Mathematical and Theoretical Physics MSc

The theories of general relativity and quantum mechanics can explain some of biggest scientific discoveries of the century, from gravitational waves to the Higgs boson, and have brought us ever closer to a theory of everything.

Course description

This course has been created to equip graduates with advanced mathematical tools that can be applied in major areas of scientific intrigue, from black holes to the Higgs boson. There is a wide range of optional modules for you to choose from, so you can focus on the topics that excite you most: general relativity, field theory, quantum mechanics, geometry, electrodynamics, solar physics, particle physics and more.

You’ll spend around one-third of your time working on your own research project, under the supervision of an expert from our School of Mathematics and Statistics or Department of Physics and Astronomy. This in-depth research experience is great preparation for a PhD. There are also modules on machine learning, finance and statistics, so you can develop skills to help you stand out in job markets where maths and physics graduates thrive, such as data science and banking.

You'll spend around one-third of your time working on your own research project, under the supervision of an expert from the University of Sheffield's School of Mathematics and Statistics or Department of Physics and Astronomy. Possible topics include:

• Cosmology, dark matter and dark energy
• Magneto-hydrodynamics in the stellar atmosphere
• Gravitational wave astronomy, black holes and neutron stars
• Fluid mechanics and the Kolmogorov theory of turbulence
• Chaos and fractal boundaries in dynamical systems
• The search for dark matter at underground laboratories

The advanced topics covered and the extensive research training make this degree programme great preparation for a PhD. You'll develop numerical, problem solving and data analysis skills that are useful in many careers, such as computing, finance and data science.