Particles, Strings and Cosmology

This is a full-year degree course, starting early October and finishing in the middle of the subsequent September.

The course consists of three modules: the first two are the Michaelmas and Epiphany graduate lecture courses. The third module is a dissertation on a topic of current research, prepared under the guidance of a supervisor with expertise in the area. We offer a wide variety of possible dissertation topics.

The lectures begin with a general survey of particle physics and introductory courses on quantum field theory and group theory. These lead on to more specialised topics, amongst others in string theory, cosmology, supersymmetry and more detailed aspects of the standard model.

The main group of lectures is given in the first two terms of the academic year. This part of the lecture course is assessed by examinations. In each term there are two teaching periods of 4 weeks, with a week's break in the middle of the term in which students will be able to revise the material. Most courses are either 8 or 16 lectures in length. There are 14 lectures/week in the Michaelmas term and 14 lectures/week in Epiphany term which are supported by weekly tutorials. In addition, lecturers also set a number of homework assignments which give the student a chance to test his or her understanding of the material.

There are additional optional lectures in the third term. These introduce advanced topics and are intended as preparation for research in these areas.

The dissertation must be submitted by mid-September, the end of the 12 month course period.

2.1 Honours in either Physics or Mathematics.

English language requirements

Full Time Fees

The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).

Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.

Previous graduates have progressed to work as research scientists, teachers, statisticians, operational researchers, investment analysts, actuaries, insurance analysts and accountants, for numerous academic institutions and for leaders in their sector.

We offer a distinct blend of high-quality teaching and research along with excellent facilities and a stimulating environment for your studies. Whichever degree you choose, you will benefit from research-led education by experts in a wide variety of fields across pure mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics and probability.

For more information visit our department pages.

Rankings

• 4th in The Complete University Guide 2023

Staff

For a current list of staff, please see the Mathematical Sciences department pages.

Research Excellence Framework

• 96% of our research outputs are world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)

Facilities

In addition to the large collection of mathematics books in the Bill Bryson Library, the college libraries may also have copies of recommended texts. The Department also provides a great deal of support material online and students are welcome to discuss any mathematical questions with their lecturers and tutors.

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