Our understanding of how the Universe works has grown rapidly in the past few decades, but if you’re keen on physics, you’re probably more excited by what we don’t yet know.

Our researchers are pushing the boundaries in fields like gravitational waves, quantum information and particle physics, and working with the world’s most advanced scientific instruments, including the Large Hadron Collider, the LIGO gravitational wave detector, the Murchison Widefield Array low frequency radio telescope and the Australian Synchrotron.

Join a global research community

Big questions need big teams to solve them, and you’ll join one of our teams working in the fields of astrophysics, theoretical particle physics, and experimental particle physics, who work with international collaborators to answer the fundamental questions of our time.

Our physicists are out in the community, overseas – and even underground:

• Dr Bryn Sobott, Dr David Peake and Associate Professor Roger Rassool are in Mozambique field-testing their FREO2 Siphon, which delivers medical-grade oxygen to critically ill newborns without needing an electrical source.
• Professor Elisabetta Barberio is in a converted mine in rural Victoria, searching for dark matter at the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory.
• Professor Andrew Melatos is looking to the skies and liaising with LIGO in California and Massachusetts as part of the team who proved the existence of gravitational waves in 2016.

Innovative subjects

You’ve probably heard that the future of computing is quantum computing, but do you know how to program a quantum computer?

Not many people do, so we’ve introduced a new subject, Introduction to Quantum Computing, which uses a unique online platform to allow you to build and run your own quantum computing algorithms.

Develop your skills with real-world problems

You’ll leave the course with a major research project to feature in your CV. In the research project, you’ll join one of our expert research teams working at the forefront of theoretical or experimental physics.

More than just technical skills

We know that soft skills are important too, which is why we include professional skills subject like scientific communication, to ensure you can speak and write effectively about your research.

The Master of Science (Physics) is a 200-point course, made up of:

• Discipline subjects (87.5 points), including compulsory subjects plus electives and eligible third-year subjects
• Professional skills subject(s) (at least 12.5 points)
• A research project (100 points).

In your first year, you’ll likely complete most of your coursework subjects, while beginning work on your major research project.

In your second year, you’ll concentrate on your research project, while completing any remaining coursework subjects.

For your research project you’ll choose a project from one of our areas of research excellence:

• Astrophysics
• Theoretical and experimental particle physics
• Atomic, molecular and optical physics
• Theoretical and experimental condensed matter physics
• Biophysical science
• Nanoscience
• Quantum information

You’ll choose your professional skills subject(s) from a selection that includes modelling, working with data, ethics, business tools, scientific computing and communication, giving you extra skills that you can take with you through your career.

Sample course plan

View some sample course plans to help you select subjects that will meet the requirements for this coursework.

Master of Science (Physics) – 200-Point program

The Master of Science (Physics) could be the start of a rewarding research career in physics or an aligned field such as meteorology, informatics or software engineering.

Or you could think outside the box and take your advanced analytical and problem-solving skills into business, government or education.

Our graduates go on to work as physicists, data scientists, astrophysicists, quantum computing scientists and quantum computing engineers.

Employers in this field include:

• Government departments of education and environment, including the Bureau of Meteorology
• Consulting firms such as Deloitte
• Software and computing companies such as IBM, IRESS and Quantium
• Large financial services providers including ANZ and NAB
• Universities and public research institutions such as the CSIRO

Technical and professional skills

On graduating from the course you’ll have high level knowledge and research skills in complex physics.

Additionally, you’ll have strong professional skills in:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Research planning, literature reviews and reporting on research
• Scientific communication, both written and oral.

Further study

At the end of the course, you’ll be well-placed to begin a PhD in physics, if you choose.

To be considered for entry into this course, you must have: An undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a directly related discipline with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 65% (or equ

IELTS (academic English Only): 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL Internet-based test: 79 + ; Writing 21; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13;
Pearson Test of English Academic: 58 + no communicative skill below 50
Cambridge English: Advanced/ Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 176 + no skill below 169.