Masters courses! Searching for them can be a bit trickier than undergraduate and a summary is always helpful too. If you're looking to study particle theory or mathematical physics these courses may well be up your street. Some of them have plenty to offer to prospective condensed matter theorists, theoretical astrophysicists and cosmologists. The courses I've mentioned are geared almost solely (if not solely) towards theory, but there is nothing to stop you going into theory if you go for the MSci route or take a general physics MSc with lots of theory options. But here are some of the top choices for getting into a theory PhD!
Disclaimer: This list is not necessarily exhaustive and if you're interested in a course do the full research and don't take my word for any details. The main aim of this article is to inform you of some of whats on offer to you in terms of UK theoretical physics masters courses. Lets get started...
Cambridge - Part III - MMath/MSaT
The reputation of this course proceeds itself. A huge number of prominent theorists took this course, that much cannot be denied. There's a plethora of courses on offer from pure mathematics modules to applied mathematics and theoretical physics modules covering all you can imagine.
The course is purely taught, there is no dissertation/project or research component. The cohort is also quite large to my knowledge, though I can't comment on class sizes. There are also non-examinable graduate courses available to you. The entry requirement is set at first class honours and the course also requires serious preparation over the summer, but I imagine that's more than worth it!
For fans of: Loads of options, pure mathematics, established course, all exams.
Suited specialisations: Everything except condensed matter!
Imperial College London - Quantum Fields and Fundamental Forces MSc
Second disclaimer: I've been admitted to this course, so quantify my bias as you like!
Imperial has a serious reputation for theoretical physics, this long running course (it hasn't always had this name) also has a serious reputation. Unlike Cambridge, the options on this course are much more limited, half your modules are compulsory. The course is very much geared towards particle theory, studying the standard module is compulsory to a certain level for example.
There is a reasonable selection of options to fill the rest of your taught credits and a dissertation over the summer. The taught modules on this MSc are longer than the average taught course length, typically 30 hours as opposed to 16 hours at Oxford for example. It's up to you how you see this, some people prefer more independent study, others (like myself) want as much lecture time as possible. The entry requirement for this is also a first class honours, they have a recommended topic refresh list as well.
For fans of: Avoiding option paralysis, established course, lots of lecture time.
Suited specialisations: Particle theory, mathematical physics. There are some courses that touch on cosmology but the general relativity exposure is mainly designed for mathematical physics applications, I wouldn't go here for cosmology. Furthermore I wouldn't go here for particle phenomenology, Imperial doesn't really research in that area. This is certainly not a course of theoretical astrophysicists or condensed matter theorists.
Kings College London - Theoretical Physics MSc
Third disclaimer: I applied and was offered a place on this course.
Like the Cambridge Part III, this course is run by a maths department. KCL offers a core set of theoretical physics courses for you to choose from with the option to throw in some pure/applied mathematics if that takes your fancy.
The number of these mathematics courses is large and there are many options available, some of the applied maths options are particularly unique. These are University of London accredited courses, some of which are offered on the popular inter-collegiate MSci. You would have the option to take courses from other University of London Institutions. The course includes a dissertation which is carried out over the summer and has a upper second class honours entry requirement.
For fans of: Plenty of options, mathematics, University of London.
Suited specialisations: Particle theory, (potentially) astroparticle theory, mathematical physics, applied mathematics. Cosmologists might be ok with this course, there are physics department modules you could take to supplement this interest.
Oxford - Theoretical and Mathematical Physics MMathPhys
This course is reasonably new on the scene, but a particle theorist I spoke to about nine months ago said the course was going very strong and had become very desirable. He also mentioned that the places were very limited and application processes were arguably tougher than Cambridge Part III! There are a huge number of options on this course, though many of them are third year maths courses, take that for what you will. The course teaching is organised by both the maths and physics departments.
The course is typically entirely taught, although there is the option to do a dissertation. Something I note in particular about this course is that it offers a very high level of training for perspective condensed matter theorists. Again the entry requirement is a first class honours.
For fans of: Lots of options, small class sizes (so I hear), a new/fresh course.
Suited specialisations: Mathematical physics, applied mathematics, particle theory, condensed matter physics, theoretical astrophysics.
Durham - Strings, Particles and Cosmology MSc
Durham has a strong reputation in theory, this course is certainly a good option for a prospective theorist. It differs from many others in that almost all modules are compulsory, there are some optional extra courses offered that vary year to year. This would force you to cover a broad range of topics with particle theory, cosmology and gravitation. In my opinion the main focus is on particle theory and links from other areas to this. Courses are of a similar length to those at Oxford and you take a large number of them due to some of them being half length.
There is a dissertation as with many of these masters, but this accounts for half of the MSc. There will always be a debate as to whether taught courses or dissertations are more important (I'll probably write about this another time). Unless the answer to this is clear in your mind, I would follow your gut on what you want more of. The grade requirement is an upper second class honours.
For fans of: Keeping it broad, large dissertation, Oxbridge style university, no choices.
