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Postgraduate Physics

Postgraduate Physics Training

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The School of Physics at the University of Sydney is an internationally recognised department, lauded for its educational and research efforts. It is one of the top academic departments in Australia, and its research has been ranked among the highest in the nation. Postgraduate students are at the heart of modern Physics Schools and Departments worldwide, and take a key place within the School at Sydney. This page provides information on postgraduate degree programs offered by the School of Physics at the University of Sydney.

  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) : Comprehensive degree focused on the generation of original research and research-led education. Research degrees are offered in a wide range of experimental and theoretical research areas which are described in the School's Research Activities pages. The Degree culminates in the student Thesis, an original work of scholarly research competitive on an international level.
  • Master of Science (MSc) [Research]: A research and thesis-based degree involving the production of original research, but of a more restricted scope than the PhD.
  • Masters/ Graduate Diploma [Coursework]: Intensive, targeted coursework-only programs in specific areas of interest to practicing researchers and scientists such as Medical and Radiation Physics (MMedPhys/GradDipMedPhys), Applied Nuclear Science (MAppNucSci/GradDipApplNucSci), and Photonics and Optical Science (MPhotOptSci/GradDipPhotOptSci). Students in these programs undertake lecture course units over two semesters (full-time) or four semesters (part-time). Masters students also pursue a research project, which normally requires one additional semester (full-time) or two additional semesters (part-time). The Graduate Diploma has no project component.

Degree Entry Requirements

Applicants for a PhD program MUST hold a Master's degree or a Bachelor's degree with First Class Honours from the University of Sydney or an equivalent qualification from another University or institution.

Applicants for a MSc (research) program should hold a Bachelor's degree with First or Second Class Honours or an equivalent qualification.

The Graduate Diploma in Science provides an alternate entry qualification for the MSc and PhD. It is identical in content to the Honours (4th year) Physics course and is available to candidates who are not eligible to enrol in that course, usually because of their background in Physics from outside the University of Sydney.

Applicants for a Masters or Graduate Diploma by coursework are expected to have successfully completed a Bachelor's degree in the physical sciences with a major in physics, or an equivalent degree.

Scholarships

Students must have the necessary funding for travel, tuition fees (international students) and living allowance. Several scholarship schemes exist to support domestic (Australian) and international students. Please note that these scholarships are available only to students pursuing research degrees.

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Faculty of Science/University Course Information

Science Faculty Information for Future Postgraduate Students

University Information for Future Students

For further information about postgraduate study, contact , Room 210, ground floor, Physics Building.

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