Key Information


Campus

Brayford Pool

Start Date

September 2025

Typical Offer

See More

Duration

1 year

Campus

Brayford Pool

Start Date

September 2024

Typical Offer

See More

Duration

1 year

Academic Years

Course Overview

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.

Course Overview

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.

Why Choose Lincoln

Training in fundamental and applied physics

Access to specialist computational facilities

A focus on personal and professional development

Select from specialist optional modules

Complete an extended individual research project

Two students taking part in a practical session

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.

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.

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.

Entrepreneurial Physics 2025-26PHY9012MLevel 72025-26This module aims to develop the skills to bridge the gap between science and business including intellectual property awareness and project planning. Guest lecturers will give insight into working in small companies and students are introduced to some of the key skills required. This double module follows the Master's project module. Students can develop the results of their research project or another physics-based concept into an entrepreneurial idea leading up to a final presentation of their pitch.CorePhysics Masters Project 2025-26PHY9004MLevel 72025-26In this module, students have the opportunity to undertake a substantial project under the supervision of a research-active member of staff. Projects can be undertaken at an external collaborating establishment. Students are expected to conduct independent research in modern physics, working in a research group of the school, the university or in an external collaborating establishment.CorePhysics That Matters 2025-26PHY9052Level 72025-26The module will introduce students to a diverse range of contemporary issues in applied physics which have a high societal impact. Students will work independently on specific subjects of their choice amongst a proposed selection, and will hone their ability to synthetise contrary views from the scientific literature as well as their ability to look at multifaceted problems from multiple vantage points.CoreProfessional and Personal Development 2025-26PHY9011MLevel 72025-26This module is designed to allow systematic personal and professional development in a specialist area of physics to enhance employability. Students can develop and execute a personal learning plan designed using a process of self-reflection around 5 development themes: personal development; professional skills development; technical skills development; research interests; and career development.CoreAdvanced Instrumentation 2025-26PHY9001MLevel 72025-26The aim of this module is to enhance students’ experimental skills with a range of advanced experimental problems. The module may be conducted at university laboratory facilities or at an external collaborating establishment.OptionalFinancial Kinetics 2025-26MTH9001MLevel 72025-26This module brings together the main ideas and methods of the mathematical theory of financial markets. In addition, the methods of practical calculations of volatilities of traded assets from historical data are discussed. The influence of randomness of the interest rate and volatilities on price of options is studied.OptionalMaterials Modelling 2025-26PHY9010MLevel 72025-26The School of Mathematics and Physics has a very strong research presence in computational modelling – from exoplanet orbits to quantum conductance of materials. This module introduces modern computational techniques for material modelling in condensed matter physics. It is driven by the research interests of our teaching staff including biophysics, astrophysics, and materials for renewable energy.OptionalResearch Skills 2025-26PHY9051Level 72025-26Optional

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.

Entrepreneurial Physics 2024-25PHY9012MLevel 72024-25This module aims to develop the skills to bridge the gap between science and business including intellectual property awareness and project planning. Guest lecturers will give insight into working in small companies and students are introduced to some of the key skills required. This double module follows the Master's project module. Students can develop the results of their research project or another physics-based concept into an entrepreneurial idea leading up to a final presentation of their pitch.CorePhysics Masters Project 2024-25PHY9004MLevel 72024-25In this module, students have the opportunity to undertake a substantial project under the supervision of a research-active member of staff. Projects can be undertaken at an external collaborating establishment. Students are expected to conduct independent research in modern physics, working in a research group of the school, the university or in an external collaborating establishment.CorePhysics That Matters 2024-25PHY9052Level 72024-25The module will introduce students to a diverse range of contemporary issues in applied physics which have a high societal impact. Students will work independently on specific subjects of their choice amongst a proposed selection, and will hone their ability to synthetise contrary views from the scientific literature as well as their ability to look at multifaceted problems from multiple vantage points.CoreProfessional and Personal Development 2024-25PHY9011MLevel 72024-25This module is designed to allow systematic personal and professional development in a specialist area of physics to enhance employability. Students can develop and execute a personal learning plan designed using a process of self-reflection around 5 development themes: personal development; professional skills development; technical skills development; research interests; and career development.CoreAdvanced Instrumentation 2024-25PHY9001MLevel 72024-25The aim of this module is to enhance students’ experimental skills with a range of advanced experimental problems. The module may be conducted at university laboratory facilities or at an external collaborating establishment.OptionalFinancial Kinetics 2024-25MTH9001MLevel 72024-25This module brings together the main ideas and methods of the mathematical theory of financial markets. In addition, the methods of practical calculations of volatilities of traded assets from historical data are discussed. The influence of randomness of the interest rate and volatilities on price of options is studied.OptionalMaterials Modelling 2024-25PHY9010MLevel 72024-25The School of Mathematics and Physics has a very strong research presence in computational modelling – from exoplanet orbits to quantum conductance of materials. This module introduces modern computational techniques for material modelling in condensed matter physics. It is driven by the research interests of our teaching staff including biophysics, astrophysics, and materials for renewable energy.OptionalResearch Skills 2024-25PHY9051Level 72024-25Optional

What You Need to Know

We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

What You Need to Know

We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

How you are assessed

This course is assessed through coursework assignments, a portfolio of individual study materials, research reports and presentations, and examinations.

How you are assessed

This course is assessed through coursework assignments, a portfolio of individual study materials, research reports and presentations, and examinations.

How to Apply

Postgraduate Application Support

Applying for a postgraduate programme at Lincoln is easy. Find out more about the application process and what you'll need to complete on our How to Apply page. Here, you'll also be able to find out more about the entry requirements we accept and how to contact us for dedicated support during the process.

How to Apply
A student listening in a seminar

Entry Requirements 2025-26

Entry Requirements

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/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/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/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/

Entry Requirements 2024-25

Entry Requirements

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/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/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/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/

Course Fees

You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.

Course Fees

The University offers a range of merit-based, subject-specific, and country-focused scholarships for UK and international students. To help support students from outside of the UK, we offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

Course Fees

You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.

Course Fees

The University offers a range of merit-based, subject-specific, and country-focused scholarships for UK and international students. To help support students from outside of the UK, we offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

Funding Your Study

Postgraduate Funding Options

Find out more about the optional available to support your postgraduate study, from Master's Loans to scholarship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.

Explore Funding Options
Two students working on a laptop in a study space

Career Development

Postgraduate study is an investment in yourself and your future. It can help you to further or completely change your career, develop your knowledge, enhance your salary, or even prepare you to start your own business. Postgraduate students at the University of Lincoln benefit from inspirational teaching combined with high-quality facilities and learning spaces, great industry links, and unique research opportunities, all of which are designed to help you stand out from the crowd and make the most of your time with us. 

Why Postgraduate Study?

Academic Contact

For more information about this course, please contact the Programme Leader.

Dr Matt Watkins
mwatkins@lincoln.ac.uk

Postgraduate Events

To get a real feel for what it is like to study at the University of Lincoln, we hold a number of dedicated postgraduate events and activities throughout the year for you to take part in.

Upcoming Postgraduate Events
A group of students sat around a table, working together on a project
The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.