Department of Physics and Astronomy

Postgraduate study

Why Physics at Sussex?

  • 1st for personal development amongst UK Physics Departments in the 2012 National Student Survey
  • 1st for satisfaction in the Complete University Guide 2013
  • 4th in the UK in the most recent QS World Rankings
  • 95% of our research activity is rated as 'internationally recognised' or higher, within which 15% is ranked as 'world leading' according to the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (2008)

We welcome applications for postgraduate study from students from a range of science subjects. Refer to our 2013 Postgraduate Prospectus for information about our taught and research courses, including academic and English language requirements and how to apply. Further information about our MSc courses is also available by clicking on the 'download our course leaflets' tab on the left of this page. Apply online

In this programme 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.

This programme provides an excellent grounding for entry to doctoral study across Europe. It is fully compatible with European postgraduate degree structures, providing the equivalent of 120 ECTS credits over two years of study. It includes a significant advanced research component, drawn from any departmental specialism including atomic, molecular and optical physics, experimental particle physics and theoretical particle physics.

This course focuses on modern particle physics and provides a thorough grounding for entry to doctoral study in particle physics or related research and an excellent opportunity for professional development in this field. You can choose from a variety of modules, such as Beyond the Standard Model and the Early Universe, but also Collider Physics, and Neutrino and Astroparticle Physics. In this way, the course allows you to focus on either the theoretical aspects of particle physics, or concentrate your studies more on the experimental aspects of the field.

We offer a broad-based astronomy MSc programme with advanced training in astronomy and astrophysics. Ours is one of only three full-time MSc courses in this field in the UK and it has a very good reputation, both nationally and internationally.  Many of our graduates go on to study for a PhD in astronomy.  The course is equally weighted between a research project and taught modules on a variety of topics in modern astrophysics.

This is one of only two MSc courses in cosmology in the UK. Its main emphasis is on observational and theoretical cosmology in the pre- and post-recombination universe. Many of our graduates go on to study for a PhD in cosmology.  The course is equally weighted between a research project and taught modules on a variety of topics in modern cosmology.

The exploration of quantum phenomena at the scale of single atoms and photons has recently led to extraordinary applications of quantum entanglement such as quantum teleportation, quantum cryptography, and quantum computing. The degree of control exerted over these systems is reflected in the term ‘quantum technology’ describing both experimental and theoretical developments in this area.

This course is for you if you have an interest in the wonders of quantum physics, and a desire to exploit its full power. At Sussex, we cover a wide range of research at the frontiers of quantum technologies:

  • ion-trap quantum processors
  • ion-photon interfaces for the projected quantum internet
  • superconducting quantum circuits
  • devices for quantum enhanced metrology.

The long-term applications include improved sensors, powerful quantum simulators and the long-distance distribution of quantum information.

This MSc can be taken in an experimental or theoretical mode and has a strong research component embedded in one of our renowned research groups. On this course, you will develop unique experimental or theoretical techniques enabling you to pursue further studies or a career in industry.