Courses
- MPhys (Hons) Physics (4 years)
- MPhysPhil (Hons) Physics and Philosophy (4 years)
Physics and Physics & Philosophy are strong subjects at Queen’s and we wish to maintain a high standard in this subject. We usually admit five or six students each year, with the possibility of one or two of those reading Physics & Philosophy. All candidates must have A-levels in Physics and in Mathematics, or equivalent, in order to apply. Entrance requirements with A-levels are A*AA, with A*A in Mathematics or Physics. Common third A-levels are Further Maths or Chemistry, though neither is essential. We accept candidates taking the International Baccalaureate and any other equivalent qualification.
The courses
The University offers a four-year integrated Master’s course in Physics (MPhys). Full details of what is taught can be found at the Physics Department website (see link below). There is also a joint honours degree with the Faculty of Philosophy (MPhysPhil).
Those students who intend to pursue a career in Physics beyond University are encouraged to undertake research experience (up to six weeks) during the vacation periods of their second year and College funding is available to help support this. The Physics collection in the College library is kept up to date and undergraduate computing facilities suited to Physics students are available in College.
Teaching
Tuition during the first three years takes place primarily in College, mostly in groups of two students with a tutor. Students receive such tutorials and also some classes from College Fellows and Lecturers. In the fourth year of the Master’s courses the teaching is organised centrally by the Department of Physics, as students take specialised options taught by experts in their fields. Physics and Philosophy students will also be taught by the College’s Philosophy tutors. Dr Nickerson is a particle physicist, working at the large hadron collider at CERN. Prof Taylor works in the fields of quantum optics and nanotechnology. Prof Yassin is a radio astronomer and Dr Barnes is a condensed matter physicist who primarily teaches mathematics.
Interviews
Our selection process in Physics includes two interviews that are designed to assess a candidate’s potential for the course, taking all factors into account and not simply his or her current ability as reflected in examination results. One interview will focus on the candidate’s mathematical ability and reasoning, whilst the other will focus primarily on Physics. All candidates will receive at least one more interview at another college. However, examination ability does carry significant weight, especially in Mathematics and Physics.
