MSci Hons Physics with Professional experience

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Queen Mary University of London

Program Overview

Queen Mary’s MSci Physics with Professional Experience is a five-year integrated master’s degree that combines deep scientific training with a full year of real-world work experience.
It’s ideal for students who want to master theoretical and experimental physics while gaining industry exposure — preparing for careers in research, technology, or data science.


Curriculum structure

Year 1: Core Foundations in Physics and Mathematics
You’ll begin with Classical Physics, Electric and Magnetic Fields, and Modern Physics, building a strong base in mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum ideas. Modules like Mathematical Techniques 1 & 2 sharpen your analytical skills, while Professional Skills for Scientists introduces coding, communication, and scientific writing. You’ll also explore the cosmos through Our Universe and develop lab skills in Scientific Measurement.

Year 2: Expanding Knowledge and Specialisation
This year deepens your understanding of quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and computational physics. You’ll choose one of four streams — Physics, Theoretical Physics, Astrophysics, or Physics with Artificial Intelligence — each offering tailored modules and lab experiences. You’ll also complete Scientific Investigation Skills, a practical module that prepares you for independent research.

Year 3: Advanced Topics and Research
You’ll select from modules like Cosmology, Quantum Theory, Machine Learning, and General Relativity, depending on your chosen stream. Every student completes a full-year Final Year Project, working closely with academic staff on original research — from particle physics to AI applications — using Queen Mary’s specialist labs and observatory.

Year 4: Professional Experience Year
You’ll spend this year working in a physics-related role in industry, research, or government. Queen Mary supports placements through its Careers and Enterprise Team and SEPnet consortium, giving you access to employers like CERN, Airbus, Goldman Sachs, and IBM. You’ll reflect on your experience through academic assignments and stay connected with university mentors.

Year 5: Master’s-Level Depth and Research Focus
In your final year, you’ll take advanced modules such as Quantum Field Theory, Advanced Gravity, or Computational Physics, depending on your stream. You’ll also complete a substantial MSci Research Project, often linked to active research groups in theoretical physics, astrophysics, or AI, preparing you for PhD study or technical careers.


Focus areas:
Quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, astrophysics, artificial intelligence, theoretical physics, cosmology

Learning outcomes:
Numerical modelling, data analysis, coding, experimental design, scientific communication, independent research, professional experience

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) — meets the full educational requirement for Chartered Physicist (CPhys) status

Reputation (employability rankings):

  • Queen Mary is part of the Russell Group of leading UK universities
  • Physics graduates have gone on to work at CERN, Airbus, Goldman Sachs, IBM, and the UK Space Agency
  • Strong research heritage — birthplace of string theory and contributor to Higgs boson discovery

 

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in Queen Mary’s MSci Physics with Professional Experience program gain hands-on skills through a blend of lab work, coding, and a full year in industry — making this one of the most immersive physics degrees in the UK. From your first year, you’ll work with real data, simulation tools, and advanced equipment, and by Year 4, you’ll be applying your knowledge in a professional setting.

Here’s how experiential learning is built into the program:

  • Scientific Measurement & Investigation Skills: Lab-based modules in Years 1 and 2 develop your experimental technique, data analysis, and scientific reporting using industry-standard equipment.
  • Professional Experience Year: In Year 4, you’ll work full-time in a physics-related role — supported by Queen Mary’s Careers and Enterprise Team and the SEPnet consortium, which connects students to employers like CERN, Airbus, Goldman Sachs, and IBM.
  • Digital Tools: You’ll learn to code in Python and use simulation and modelling software across modules in computational physics and machine learning.
  • Group Work & Communication: Modules like Professional Skills for Scientists include collaborative tasks, presentations, and scientific writing to prepare you for team-based environments.
  • G.O. Jones Building: The £12m refurbished home of physics teaching and research, featuring advanced labs, computing suites, and the Mile End Observatory — used for undergraduate astrophysics training.
  • Access to Research Institutes: Opportunities to engage with the Centre for Research in String Theory and other specialist groups within the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences.
  • Libraries and Study Spaces: Queen Mary’s Mile End campus offers extensive resources including physics journals, e-books, and collaborative learning zones.

 

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Queen Mary’s MSci Physics with Professional Experience are exceptionally well-prepared for careers in science, technology, and research — thanks to their advanced training and a full year of industry experience.
Typical roles include research physicist, software engineer, data scientist, and AI developer, with many students progressing into PhD study or high-tech leadership roles.

Here’s how Queen Mary supports your future:

  • Careers and Enterprise Team: Offers tailored support through career coaching, employer networking events, and access to internships via QConsult and QMUL Work Experience schemes.
  • Professional Experience Year: In Year 4, students work full-time in a physics-related role, supported by Queen Mary’s placement team and the SEPnet consortium, which connects students to employers like CERN, Airbus, Goldman Sachs, and IBM.
  • Graduate Outcomes: Physics graduates from Queen Mary earn an average of £29,000 within 15 months of graduation, with strong placement in research, finance, and tech sectors.
  • Industry Partnerships: The School of Physical and Chemical Sciences collaborates with global research centres and companies through SEPnet, offering placements, employer-led events, and research opportunities.
  • Accreditation Value: Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) — meets the full educational requirement for Chartered Physicist (CPhys) status.
  • Graduate Destinations: Alumni work in scientific computing, aerospace, fintech, and postgraduate research across the UK and internationally.

Further Academic Progression:
The MSci is designed to prepare students for PhD study in theoretical physics, quantum field theory, astrophysics, or AI. The fifth-year research project and advanced modules provide a strong foundation for doctoral research, and Queen Mary’s active research groups offer direct pathways into funded PhD opportunities.

 

Program Key Stats

£32,950 (Annual Cost)
£9,535
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


Eligibility Criteria

ABB
3.0
32
75

N/A
N/A
6.0
79

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Energy
  • business
  • marketing
  • engineering
  • technology
  • IT and finance

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