MSc Physics

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: For admission to postgraduate programs at UCD, the general entry requirement is a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in the student's previous academic qualifications, such as a bachelor's degree.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual band lower than 6.0.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 90 with no section below Listening 19, Speaking 19, Writing 21, and Reading 19.
• PTE: Overall score of 63 with a minimum of 59 in each section.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Overall score of 120 with a minimum of 110.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It's important to note that entry requirements can vary by program and may change over time. Additionally, some programs may have additional requirements, such as interviews, portfolios, or work experience.

UCD offers various scholarships and financial aid options specifically designed to support international students pursuing their education at the university. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, promote diversity, and alleviate the financial burden for deserving students. 

UCD Global Excellence Graduate Scholarship: This merit-based scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international students applying for eligible full-time master's programs. It covers a percentage of the tuition fees for the duration of the program.

UCD Global Undergraduate Scholarship: Intended for non-EU students, this scholarship is based on academic performance and offers financial assistance towards tuition fees for the duration of undergraduate studies.

Regional Graduate Scholarships: UCD provides scholarships targeted at students from specific regions or countries, encouraging diversity and supporting talented individuals from those areas.

UCD Ad Astra Academic Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship is awarded to outstanding students with exceptional academic achievements and offers financial support along with enrichment opportunities.

Sports Scholarships: For students who excel in sports, UCD offers scholarships to support their academic pursuits while actively participating in sports at a competitive level.

UCD Research Scholarships: These scholarships are available to support international students pursuing research-based postgraduate programs, providing funding and opportunities to engage in groundbreaking research initiatives.

Government and External Scholarships: UCD collaborates with various governments, organizations, and foundations worldwide to offer additional scholarship opportunities for international students based on specific criteria and partnerships.

An MSc in Physics from UCD equips graduates with a diverse skill set, opening up various career opportunities in sectors that require strong analytical, problem-solving, and research skills.

1. Research Scientist: Graduates can pursue roles as research scientists, working in academic institutions, government laboratories, or private research organizations. They might focus on areas such as astrophysics, condensed matter physics, particle physics, or other specialized fields.

2. Data Scientist/Analyst: With expertise in quantitative analysis, graduates can work as data scientists or analysts in industries like finance, technology, healthcare, or research. They analyze data, create models, and derive insights from complex datasets.

3. Engineering: Physics graduates often transition into engineering roles, leveraging their understanding of fundamental physical principles in areas such as electronics, materials science, renewable energy, or aerospace engineering.

4. Science Education: Some graduates pursue careers in education, becoming teachers or educators in schools, colleges, or science centers, imparting knowledge of physics to students.

5. Quantitative Finance: Graduates may enter the finance sector, working as quantitative analysts, where their strong analytical skills are valuable for modeling financial data and predicting market trends.

6. Consulting: Physics graduates might find roles as consultants, advising companies on technical or scientific issues, offering insights on research and development, or contributing to innovative projects.

7. PhD/MPhil Studies: Many graduates choose to further their academic pursuits by pursuing doctoral studies (PhD) or master's by research (MPhil) in physics or related fields, aiming for specialized research or academic careers.

8. Scientific Writing and Journalism: Opportunities exist for physics graduates to work as science writers, journalists, or editors, communicating complex scientific concepts to the public through articles, journals, or media.

9. Technology and Innovation: Graduates can contribute to technological advancements, working in companies focused on innovation, product development, or technology research.

10. Healthcare and Medical Physics: Physics graduates might find roles in healthcare sectors, especially in medical physics, involving the use of physics principles in diagnostic imaging, radiation therapy, or medical device development.