Data Intensive Physics (MSc)

Data Intensive Physics (MSc)

Full time

Why study this course

The MSc in Data-Intensive Physics has been designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge needed for a career in a range of areas including academic research in physics as well as technical, development and engineering positions in related scientific fields.

The MSc in Data Intensive Physics has been designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge needed for a career in a range of areas including academic research as well technical, development and engineering positions in related scientific fields. By combining data analysis and computational techniques with a core science discipline, the course is intended to satisfy the increasing demand for well-qualified postgraduates who are equipped with the expertise to respond to a range of challenges arising from this exciting field.

The course is delivered by members of our Data Innovation Research Institute, which was recently established to conduct research into the aspects of managing, analysing and interpreting massive volumes of textual and numerical information.

A key component of the course is a 3 month summer project, which will be based either in our School of Physics and Astronomy, or with one or more of our external partners. The project will focus on the application of modern data science methodologies to a problem in physics (such as photonics, biophotonics, nanoscience, materials physics, medical physics, or other areas of theoretical or computational physics), providing the hands-on experience needed to succeed in the dynamic field of Data Intensive Physics as well as wider aspects of data science.

Distinctive features

• Central to the design of the course is the opportunity for you to acquire real research experience in connection with world-leading scientists, greatly enhancing your CV and prospects for employment or further study.
• As well as providing a solid core in all the necessary elements of Data Science, the programme allows a choice of elective modules and project work that can be tailored to suit whatever specialism you are interested in, whether that be gravitational waves, star or galaxy formation or cosmology.
• You’ll join a well-established and growing cohort of MSc students and be based in a dedicated teaching facility that encourage a “research group” community atmosphere that has been praised by students and external examiners. You’ll also have the opportunity to interact with students on related courses such as our MSc Data Science and Analytics.
• As a successful graduate of this course you will be ideally placed to take advantage of the growing employment opportunities being generated by the demands of “Big Data”.

Coming from a mathematics undergraduate background I had only been evaluated by my ability to complete examinations. The research aspect of the MSc, along with the core modules, allowed me to hone a wider array of skills such as grant applications, presenting complex material to a variety of audiences, and reviewing current literature to identify gaps. These skills are necessary to pursue a career in academia, and through the guidance and support of the MSc coordinators I now feel not only prepared for work in a research group, but that I can effectively contribute to such a group.

Data Intensive Physics (MSc)

Full time

Careers and placements

Typically, an MSc degree in Data Intensive Physics will open up opportunities in the following areas:

• Theoretical, experimental and computational doctoral research;
• Numerate, technical, research, development and engineering positions in related scientific fields;
• Physics, mathematics and general science education.

Placements

There will be a flexible number of external projects each year for the summer research project module, which may be carried out in the School with external supervision, or involve some work at a collaborating institute.  The number and nature of these project will vary from year to year and will be assigned according to student choice in consultation with the external supervisor(s); some such projects may require specific optional modules to have been taken. Choosing an external project should not have any implications for your visa status if you are an international student.