MSc Physics Uni help
Hi guys,
A bit about me: I just graduated with a BSc in Astrophysics from QMUL. My aim is to carry on studying physics to attain a PhD as physics is my passion, then hopefully land a job in academia.
So I applied to many places in May and I currently hold offers from Queen Mary, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Glasgow, King's, UCL, Surrey and sussex for taught master's. Also awaiting decisions for research master's from Manchester and Nottingham.
I feel as if I cannot trust the league/subject tables, Surrey seems to be ranked pretty highly but they have an awful masters course with not much to offer and they aren't Russell Group either. UCL and King's seem to have a bad reputation for Physics? I also feel like I need more time to decide which area I wish to focus on for my PhD, hence the research master's doesn't appeal to me much as I feel like I have to specialise too soon? (ps. I don't know much about research MSc's, are they like MPhil's?)
For anyone wanting to know my interests: Quantum Field Theory, Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, String theory and Mathematical Methods - note however, not all uni's offer these.
I need help deciding which University is the best/most highly regarded in my chosen field (Physics).
Some day I hope to do my PhD at either Imperial or Durham.
Thanks in advance
A bit about me: I just graduated with a BSc in Astrophysics from QMUL. My aim is to carry on studying physics to attain a PhD as physics is my passion, then hopefully land a job in academia.
So I applied to many places in May and I currently hold offers from Queen Mary, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Glasgow, King's, UCL, Surrey and sussex for taught master's. Also awaiting decisions for research master's from Manchester and Nottingham.
I feel as if I cannot trust the league/subject tables, Surrey seems to be ranked pretty highly but they have an awful masters course with not much to offer and they aren't Russell Group either. UCL and King's seem to have a bad reputation for Physics? I also feel like I need more time to decide which area I wish to focus on for my PhD, hence the research master's doesn't appeal to me much as I feel like I have to specialise too soon? (ps. I don't know much about research MSc's, are they like MPhil's?)
For anyone wanting to know my interests: Quantum Field Theory, Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, String theory and Mathematical Methods - note however, not all uni's offer these.
I need help deciding which University is the best/most highly regarded in my chosen field (Physics).
Some day I hope to do my PhD at either Imperial or Durham.
Thanks in advance
I'd look at what each course entails and pick the one where you can specialise the most in the things that interest you the most. They are all good universities, and you are right that you can't trust the league tables. Kcl and ucl are good for physics, but don't have the same reputation as imperial. Also think about where you'd be happy living - do you want to stay in London? Do you want to live somewhere a lot smaller like brighton?
Original post by Dr Quantum
Hi guys,
A bit about me: I just graduated with a BSc in Astrophysics from QMUL. My aim is to carry on studying physics to attain a PhD as physics is my passion, then hopefully land a job in academia.
So I applied to many places in May and I currently hold offers from Queen Mary, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Glasgow, King's, UCL, Surrey and sussex for taught master's. Also awaiting decisions for research master's from Manchester and Nottingham.
I feel as if I cannot trust the league/subject tables, Surrey seems to be ranked pretty highly but they have an awful masters course with not much to offer and they aren't Russell Group either. UCL and King's seem to have a bad reputation for Physics? I also feel like I need more time to decide which area I wish to focus on for my PhD, hence the research master's doesn't appeal to me much as I feel like I have to specialise too soon? (ps. I don't know much about research MSc's, are they like MPhil's?)
For anyone wanting to know my interests: Quantum Field Theory, Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, String theory and Mathematical Methods - note however, not all uni's offer these.
I need help deciding which University is the best/most highly regarded in my chosen field (Physics).
Some day I hope to do my PhD at either Imperial or Durham.
Thanks in advance
A bit about me: I just graduated with a BSc in Astrophysics from QMUL. My aim is to carry on studying physics to attain a PhD as physics is my passion, then hopefully land a job in academia.
So I applied to many places in May and I currently hold offers from Queen Mary, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Glasgow, King's, UCL, Surrey and sussex for taught master's. Also awaiting decisions for research master's from Manchester and Nottingham.
