Overview

This Particles, Strings, and Cosmology MSc course offered by Durham University is intended for students who have already obtained a good first degree in either physics or mathematics, including in the latter case, courses in quantum mechanics and relativity.

The course consists of three modules: the first two are the Michaelmas and Epiphany graduate lecture courses, which are assessed by examinations in January and March. The third module is a dissertation on a topic of current research, prepared under the guidance of a supervisor with expertise in the area. We offer a wide variety of possible dissertation topics. The dissertation must be submitted by September 15th, the end of the twelve month course period.

Course Structure

The main group of lectures are given in the first two terms of the academic year (Michaelmas and Epiphany). This part of the lecture course is assessed by examinations. In each term there are two teaching periods of four weeks, with a week's break in the middle of the term in which students will be able to revise the material. Most courses are either 8 or 16 lectures in length. There are 14 lectures/week in the Michaelmas term and 14 lectures/week in Epiphany term.

This is a full-year degree course, starting early October and finishing in the middle of the subsequent September. The aim of the course is to bring students to the frontier of research in elementary particle theory.

The course consists of three modules: the first two are the Michaelmas and Epiphany graduate lecture courses. The third module is a dissertation on a topic of current research, prepared under the guidance of a supervisor with expertise in the area. We offer a wide variety of possible dissertation topics.

Programme Structure

Core Modules

Group Theory
Standard Model
General Relativity
Quantum Electrodynamics
Quantum Field Theory
Conformal Field Theory
Supersymmetry
Anomalies
Strong Interaction Physics
Cosmology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-29 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-31 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-08-31 00:00:00 , National

More details

Applicants needing a student visa must submit postgraduate applications by end July, while those not requiring a visa must apply by end August.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

80

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PTE Academic

62

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Durham, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Physics Astronomy & Space Sciences View 139 other Masters in Physics in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

80

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

62

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Subject requirements, level and grade

2.1 Honours in either Physics or Mathematics.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

27900 GBP / year

≈ 27900 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

12250 GBP / year

≈ 12250 GBP / year

Living costs

Durham

United Kingdom

660 - 1140 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Particles, Strings, and Cosmology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Course Structure

Programme Structure

Core Modules

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Durham

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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