Postgraduate taught degree programmes
The School of Physics and Astronomy offers a range of taught postgraduate degree programmes designed to provide advanced training in modern physics.
These programmes combine in-depth coursework with research-led teaching and offer a pathway to professional development, including progression to Chartered Physicist (CPhys) status.
Contact us
Academic Enquiries:
Dr. Andy Buckley – MSc Convenor
Email: phas-pgtconvener@glasgow.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)141 330 2534
General Student Support:
Email: phas-teachingsupport@glasgow.ac.uk
Admissions Enquiries:
Email: pgadmissions@gla.ac.uk
Quick links
Postgraduate taught degrees
Programme overview
The School introduced a series of Taught Masters degree programmes in 2010, several of which align with interdisciplinary research themes addressing major challenges of the 21st century.
All programmes provide a strong foundation in the principles and methods of modern physics. Most MSc programmes are accredited by the Institute of Physics, satisfying the education requirements for Chartered Physicist (CPhys) status (when combined with an accredited undergraduate degree).
Duration
Each MSc is normally completed in 12 months (full-time):9 months of taught courses (Semesters 1 & 2) 3 months of independent research (e.g. a project embedded in one of our research groups)
Admissions, Fees, and Funding
For details on how to apply, please visit the How to apply for a postgraduate taught degree page.
Visit the Fees and funding page for information on course fees and scholarship opportunities.
Course Guide
Download the MSc Programmes Guide 2025-26 (PDF) for full details on programme structure, course choices, and degree requirements.
Course Modules
Choose from a wide range of Masters-level and Honours-level courses, depending on your programme. Some courses are core (compulsory), while others are electives.
Masters level courses
To qualify for an MSc degree, students must normally be enrolled on a total of 180 credits, with at least 150 credits at Masters level.
The School of Physics and Astronomy offers a wide range of courses to choose from.Masters level courses. The following courses may be taken in a Taught MSc degree.
Note that the exact choice of courses depends on degree programme, and some will be compulsory core courses, whereas others are only ever taken as elective choices.
Physics
- PHYS5001 - Advanced Data Analysis (10 credits)
- PHYS5002 - Frontiers of Optics (10 credits)
- PHYS5004 - Dynamics, Electrodynamics and Relativity (10 credits)
- PHYS5005 - Electromagnetic Theory 2 (10 credits)
- PHYS5006 - Gravitational Wave Detection (10 credits)
- PHYS5007 - Groups and Symmetries (10 credits)
- PHYS5014 - Relativistic Quantum Fields (10 credits)
- PHYS5015 - Research Skills (10 credits)
- PHYS5016 - Statistical Mechanics (10 credits)
- PHYS5021P - MSc Project (60 credits - compulsory for all MSc students)
- PHYS5035 - Imaging and Detectors (10 credits)
- PHYS5036 - Detection and Analysis of Ionising Radiation (10 credits)
- PHYS5037 - Environmental Radioactivity (10 credits)
- PHYS5038 - Nuclear Power Reactors (10 credits)
- PHYS5039 - Quantum Information (10 credits)
- PHYS5041 - Nano and Atomic Scale Imaging 1 (10 credits)
- PHYS5042 - Nano and Atomic Scale Imaging 2 (10 credits)
- PHYS5044 - Fundamentals of Sensing and Measurement (10 credits)
- PHYS5045 - Laser Interferometry and Quantum Measurements (10 credits)
- PHYS5047P - Physics Literature Project (20 credits)
- PHYS5056 – Experimental Techniques in Quantum Optics (10 credits)
Astronomy
- ASTRO5001 - General Relativity and Gravitation (15 credits) *2
- 2ASTRO5002 - Pulsars and Supernovae (15 credits) *2
- 2ASTRO5003 Statistical Astronomy (15 credits) *1
- 1ASTRO5004 Plasma Theory & Diagnostics (15 credits) *1
- 1ASTRO5010 - The Sun's Atmosphere (10 credits)
Notes: *1 Astronomy courses offered only in odd years; *2 Astronomy courses offered only in even years.
Honours level courses
The following courses may be taken in a Taught MSc degree. The exact choice of courses depends on degree programme, and some will be compulsory core courses, whereas others are only ever taken as elective choices.
Full details of course choices within specific degrees and other important matters required to complete a Taught MSc are found in the MSc Course Guide.
Physics
- PHYS4003 - Circuits and Systems (10 credits)
- PHYS4006 - Energy and the Environment (10 credits)
- PHYS4008 - Honours Computational Laboratory (10 credits)
- PHYS4010 - Magnetism and Superconductivity (10 credits)
- PHYS4012 - Mathematical Methods 2 (10 credits)
- PHYS4013 - Medical Imaging (10 credits)
- PHYS4015 - Nuclear and Particle Physics (10 credits)
- PHYS4016 - Nuclear Physics (10 credits)
- PHYS4018 - Particle Physics (10 credits)
- PHYS4026 - Quantum Theory (10 credits)
- PHYS4027 - Semiconductor Devices (10 credits)
- PHYS4028 - Solid State Physics (10 credits)
Astronomy
- ASTRO4005 - Heliophysics and Stellar Atmospheres1 (15 credits) *1
- ASTRO4006 - Cosmology2 (15 credits) *2
- ASTRO4007 - Exploring Planetary Systems2 (15 credits) *2
- ASTRO4008 - Galaxies1 (15 credits) *1
- ASTRO4009 - High Energy Astrophysics1 (15 credits) *1
- ASTRO4010 - Instruments for Optical and Radio Astronomy2 (15 credits) *2
- ASTRO 4011 - Stellar Structure and Evolution1 (15 credits) *1