University of Central Lancashire(UCLAN)

What you'll study

The MSc by Research in Physics is centred on an extended independent research project, typically spanning the full length of the programme and resulting in a written thesis. Your project is chosen in collaboration with an academic supervisor and will draw on UCLan's research areas such as condensed matter and materials physics, photonics and optics, computational and theoretical physics, and applied experimental techniques. Projects may be experimental, computational or theoretical depending on your background and the supervising group's expertise.

Alongside the main research project you will undertake training to develop research competencies. Typical elements include:

• Research project – a sustained piece of original research leading to a thesis.
• Research methods and transferable skills – training in experimental design, statistical analysis, scientific writing, and presentation skills.
• Discipline-specific techniques – laboratory practice in areas such as optics/electronics, measurements and instrumentation, or advanced computational modelling and simulation, depending on project needs.
• Seminars and research culture – participation in departmental seminars, research group meetings and progress reviews.

The programme is flexible in structure to accommodate full- and part-time study and often includes opportunities to collaborate with industry or other research partners where appropriate.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree (UK 2:1 or equivalent) in physics, applied physics, or a closely related subject such as engineering or physical sciences. Applicants with a relevant lower-class degree but with significant research experience or a relevant postgraduate qualification may be considered.

Entry is subject to agreement of a suitable research supervisor and an acceptable research proposal or outline. International applicants should hold an equivalent qualification and meet the University's English language requirements; evidence of prior research experience or appropriate references will strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MSc by Research in Physics go on to a range of careers that require strong analytical, technical and research skills. Common next steps include:

• Progression to doctoral research (PhD) in physics or related disciplines.
• Research and development roles in industry sectors such as materials, photonics, electronics, instrumentation and renewable energy.
• Technical and specialist positions in laboratories, testing and quality assurance, or product development.
• Data science and modelling roles that use numerical simulation, data analysis and computational methods.
• Further professional roles including patent examination, science policy, technical consultancy and, with additional qualifications, teaching.

The research experience and transferable skills developed on the programme are valued by employers across academia, public research organisations and industry.

Why study at University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)

UCLan offers a supportive research environment with accessible supervision and a focus on applied, collaborative projects. The School of Forensic, Psychosocial and Investigative Sciences and the wider Faculty maintain active research groups where physics research is embedded in multidisciplinary activity, creating opportunities for applied projects and external partnerships.

Facilities available to physics researchers at UCLan include teaching and research laboratories, specialist instrumentation and computing resources for experimental work and simulation. Students benefit from a strong emphasis on employability, regular research seminars, and opportunities to engage with local industry and research networks.

Staff supervision is provided by researchers with a range of expertise, and the programme is structured to help you develop the technical, analytical and communication skills needed to succeed in research or professional practice.