MSc THEORETICAL PHYSICS AND MATHEMATICS

This course is intended introduce graduates in theoretical physics, mathematics, and related disciplines to current ideas and methods at the forefront of modern theoretical physics and mathematics research, including

• Topics in theoretical physics: gravitation and cosmology, fluid mechanics, condensed matter physics, quantum information and subatomic physics.
• Topics in pure mathematics: functional analysis, algebraic and differential topology, representation theory, Riemannian and non-Riemannian geometry.

Although the topics are diverse, there are commonalities which mean that the same mathematical and numerical methods can often be used in different fields, and there are many intersections between these topics. This MSc will also introduce descriptions and methods originally developed in theoretical physics and mathematics, which have found application in a wide range of other fields including biological systems, finance and computer science. It introduces students to the forefront of current research through a supervised project and may serve as an entry point to a research degree.

Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent honours degree).

2.1 BSc Theoretical Physics and Mathematics, or physics degree with substantial mathematics component, or mathematics degree with substantial physics component.

Minimum English language requirements:

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.

Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

IELTS : 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each band

Duolingo English Test (DET) : The minimum requirement will be a DET score of 120 - with at least 110 in each individual subscore. 

Pearson Test of English : 63 with no less than 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section

TOEFL internet-based test  : iBT: 90 with no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in every other section

Many graduates of this programme will wish to pursue PhD study in the areas of theoretical physics or mathematics, often with a view to an academic or research career. An MSc in these areas provides a strong and necessary foundation. For application to many PhD programmes, it is an essential qualification.

Outside academia, the expertise gained in a theoretical physics and mathematics MSc is frequently applied in industries such as financial mathematics, data science and high-performance computing. Graduates from theoretical physics and mathematics MSc programmes are highly sought after in the financial and IT sectors. It is important to emphasise that mathematics and physics provide the theoretical foundations on which the software and algorithms used in these industries is based. Graduates with advanced degrees in mathematics and theoretical physics are therefore well-equipped to make fundamental contributions: shaping new theoretical developments at the coalface in these areas.