoretical Physics MSc graduates have advanced problem-solving skills and the ability to think logically and critically about complex situations. Add this to a high level of mathematical ability, data analysis, and communication skills in written, oral, and online media and MSc graduates have opportunities in a diverse range of careers.

Academic and Student Advisers