I feel as if I cannot trust the league/subject tables, Surrey seems to be ranked pretty highly but they have an awful masters course with not much to offer and they aren't Russell Group either. UCL and King's seem to have a bad reputation for Physics? I also feel like I need more time to decide which area I wish to focus on for my PhD, hence the research master's doesn't appeal to me much as I feel like I have to specialise too soon? (ps. I don't know much about research MSc's, are they like MPhil's?)
For anyone wanting to know my interests: Quantum Field Theory, Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, String theory and Mathematical Methods - note however, not all uni's offer these.
I need help deciding which University is the best/most highly regarded in my chosen field (Physics).
Some day I hope to do my PhD at either Imperial or Durham.
Thanks in advance
So you just want to enter in theoretical physics if so why not experimental.
Experimental Investigation of various material at different level such as nano and micro have a large number of direct and real application which may be affect society in one's lifetime so one may be proud of his achievements if found something useful.
I personally thought Quantum or statistical Mechanics are quite old and string theory is beyond the world of experimental verification so may be found vage in coming ages. Quantum field theory and Mathematical Method are quite interesting though
Thanks, I honestly don't mind where I should live tbh.
Original post by physicst
So you just want to enter in theoretical physics if so why not experimental.
Experimental Investigation of various material at different level such as nano and micro have a large number of direct and real application which may be affect society in one's lifetime so one may be proud of his achievements if found something useful.
I personally thought Quantum or statistical Mechanics are quite old and string theory is beyond the world of experimental verification so may be found vage in coming ages. Quantum field theory and Mathematical Method are quite interesting though
Experimental Investigation of various material at different level such as nano and micro have a large number of direct and real application which may be affect society in one's lifetime so one may be proud of his achievements if found something useful.
I personally thought Quantum or statistical Mechanics are quite old and string theory is beyond the world of experimental verification so may be found vage in coming ages. Quantum field theory and Mathematical Method are quite interesting though
I just never fancied labs
. They are old fields but they have allowed many advancements/discoveries along the way that you can't just scrap the theories altogether, they are useful to physicists.Based on your interests, and the universities you wish to go too for PhD, I recommend you consider either Part III (Cambridge), QFFF (Imperial), Durham or Edinburgh. Also, I think Oxford has just started a masters course that is worth looking at. These groups have strong QFT groups as well as string theory departments. Be aware though that this is a very difficult field to get into to. For example, you will have to be the top 2 of your class in QFFF or Part III to stand a chance of a PhD offer from these places. Also, based on your background you will also want to take plenty of pure math courses. This can be more important than the physics courses, for the research you wish to do.
Another note is that if you are interested in other branches of quantum gravity (i.e. not string theory), Edinburgh and Nottingham are very strong in these regards.
If you have any more questions feel free to message me. Hopefully I can help.
Another note is that if you are interested in other branches of quantum gravity (i.e. not string theory), Edinburgh and Nottingham are very strong in these regards.
If you have any more questions feel free to message me. Hopefully I can help.
Original post by Dr Quantum
Hi guys,
A bit about me: I just graduated with a BSc in Astrophysics from QMUL. My aim is to carry on studying physics to attain a PhD as physics is my passion, then hopefully land a job in academia.
So I applied to many places in May and I currently hold offers from Queen Mary, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Glasgow, King's, UCL, Surrey and sussex for taught master's. Also awaiting decisions for research master's from Manchester and Nottingham.
I feel as if I cannot trust the league/subject tables, Surrey seems to be ranked pretty highly but they have an awful masters course with not much to offer and they aren't Russell Group either. UCL and King's seem to have a bad reputation for Physics? I also feel like I need more time to decide which area I wish to focus on for my PhD, hence the research master's doesn't appeal to me much as I feel like I have to specialise too soon? (ps. I don't know much about research MSc's, are they like MPhil's?)
For anyone wanting to know my interests: Quantum Field Theory, Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, String theory and Mathematical Methods - note however, not all uni's offer these.
I need help deciding which University is the best/most highly regarded in my chosen field (Physics).
Some day I hope to do my PhD at either Imperial or Durham.
Thanks in advance
A bit about me: I just graduated with a BSc in Astrophysics from QMUL. My aim is to carry on studying physics to attain a PhD as physics is my passion, then hopefully land a job in academia.
So I applied to many places in May and I currently hold offers from Queen Mary, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Glasgow, King's, UCL, Surrey and sussex for taught master's. Also awaiting decisions for research master's from Manchester and Nottingham.
