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- Particles, Strings and Cosmology MSc
Course options
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Qualification
MSc - Master of Science
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Location
Durham University
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Study mode
Full time
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Start date
OCT
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Duration
1 year
Course summary
Course Summary
This is a one year, advanced taught course. The aim of this course is to bring students, in 12 months, to the frontier of elementary particle theory. This course is intended for students who have already obtained a good first degree in either physics or mathematics, including in the latter case, courses in quantum mechanics and relativity.
The course consists of three modules: the first two are the Michaelmas and Epiphany graduate lecture courses, which are assessed by examinations in January and March. 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 dissertation must be submitted by September 15th, the end of the twelve month course period.
Course Learning and Teaching
This is a full-year degree course, starting early October and finishing in the middle of the subsequent September. The aim of the course is to bring students to the frontier of research in elementary particle theory. 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 (Michaelmas and Epiphany). 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 twelve month course period.
Modules
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£ 22,000per year
Tuition fees shown are for indicative purposes and may vary. Please check with the institution for most up to date details.
University information

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University League Table
7th
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Campus address
Durham University, The Palatine Centre, Stockton Road, Durham, Durham, DH1 3LE, England
Subject rankings
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Subject ranking
4th out of 49
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Entry standards
/ Max 240216 94%4th
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Graduate prospects
/ Max 10089 89%4th
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Student satisfaction
/ Max 54.05 81%34th
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