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Questions about MSc Gravity, Particles and Fields at Nottingham

Hi everyone,I’ve recently accepted an offer for the MSc in Gravity, Particles and Fields at the University of Nottingham, and I’m really excited about the course! But I have a few questions and would love to hear from anyone who’s currently studying it or has done it in the past:

1.

How do the assessments work?I noticed that a lot of the modules are coursework- and presentation-based rather than traditional exams. What are these like in practice? Are they research essays, problem sets, or more practical?

2.

Career prospectsFor those who’ve completed this course—what kind of career paths did you follow afterwards? Did many go into PhDs, research, or other industries?

3.

Can I go into engineering roles after this MSc?I’m mainly from a physics background, but I’ve always been interested in applying my knowledge in engineering/technical industries. Is it realistic to move into engineering-type jobs after completing this course?


Thanks in advance

Reply 1

Hi i am currently doing a lot of the courses offered on this masters, albeit doing a different degree.

The maths code modules tend to be assessed by exams (black holes, diff geometry, QIS) with the exception of QFT, which is 4 problem sheets and 1 presentation. The black holes and diff geometry modules are significantly more challenging exam wise than the QIS module. QFT is very challenging, but the fact that it is made up of coursework problem sheets make it easier to do well in I feel. The lecturer is great also.

As for the physics module, they tend to be assessed in a bit more of a vocational way - group work, smaller research projects etc. I would say it is easier to get both a very good and a very bad mark in the maths modules, while the physics ones (with the exception of the Advanced grav problem sheet) will hover around 60%-75%.

As for future prospects, I think theory is very applicable to a lot of other areas. I am starting a PhD in autumn in a different field (still maths), but didn't feel remotely disadvantaged coming from this background.

Overall, i would definitely recommend it. I have had a good time at UoN and the staff are great. Do reply if you have any more questions!!

Reply 2

Original post
by Ahanaf
Hi everyone,I’ve recently accepted an offer for the MSc in Gravity, Particles and Fields at the University of Nottingham, and I’m really excited about the course! But I have a few questions and would love to hear from anyone who’s currently studying it or has done it in the past:

1.

How do the assessments work?I noticed that a lot of the modules are coursework- and presentation-based rather than traditional exams. What are these like in practice? Are they research essays, problem sets, or more practical?

2.

Career prospectsFor those who’ve completed this course—what kind of career paths did you follow afterwards? Did many go into PhDs, research, or other industries?

3.

Can I go into engineering roles after this MSc?I’m mainly from a physics background, but I’ve always been interested in applying my knowledge in engineering/technical industries. Is it realistic to move into engineering-type jobs after completing this course?


Thanks in advance

Hello @Ahanaf!

You may find more specific information with regards to how you may be assessed in the curriculum catalogue. You may click on the following link: Curriculum Catalogue. Make sure you select the UK Module Catalogue tab, then select 2025 Academic Year in the drop down menu and all you need to do is to type the name of the module(s) you are interested in (e.g., 'Advanced Gravity').

There are indeed a lot of transferable skills that are really useful in engineering. To exemplify, we have a recent example of someone who was offered an Engineering PhD place at UoN. This student did a BSc in Physics and an MSc in a related topic to your program.

I hope it helps,
Abian.

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