Phd in theoretical physics

Can you take a Phd in theoretical physics off the back of an Msc in Chemistry with molecular physics?

tommasino

Can you take a Phd in theoretical physics off the back of an Msc in Chemistry with molecular physics?

Possibly, although It would depend if you had done the neccessary modules. What do you mean by theoretical physics? It is probably more likely that you could do condensed matter theory and dynamic theory rather than early cosmology for example. CMP is a great degree for experimental physics really.

Reply 2

tommasino

yes something like that....or a Phd in quantum physics for instance. Would it be possible to do that from an Msc in chemistry or only an Msc in CMP?

Reply 3

ChemistBoy

tommasino

yes something like that....or a Phd in quantum physics for instance. Would it be possible to do that from an Msc in chemistry or only an Msc in CMP?

What do you mean by quantum physics? I am a researcher in nanoscience in the physics department here, I have a chemistry degree.

Reply 4

tommasino

I've just found it quite difficult to find out which subjects lead to which phds and how much flexibilty there is. Postgraduate admissions at imperial seemed to be very much based on the individual applicants, rather than any across the board entry requirements.

i guess so ..

I'm afraid PhDs are very individual. Have a look around at people in your department and what research interests they have, this will give you a flavour of what physical research is like at the moment.

Reply 7

not1

tommasino

Can you take a Phd in theoretical physics off the back of an Msc in Chemistry with molecular physics?

No... at Imperial you'd need to do their MSc in Quantum Field Theory and Fundamental Forces first. You need to know loads of stuff about QFT, unification, QED, group theory etc to be a decent theorist. See
http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/theoreticalphysics/postgraduatestudy/mastersdegree/courses

Of course, if you want to do something in theoretical chemistry stuff, I guess you might be OK, but if you want to do 'proper' theoretical physics you need a good knowledge base to start with.

Reply 8

tommasino

thanks for the info edders. How do I gain entrance to this Msc in quantum fields and fundamental forces? Can I do that with a Bsc in chem or an Msc in CMP? or either? or neither?

Reply 9

ChemistBoy

tommasino

thanks for the info edders. How do I gain entrance to this Msc in quantum fields and fundamental forces? Can I do that with a Bsc in chem or an Msc in CMP? or either? or neither?

To be honest I don't think you can turn into a hardcore theoretical physicist with a degree in chemistry. I would probably guess that I'm about as physical as you can get with a degree in chemistry.

Reply 10

not1

tommasino

thanks for the info edders. How do I gain entrance to this Msc in quantum fields and fundamental forces? Can I do that with a Bsc in chem or an Msc in CMP? or either? or neither?

I suggest you just email Ray Rivers (MSc admissions guy) and ask... he supervised my BSc project last term and is a very nice chap. :smile:

Reply 11

kayronjm

tommasino

thanks for the info edders. How do I gain entrance to this Msc in quantum fields and fundamental forces? Can I do that with a Bsc in chem or an Msc in CMP? or either? or neither?

The entrance requirements are typically a first degree (BSc/MSci) in Physics or Mathematics, with a 2:1 with honours. However, you might want to ask personally!
I'm starting that course this October in fact and I applied with an "MSci Physics with Astronomy" degree.

Reply 12

Chemical_Scum

ChemistBoy

What do you mean by quantum physics? I am a researcher in nanoscience in the physics department here, I have a chemistry degree.

Here as in Imperial? And does that mean you work at the LCN?! Why was I not informed!Let me know if those assumptions are correct before I pester you further :biggrin: