University of Western Australia

What you'll study

The Master of Physics offers a flexible programme that can be taken as a coursework master's, a research master's, or a mixed pathway combining advanced units with a substantial research project. Core topics build on undergraduate foundations and typically include advanced classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and electrodynamics. Students choose from specialist subjects such as condensed matter physics, atomic and molecular physics, optical and laser physics, astrophysics and cosmology, particle and nuclear physics, and computational physics.

• Core advanced units: quantum theory, statistical mechanics, advanced electrodynamics and mathematical methods for physicists.
• Specialist electives: condensed matter and nanophysics, plasma physics, laser and photonics, astrophysics and observational techniques, and particle physics.
• Practical training: laboratory-based experimental modules, instrument design and measurement techniques, and numerical/computational modelling using modern software tools.
• Research project or thesis: a supervised research project is a significant component for research and mixed pathways, allowing you to develop independent research skills, data analysis capability and scientific communication.

The programme is designed to balance rigorous theoretical training with hands-on experimental and computational experience. Students may tailor their course load towards theoretical physics, experimental physics or applied physics depending on career aims and supervisor availability.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a recognised Bachelor’s degree in physics or a closely related discipline. Typical applicants will have completed an honours year or have an equivalent level of preparation in mathematics and core physics subjects. Selection is based on academic performance, the relevance of prior study, and the match between the applicant’s interests and available supervision or coursework offerings.

• Academic background: a strong undergraduate record in physics, or a related degree with substantial physics and mathematics content. Completion of an honours degree or equivalent research experience is usually expected for the research pathway.
• Other requirements: referees’ reports, a statement of purpose outlining study and research interests, and in some cases a research proposal for applicants to the research stream.
• English language: evidence of English proficiency is required for international applicants in line with the university’s postgraduate English language policy.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master of Physics move into a wide range of careers that value advanced analytical, quantitative and technical skills. Common career destinations include research and development roles in industry, national laboratories and research institutes, positions in high‑technology and instrumentation companies, and continued academic research at PhD level.

• Research scientist roles in universities, government and private research organisations
• R&D and technical development in sectors such as photonics, semiconductor technology, medical physics and instrumentation
• Data science, quantitative analysis and software development roles that leverage numerical modelling skills
• Engineering and technical consultancy, particularly where advanced measurement and modelling are required
• Secondary and tertiary teaching following appropriate teacher training or further education pathways

Why study at University of Western Australia

UWA has an established physics department with active research groups across theoretical and experimental areas, offering supervision by academics working on contemporary problems in condensed matter, atomic and molecular physics, astrophysics, and applied optics. Students benefit from laboratory facilities, access to modern instrumentation, and computational resources including collaboration opportunities with regional high performance computing providers.

Located in Perth, UWA provides connections to local and national research infrastructure and industry partners, which can be particularly advantageous for applied projects and internships. The university supports postgraduate training through research seminars, skills workshops, and pathways into doctoral study or professional roles in science and technology.