I feel as if I cannot trust the league/subject tables, Surrey seems to be ranked pretty highly but they have an awful masters course with not much to offer and they aren't Russell Group either. UCL and King's seem to have a bad reputation for Physics? I also feel like I need more time to decide which area I wish to focus on for my PhD, hence the research master's doesn't appeal to me much as I feel like I have to specialise too soon? (ps. I don't know much about research MSc's, are they like MPhil's?)
For anyone wanting to know my interests: Quantum Field Theory, Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, String theory and Mathematical Methods - note however, not all uni's offer these.
I need help deciding which University is the best/most highly regarded in my chosen field (Physics).
Some day I hope to do my PhD at either Imperial or Durham.
Thanks in advance
Original post by WishingChaff
Based on your interests, and the universities you wish to go too for PhD, I recommend you consider either Part III (Cambridge), QFFF (Imperial), Durham or Edinburgh. Also, I think Oxford has just started a masters course that is worth looking at. These groups have strong QFT groups as well as string theory departments. Be aware though that this is a very difficult field to get into to. For example, you will have to be the top 2 of your class in QFFF or Part III to stand a chance of a PhD offer from these places. Also, based on your background you will also want to take plenty of pure math courses. This can be more important than the physics courses, for the research you wish to do.
Another note is that if you are interested in other branches of quantum gravity (i.e. not string theory), Edinburgh and Nottingham are very strong in these regards.
If you have any more questions feel free to message me. Hopefully I can help.
Another note is that if you are interested in other branches of quantum gravity (i.e. not string theory), Edinburgh and Nottingham are very strong in these regards.
If you have any more questions feel free to message me. Hopefully I can help.
Thank you WishingChaff. Since I have a 2:1 for my BSc I have ruled out Oxbridge, Imperial and Durham for now.
Would the MSc's by research (Nottingham and Manchester) also have large taught components? I am unsure if I want to do heavy research as this stage.
Also which Universities from my options will allow me to attract places like Imperial if I am to get a distinction next year. What are your thoughts on Sussex and KCL?
In answer to your first question, the research masters will normally consist of a full academic year of teaching plus a summer research project. In my opinion, this is a better option and will prepare you for your PhD.
Now, unfortunately for the bad news. If you are serious about working in theoretical physics (especially QFT or String theory) it is very unlikely that you will get into Imperial for a PhD. They tend to accept either people who have taken the QFFF course or Part III (plus Oxford).
Unfortunately I am not that knowledgeable about Sussex and KCL. As I understand it, Sussex has a good particle theory program whilst KCL has a string theory group.
It may wish to consider looking to work in a more experimental field as the competition for theory positions is extremely competitive. It is also very difficult to continue working in this line of work due to a lack of funding.
However, from your current list, I would recommend taking the master at either Manchester or Nottingham and to at least apply for the masters at Durham (if the application hasn't closed).
Now, unfortunately for the bad news. If you are serious about working in theoretical physics (especially QFT or String theory) it is very unlikely that you will get into Imperial for a PhD. They tend to accept either people who have taken the QFFF course or Part III (plus Oxford).
Unfortunately I am not that knowledgeable about Sussex and KCL. As I understand it, Sussex has a good particle theory program whilst KCL has a string theory group.
It may wish to consider looking to work in a more experimental field as the competition for theory positions is extremely competitive. It is also very difficult to continue working in this line of work due to a lack of funding.
However, from your current list, I would recommend taking the master at either Manchester or Nottingham and to at least apply for the masters at Durham (if the application hasn't closed).
Original post by Dr Quantum
Thank you WishingChaff. Since I have a 2:1 for my BSc I have ruled out Oxbridge, Imperial and Durham for now.
Would the MSc's by research (Nottingham and Manchester) also have large taught components? I am unsure if I want to do heavy research as this stage.
Also which Universities from my options will allow me to attract places like Imperial if I am to get a distinction next year. What are your thoughts on Sussex and KCL?
Would the MSc's by research (Nottingham and Manchester) also have large taught components? I am unsure if I want to do heavy research as this stage.
Also which Universities from my options will allow me to attract places like Imperial if I am to get a distinction next year. What are your thoughts on Sussex and KCL?
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