MSc Nuclear & Environmental Physics

The Masters in Nuclear and Environmental Physics aims to give students an understanding of the application of nuclear processes to energy generation, medical physics and environmental monitoring, at a level appropriate for a professional physicist. Students will be provided with the theoretical, experimental and computational skills necessary to analyse and solve a variety of advanced physics problems relevant to this range of important global industries. The programme will draw upon a wide range of advanced Masters-level lecture courses delivered within the School of Physics & Astronomy: in addition to undertaking core physics courses and courses that build key research skills, students will have the flexibility to tailor their choice of elective lecture courses and project work to a wide variety of specific research topics and their applications in the areas of nuclear physics, nuclear industry and environmental monitoring.

WHY THIS PROGRAMME

• The School of Physics and Astronomy plays a leading role in the exploitation of data from the Large Hadron Collider, the world’s largest particle accelerator at CERN.
• The School has close links with Sellafield Ltd. and the UK National Nuclear Laboratory in the area of nuclear fuel reprocessing and nuclear waste management.
• Members of the School of Physics and Astronomy set up Lynkeos Technology Ltd, for muon imaging of nuclear waste products.
• The School plays a world-leading role in the design and operation of the worldwide network of laser interferometers that have detected gravitational waves.
• The School is highly active in research and knowledge transfer projects with industry. Our Masters students have regular opportunities to engage with our industrial collaborators through informal visits, guest lectures and workshops.
• You will also benefit from our membership of the Scottish Universities Physics Alliance. The alliance brings together internationally leading physics research across Scotland to form the largest physics grouping in the UK.
• You will gain the theoretical, observational and computational skills necessary to analyse and solve advanced physics problems, providing you with an excellent foundation for a career of scientific leadership in academia or industry.
• You will develop transferable skills that will improve your career prospects, such as project management, team-working, advanced data analysis, problem-solving, critical evaluation of scientific literature, advanced laboratory and computing skills, and how to effectively communicate with different audiences.
• You will benefit from direct contact with our group of international experts who will teach you cutting-edge physics and supervise your projects.
• The School has an Athena Swan Silver Award, demonstrating the support for women and under-represented groups in scientific studies and careers, with the goal to improve the working environment for all.
• It is expected that this programme will be accredited by the Institute of Physics.

CAREER PROSPECTS

There are several career paths for environmental and nuclear physicists which tackle environmental or energy problems through the application of physical principles, for example, creating new materials or products. Job roles include working on remote sensing equipment, environmental monitoring, atmospheric models, energy conservation measures within industries that manage pollution control, or nuclear waste disposal.