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.
Requirements
Entry Requirements
Admission criteria
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 equivalent) in the best 50 points of appropriate discipline studies at third year, AND
Quantum mechanics studies at both second- and third-year university level.
Studies in electrodynamics and statistical physics at third-year level is also recommended.
Appropriate discipline studies may include Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Physics, Chemical Physics (or equivalents).
Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.
Where our admission criteria includes a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) and/or specific subject criteria, these are based on University of Melbourne grades and subjects. If you've studied elsewhere, we'll assess your relevant prior studies and equivalent grades. Your final WAM may be adjusted depending on your previous institution's accreditation, subject grading, and pass marks.
You can use our graduate coursework grade conversion eligibility calculator to get an indication of whether you are eligible for this course based on your previous studies and Weighted Average Mark (WAM).
All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:
English language test score requirements
If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:
IELTS
6.5
with no band less than 6.0
TOEFL
79+
with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13
PEARSON
64+
with no communicative skill below 60
CAMBRIDGE
176+
with no skill less than 169
*Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English Only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). If a test displays N/A, it means it is not accepted for this course.
About selection
When assessing applications, the Selection Committee will consider your previous studies and academic performance.
The Selection Committee may request additional information to clarify any aspect of an application, according to the University’s Academic Board rules regarding selection instruments.
Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.
Supervision requirements
Entry into the Master of Science (Physics) is subject to the capacity of the relevant school to provide adequate supervision in the research project.
You must contact a supervisor for the research project before applying and submit the Supervisor Form as part of the online application.
How to find a supervisor:
Your supervisor must be from the School of Physics at the University of Melbourne. You can find further information available on the School’s website: Academic staff (unimelb.edu.au). You must select a supervisor from the Teaching and Research list of academics. Contact the academics directly to discuss supervision.
English Program Requirements
All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:
English language test score requirements
If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:
IELTS
6.5
with no band less than 6.0
TOEFL
79+
with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13
PEARSON
64+
with no communicative skill below 60
CAMBRIDGE
176+
with no skill less than 169
*Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English Only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). If a test displays N/A, it means it is not accepted for this course.
Career
Career outcomes
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.
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