Applied Mathematics & Theoretical Physics

The MSc Applied Mathematics & Theoretical Physics offers broad opportunities for future employment in research, development, predictive modelling and risk assessment, and informatics related industry sectors. At UCD, this MSc programme is developed in close connection with the Simulation Science and Computational Physics specialties, offering students both a robust training in computational methods on top of a solid theoretical and mathematical foundation.



The programme is aimed at students with a strong background in Physics, Mathematics or a related Natural Science, who wish to learn state-of-the-art mathematical models and methods, applied to quantitative analysis of a broad range of physical phenomena.



- Offers broad opportunities for future employment in research, development, predictive modelling and risk assessment and informatics-related industry sectors.



- Developed in close connection with the Simulation Science and Computational Physics specialties, offering students both a robust training in computational methods on top of the solid theoretical and mathematical foundation.



What Will I Learn?

1. Describe the state-of-the-art knowledge and skills in Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics.



2. Apply knowledge gained and skills developed to specific fundamental or industrial problems.



3. Use the underlying physics of the field to find, assess and use up-to-date information in order to guide progress.



4. Engage actively in addressing research topics of current relevance.



5. Draw on a suite of transferable skills including critical thinking, problem-solving, scientific report writing, communication skills, teamwork, independent work, professional networking, and project management. Presenting findings both orally and in written form, to thesis level.



6. Formulate a mathematical model of a physical phenomenon, execute and report the results of an analytical theory, develop the limiting solutions and compare results critically with experimental or numerical evidence.



Student Internships

There are opportunities to apply for an internship* in an academic or industry workplace. The internship comprises a research project, the theme of which is chosen by the student in agreement with the supervisor and MSc Course Director. The project may include experimental research, modelling/simulations research, and/or other research appropriate to the MSc programme theme.



*Placements are secured through a competitive process and are not guaranteed.

Stage 1 Core Modules

PHYC41090 Bio-inspired Technologies PHYC Autumn 5



Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:

Optional modules suggested - final approval of module choices following consultation with Programme Director. Optional modules are not limited to lists provided, and other modules can be added following dialogue with the Programme Director.



ACM30190 Dynamical Systems Autumn 5

ACM40010 Electrodynamics & Gauge Theory Autumn 5

ACM40290 Numerical Algorithms Autumn 5

ACM40660 Scientific Programming Concepts (ICHEC) Autumn 5

ACM40750 Gen Relativity & Black Holes Autumn 5

PHYC40020 Applied Quantum Mechanics Autumn 5

PHYC40080 High Energy Particle Physics Autumn 5

PHYC40120 General Relativity & Cosmology Autumn 5

PHYC40470 Computational Biophysics and Nanoscale Simulations Autumn 5

PHYC41070 Techniques in Biophysics Autumn 5

STAT30010 Time Series Autumn 5

STAT40400 Monte Carlo Inference Autumn 5

ACM40640 High Performance Computing (ICHEC) Spring 5

PHYC40200 Quantum Theory of Condensed Matter Spring 5

PHYC40210 Applied Optics Spring 5

PHYC40360 Theoretical Astrophysics Spring 5

PHYC40650 Advanced Statistical Physics Spring 5

PHYC40800 Quantum Field Theory Spring 5

STAT40510 Applied Statistical Modelling Spring 5



Stage 1 Options - B)1 of:

Students must take one of the following modules:

PHYC40850 Physics Research Project 45 2 Trimester duration (Spr-Sum) 45

PHYC40860 Physics Research Project 60 2 Trimester duration (Spr-Sum) 60

PHYC40840 Physics Research Project 30 Summer 30

- This programme is intended for applicants who have a strong background in physics, chemistry, engineering, material sciences or a related discipline with a significant physics content.



- An upper second class honours or international equivalent is required. In special circumstances, students with a strong physics background and 2.2 class honours may be accepted.



- Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.



- Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD’s Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/



- These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax

90

1 year full-time. Delivery: On Campus.

MSc Applied Mathematics & Theoretical Physics (F124) Full Time

EU: fee per year - €8750

nonEU: fee per year - €25600


***Fees are subject to change.

Next Intake: September 2025.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

The programme prepares you for a career in industry or for further PhD research. Career opportunities are broad, including the financial, predictive modelling and risk assessment, telecommunications, data mining and analysis, IT consulting and green technologies industry sectors, both in Ireland and internationally. It is also a stepping stone to PhD research in the areas of theoretical and computational physics, nanotechnology and nanoscience.



Recent and prospective employers include Deloitte, Murex, Intel, Pfizer, MSD, Philips, Tullow Oil, the University of Edinburgh, Imperial College London, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and the National Institutes of Health, USA.