
Dr Matt Watkins - Programme Leader
Matt's personal expertise is in computational methods to simulate the interfaces of electrolytes and solids: applied to areas including microelectronics and solar cells. He runs the Materials Modelling module as well as contributing to several others. The Physics team are passionate about sharing ideas and knowledge with students and deepening their knowledge of physics – whether for self-development, to move into industry, or to become an academic researcher.
Academic Staff List Make an EnquiryWelcome to MSc Physics
The MSc Physics programme at Lincoln is designed to provide training in fundamental and applied physics. Students can develop broadly applicable problem-solving skills and produce a substantial research component. A choice of modules such as Materials Modelling, which uses specialist computational facilities to perform classical and quantum mechanical simulation of materials; and Advanced Instrumentation, which is designed to equip students to design and analyse complex experiments, aim to take students to the borders of current physics research occurring in our School and train them to work as professional physicists.
Physics is a fundamental science which underpins our understanding of the world around us, from distant galaxies to the smallest particles. Physics challenges our thinking and changes our lives through developments in new technologies, healthcare, and how we live. We want our students to think about how they can apply their knowledge in wider society. The Entrepreneurial Physics module will encourage students to think beyond traditional academic limits, and aims to provide the tools to start or join a small specialist company, including intellectual property awareness and project planning. The Financial Kinetics module introduces students to the stochastic modelling of markets.
How You Study
Students on this course will be part of a small cohort that works closely with the academic team and guest lecturers. There is a focus on small group workshops, hands-on learning, and mentoring.
- Four elective taught modules are designed to provide an in-depth introduction to cutting-edge physics ideas in theoretical, computational, and experimental physics. The material is introduced in weekly lectures and followed up with tutorials, seminars, workshops, laboratories, and group research.
- An extended individual research project feeds into the 'Student as Producer' ethos of the School of Mathematics and Physics. The project begins in the second term. Students can co-design the project with two supervisors (one of which could be from industry or from an external institution) to fit with your ambitions for the future.
- In the Personal and Professional Development module students will have regular meetings with a mentor to discuss their progress, develop and explore their skills and qualifications, and research specialised topics to equip them for employment in their chosen area.
An Introduction to Your Modules
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
How you are assessed
This course is assessed through coursework assignments, a portfolio of individual study materials, research reports and presentations, and examinations.
The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days after the submission date.
Fees and Funding
For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.
Entry Requirements 2023-24
First or upper second class honours degree in Physics or a closely related subject, or equivalent experience.
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages:
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/
If you are an overseas student, you may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) certificate in order to enrol on this course.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme
Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page:
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study:
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/
Postgraduate Events
Find out more about how postgraduate study can help further your career, develop your knowledge, or even prepare you to start your own business at one of our postgraduate events.
Find out More