School of Physics and Astronomy

University of Edinburgh

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The School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Edinburgh is renowned for its excellence for the quality, scale and breadth of its research. Located in one of the UK’s leading physics and astronomy department, The School of Physics and Astronomy offers world-class education. With a rich history of discovery, including the Higgs boson, students are provided with extraordinary academic and career potential. Recent graduates have undertaken exciting careers across a range of industries and research, helping shape the future of physics and astronomy. Depending on what programme you choose, you’ll have the chance to answer fundamental and exciting questions about living matter and the science of life. You will gain advanced experimental and computational techniques, and theoretical understanding. You will be taught by leading academics with a genuine passion for their subject, and benefit from our commitment to continuously refine our teaching approaches to achieve the best educational outcome.

Why study at the School of Physics and Astronomy?

World-leading facilities like the Higgs Centre for Theoretical Physics which fosters collaboration to explore fundamental physics.

Academic staff, recognised for teaching excellence, helping students to reach their full potential.

Physics department renowned for ground-breaking research, Nobel Prize winner Professor Peter Higgs and first female Astronomer Royal for Scotland, Catherine Heymans.

260

postgraduate students

4

courses

Top 20

in the UK for Physics and Astronomy departments. * Times Good University Guide by subject 2025

Edinburgh United Kingdom

main campus

About the School of Physics and Astronomy

The School of Physics and Astronomy is dedicated to conducting cutting-edge research, providing exceptional education, engaging with industry, and sharing its passion for science. Exceling in areas such as particle physics, nuclear physics, and astrophysics, we help drive scientific advancements that shape our understanding of the universe.

As a student here, you’ll join us on this mission in a collaborative and international environment where researchers and students work together to tackle fundamental questions and help develop ground breaking theories. We are committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists and innovators, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to make a lasting impact.

Our Masters Degrees

MSc in Mathematical Physics
MSc in Theoretical Physics
MSc in Particle and Nuclear Physics
MSc in Astrobiology and Planetary Sciences

Student life at the School of Physics and Astronomy

At the School of Physics and Astronomy, we’re committed to creating a supportive and engaging community where you’ll thrive academically and personally.

The King’s Buildings campus, where the School of Physics and Astronomy is located, is just three miles south of the city centre and easy to get to. There are frequent buses connecting it to central Edinburgh and the University’s main campus. With Edinburgh being a compact city, cycling or walking are also great options, with plenty of paths and facilities to make your journey easy. Excellent transport links means there is also plenty of opportunity to explore surrounding areas of Scotland.

There are plenty of events and networking opportunities, creating spaces for you to connect, share, and grow within a vibrant and inclusive student community. For example, MSc staff and students organise pizza nights, movie nights and various get togethers across the year, helping you to settle in and make connections.

Frequently asked questions

Where do the classes take place?

The majority of classes for MSc students at the School of Physics and Astronomy are held at the James Clerk Maxwell Building (JCMB), located within the King's Buildings campus, approximately three miles south of the city centre and only a 20-minute bus journey from our main campus. The King's Buildings campus is easily accessible via public transport, cycling, or walking, with regular bus services connecting it to central Edinburgh.

How intense are the MSc programmes at the School of Physics and Astronomy and how do students manage their workload?

Our taught Postgraduate degrees include two compulsory courses and a minimum of three specialist courses. You will be able to select a number of your courses based on your interests and career ambitions. Following on from this, you will undertake a three-month research project leading to a dissertation. Throughout your studies, you’ll be supported by both an academic advisor and a student advisor, who will be there to guide and assist you.

What can you do with a MSc in Astrobiology and Planetary Sciences?

Graduates will be well-suited for many potential career paths. This may include scientific research in areas of planetary sciences, astronomy, geology, biology and allied fields; careers in engineering, for example providing a scientific underpinning to spacecraft design and engineering; associated careers in science education, pedagogy, outreach, reporting, media, and the civil service. This approach will equip students with excellent research skills, well placed to be competitive PhD applicants.

Can the masters be done part-time?

No, our postgraduate degrees are offered exclusively on a full-time basis.

What can you do with a MSc in Physics?

By undertaking an MSc programme in Physics at the School of Physics and Astronomy, you will gain advanced experimental techniques, and theoretical understanding. Our programmes help to develop general transferable skills related to data analysis, research and communication which can be applied and useful in many working professions. This provides a platform for employment in research, science-based industry, medical physics, education and a wide spectrum of professions that call for numeracy and data analysis skills, well placed to be competitive PhD applicants.

Register your interest with the School of Physics and Astronomy

Main campus

University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh

Scotland

United Kingdom

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School of Physics and Astronomy