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Maynooth University Department of Physics

Qualification : MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE

Award Type and NFQ level : TAUGHT MASTERS (9)

CAO/PAC code : MHQ57

CAO Points :

Closing Date : 30 August 2025

This course is intended introduce graduates in theoretical physics, mathematics, and related disciplines to current ideas and methods at the forefront of modern theoretical physics and mathematics research, including

• Topics in theoretical physics: gravitation and cosmology, fluid mechanics, condensed matter physics, quantum information and subatomic physics.
• Topics in pure mathematics: functional analysis, algebraic and differential topology, representation theory, Riemannian and non-Riemannian geometry.

Although the topics are diverse, there are commonalities which mean that the same mathematical and numerical methods can often be used in different fields, and there are many intersections between these topics. This MSc will also introduce descriptions and methods originally developed in theoretical physics and mathematics, which have found application in a wide range of other fields including biological systems, finance and computer science. It introduces students to the forefront of current research through a supervised project and may serve as an entry point to a research degree.


Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent honours degree).

2.1 BSc Theoretical Physics and Mathematics, or physics degree with substantial mathematics component, or mathematics degree with substantial physics component.

Minimum English language requirements:

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.

Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

Maths Physics - Joost Slingerland - Maynooth University

Head of Department

Department of Theoretical Physics


Department of Physics

Experimental Physics - Neil Trappe - Maynooth University

Head of Department

Department of Experimental Physics


Department of Physics

Colm Bracken

Academic

Department of Experimental Physics


Department of Physics

Peter Coles - Theoretical Physics

Academic

Department of Theoretical Physics


Department of Physics

Graham Kells

Academic

Department of Theoretical Physics


Department of Physics

Academic

Department of Experimental Physics


Department of Physics


Department of ICARUS

Prof Ray O Neill - Maynooth University

Academic

Department of Experimental Physics


Department of Physics


Department of Hamilton Institute

Academic

Department of Theoretical Physics


Department of Physics


Department of Hamilton Institute

Maths Physics - Jiri Vala - Maynooth University

Academic

Department of Theoretical Physics


Department of Physics


Department of Hamilton Institute

Paul Watts

Academic

Department of Theoretical Physics


Department of Physics

Academic

Department of Experimental Physics


Department of Physics


Students will take 30 ECTS each semester, plus the 30-ECTS research project over the summer. The 60 ECTS of taught modules normally includes at least 40 ECTS at 500- and 600-level. The 500- and 600-level modules each have at least 3 contact hours per week including tutorials/problem classes. Several reading modules and advanced final year undergraduate modules are included to allow flexibility to address the needs of the students, given the likely diversity of their backgrounds.

Course Duration: 2 years part-time

Many graduates of this programme will wish to pursue PhD study in the areas of theoretical physics or mathematics, often with a view to an academic or research career. An MSc in these areas provides a strong and necessary foundation. For application to many PhD programmes, it is an essential qualification.

Outside academia, the expertise gained in a theoretical physics and mathematics MSc is frequently applied in industries such as financial mathematics, data science and high-performance computing. Graduates from theoretical physics and mathematics MSc programmes are highly sought after in the financial and IT sectors. It is important to emphasise that mathematics and physics provide the theoretical foundations on which the software and algorithms used in these industries is based. Graduates with advanced degrees in mathematics and theoretical physics are therefore well-equipped to make fundamental contributions: shaping new theoretical developments at the coalface in these areas.

Applications for postgraduate courses will open mid-October. Further information on how to apply for the course will be provided then. If you have any queries please contact [email protected]

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