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MSc THEORETICAL PHYSICS

Qualification : MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE

Award Type and NFQ level : RESEARCH MASTERS (9)

CAO/PAC code : MHQ06 (FT), MHQ07 (PT)

CAO Points :

MSc by research in Theoretical Physics

The objective of the structured research programme in Theoretical Physics is to provide:

- A high quality research experience and training
- Enhanced arrangements for supervision and mentorship
- Structured arrangements for the development of generic and transferable skills
- Advanced discipline-specific taught courses
- Regular monitoring of progress

Closing date
Research applications are generally accepted at any time

Commences
September (or other agreed time)

Candidates for the Research Masters degree will normally be expected to have at least a 2.1 degree in Mathematical/ Theoretical Physics or a related discipline.

Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.

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

Cosmology
Prof Peter Coles
Cosmology and the large-scale structure of the Universe, especially theoretical models of galaxy formation and the evolution of galaxy clustering. The cosmic microwave background as a probe of space-time geometry and models of the early Universe. Dark matter and dark energy.  Statistical analysis of present and future observational data, especially the European Space Agency's forthcoming Euclid mission.

Complex Quantum Phenomena
Dr Graham Kells
My main interests are complex quantum phenomena and how they can be  harnessed to store and control quantum information. Recently, I have been working on weak zero-modes and quantum many-body scars.  I have also become interested in the formalism of third/operator quantisation and have started new projects on measurement-induced entanglement transitions.

Black Holes
Dr John Regan
Dr. Regan's research interests are in the study of the formation and evolution of massive black holes in the early Universe. He uses state-of-the-art computational models to understand the formation pathways of massive black holes and  their subsequent dynamics inside early galaxies.

Non-perturbative Quantum Field Theory
Dr Jon-Ivar Skullerud
Non-perturbative computer simulations of quantum field theory; in particular strong interactions. Phase transitions at high temperature and/or density.  Confinement and deconfinement of quarks and gluons.  Philosophy of physics, in particular quantum field theory.

Topological Phases and Quantum Computation
Dr Joost Slingerland
Topological phenomena in condensed matter physics and their application to fault tolerant and scalable quantum computation. This involves study of two dimensional systems that harbor anyons – quasiparticles with exotic exchange properties. These topological phases and transitions between them are studied both at the level of topological field theory, and in local models and realistic physical contexts such as the fractional quantum Hall effect.

Topological Quantum Computation
Prof Jiri Vala
Topological phases of condensed matter systems. Topological quantum computation. Fault-tolerant quantum computation. Theory of decoherence and quantum error correction and suppression.

Topics in Applied Mathematics
Dr Paul Watts
Applications of group theory and algebra in high-energy physics, quantum field theory and quantum information processing; mathematical modelling and statistical inference in the social sciences.

For further details on the research specialisms within the Department please visit: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/theoretical-physics/our-research.

Typically the MSc by research takes two years and the student must write a thesis under the supervision of a member of the academic staff. Prospective students should contact potential supervisors to discuss possible research projects before submitting an application. In addition students must take a minimum of 10 credits in taught modules (at least 5 in generic/transferable modules and at least 5 in subject specific/advanced specialist modules) from the Structured PhD programme.

Course Duration: 2 Years Full-Time, 3 Years Part-Time

Theoretical physicists are in high demand in the job market thanks to their skills in numeracy, analytical and abstract thinking and the application of these skills  to solving problems in the real world. Graduates  can consider a wide range of careers, including research and teaching in a university, research in a research institute or industrial setting; public sector agencies, the scientific civil service; banking and stock market analysis; business and actuarial work, telecommunications and in all sections of the computer industry.  They lead and are at the forefront of scientific discovery and in understanding the universe from the microscopic to the macroscopic, the origin of space-time, quarks, black holes and to astrophysical processes on the scale of the entire universe.

Online application only http://www.pac.ie/maynoothuniversity

PAC Code

MHQ06 MSc Full-time
MHQ07 MSc Part-time

 

The following information should be forwarded to PAC, 1 Courthouse Square, Galway or uploaded to your online application form:

Prospective students should contact potential supervisors to discuss possible research projects before submitting an application.

Certified copies of all official transcripts of results for all non-Maynooth University qualifications listed MUST accompany the application. Failure to do so will delay your application being processed. Non-Maynooth University students are asked to provide two academic references and a copy of birth certificate or valid passport.

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