Suited specialisations: Particle theory, astroparticle theory, (potentially) cosmology. This masters would provide a very strong route into phenomenology in any of these areas, there is a lot of time spent on the standard model and links the theory to active experiments. Not really suited to theoretical astrophysics and definitely not condensed matter theory.
Nottingham - Gravity, Particles and Fields MSc
Nottingham has established itself a centre of research in theoretical and mathematical physics, particularly with regards to gravitational research. In this guise the MSc focuses greatly on gravity. This is a pretty unique feature of the MSc, if you want to focus on gravitational physics this should be a serious consideration for a masters. Consequently if you're interested in traditional particle theory this would not be the best option for you (in my opinion).
As far as I am aware there are no taught course options, all compulsory. Topics included advanced general relativity as well as quantum information. There is a dissertation component of this course, I believe it is slightly large than usual, but don't take my word for it (the information they provide on their website is a bit sparse). The course is run out of the maths department so expect mathematical rigour and the grade requirement is an upper second class honours.
For fans of: Heavily structured course, no choices, mathematical perspective, a pretty unique masters.
Suited specialisations: Cosmology, gravitation, mathematical physics. If you want to focus on gravity this would be a great choice, would probably suit cosmologists as well.
Edinburgh - Theoretical Physics or Mathematical Physics MSc
Held at the Higgs Centre for Theoretical Physics at the reputed University of Edinburgh. The course offers a very wide range of options with a general structure. There is research skills core, then a choice of base knowledge modules then additional optional courses which build on these. There are a wider range of topics available than some other courses with some different fields than usual on offer, i.e. an advanced material science module. This might suit someone who is interested in more esoteric combinations of physics topics. In addition, I would suggest that those interested in condensed matter theory would find this MSc might suit them.
There is a dissertation which accounts for a third of the course, slightly larger than usual. The entry requirement is an upper second class honours degree.
For fans of: Lots of options, unusual topics, structured programme.
Suited specialisations: Pretty much everything! There are many options you won't find on any other course (atmospheric physics and computer science for example) so worth a look if you're into something niche.
Queen Mary - MSc Physics - Theoretical Physics
QMUL is renowned for string theory and cosmology research and is part of the University of London. The MSc has half of its courses as compulsory, focusing on methods for quantum field theory. The course is an intercollegiate, so you can fill your options with any eligible course from the University of London (that's a very big list!). This capped off by a dissertation worth a third of your final mark. Unlike the KCL programme this is run from the physics department. The entry requirement is an upper second class honours degree.
For fans of: University of London, structured core study, lots of options.
Suited specialisations: Pretty much anything! QMUL itself is suited to particle theory, cosmology and theoretical astrophysics but with the other uni's thrown in you could do pretty much anything.
Some closing comments:
If you are leaning towards a serious interest in maths and are thinking about working in this area I would suggest Cambridge and KCL are the places to look. It's true that Oxford has plenty of maths courses on offer but these aren't quite as broad, they focus on geometry (which in my mind is a good thing) but if you want less related maths you'd be better looking a Cambridge/KCL.
I think Oxford alongside Edinburgh and QMUL are excellent options for those pursuing pretty much any area of theoretical physics, specifics above taken into account. In particular Oxford for theoretical astrophysics and condensed matter, QMUL for cosmology and Edinburgh for more niche subjects. All all are strong for particle theory with QMUL a bit weaker for condensed matter theory.
Durham, Nottingham and Imperial are far more focused. Durham would be an excellent for a prospective particle theorist, particularly for phenomenology. The course would also complement links from this interest to cosmology and/or astroparticle physics. Nottingham is perfect for someone who's interested very specifically in gravity and/or mathematical physics with a gravitational focus. Cosmologist would also be served well here if the don't want to focus on a particle physics perspective. Imperial is very focused on particle theory and mathematical physics. You should absolutely want to be linked to particle theory if you're thinking about Imperial but again it doesn't do phenomenology, it's a very specific course like the MSc Nottingham offers.
Condensed Summary:
- If you love maths and are thinking about being part mathematician: Cambridge and KCL (maybe Oxford) are for you.
- If you have mixed interests, like condensed matter, astrophysics or want lots of choice: Try Oxford, QMUL and Edinburgh.
- If you love particle theory: Durham and/or Imperial (depending on the specificity of your interests) but all those above are also very valid.
- If you love gravity (and maybe cosmology): Nottingham is a great fit.
Application choices example:
Lets say you love particle theory, aren't a huge fan of pure maths and aren't sure where you want to end up in particle theory. I would suggest you apply to Durham and Imperial then broader optioned courses like Oxford, QMUL and Edinburgh. Obviously locations have an effect so you might not apply to all five, I applied to three masters courses for example.
Hopefully that's been helpful! Eight masters that could be your route into a theory PhD. If you're a perspective masters student weigh up the nuances of the courses and apply to a number of them if more than one fits. And as always, do in-depth research on the courses and see if there are any alternatives out there.
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