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University

University of Otago
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Master of Science (MSc) in Physics

This course is available

On-Campus

Level of Study

Master's Degree

Duration

1 year

Next start date

Expected Feb 2024

Campus

University of Otago

Summary

The Master of Science (MSc) is a two-year degree which encompasses both coursework and research. The first year involves mainly coursework and preliminary research preparation. Students will have the opportunity to contribute to existing fields of research, or to begin to develop new areas.

Why study Physics?

Learning how the physical world works is fascinating. It is also useful. Physics will hone your thinking ability, and help you to develop high level analytical and problem solving skills. In Otago’s Physics department you will get to study with some of the country’s top physicists. Our research informed teaching draws from a broad spectrum of expertise areas including geophysics, optics, energy science, atomic physics, electronics, and quantum theory.

Career opportunities

An Otago degree in Physics will give you multiple future options. You could work in high-tech areas such as electronics, laser technology, smart materials, healthcare, analytics, or telecommunications.

You might find yourself working for a company developing new products or services, relying on your know-how to come to grips with the complex physical problems of the real world. By combining your study of Physics with another subject you could move into any number of specialist fields. For example, a Physics degree with particular emphasis in acoustics, combined with a music degree, might lead you to becoming an acoustics expert for a construction or architectural company.

You might move into medical physics, working on such techniques as radiotherapy and solar phototherapy. You could work at a hospital, becoming involved in important health initiatives, such as improving or evaluating a public health screening programme. If you choose to continue in Physics and physics research, you might move into areas such as atomic and laser research or energy management.

You may find yourself at sea off Antarctica, studying the effect of waves on the break up of sea ice. Such pursuits could see you working for a university, a research institute or a company specialising in a particular area of physics and its application. Once established in a particular field, you might find yourself suitably experienced to be a high-tech management consultant.

Large international organisations depend on consultants for much of their contracted work. Such positions offer great variety and, in many cases, fantastic opportunities for travel. Physics teachers are in hot demand, both here and overseas. There is an ongoing shortage of secondary school physics teachers, particularly at the higher levels. Being able to teach physics will make you a much sought after employee.

Duration of the Programme

A candidate achieving the degree by papers and a thesis shall normally follow a programme for the equivalent of not less than two years of full-time study and not more than three years of full-time study, and a candidate achieving the degree by thesis alone shall normally follow a programme of study for the equivalent of not less than one year of full-time study and not more than two years of full-time study. Exceptions shall be permitted only with the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences).

Intake: Anytime for thesis-only option.

Entry criteria

Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences).

Every applicant must either

  • be a graduate with an average grade of at least B for the appropriate 300-level papers, or
  • have alternative qualifications or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences).

An applicant seeking admission to the thesis-only option of the programme (see regulation 2(c) below) on the basis of the degree of Bachelor of Science with Honours or the Postgraduate Diploma in Science or equivalent must have achieved a grade of at least B+ for the research report, thesis preparation, or dissertation requirement of the qualification concerned.

In considering an applicant's qualifications, regard will be had to the detail of the course of study followed to gain the qualification, as well as the applicant's performance in the programme.

English language requirements

  • IELTS Academic - Score of 6.5 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0). IELTS Online is also accepted.
  • Internet-based TOEFL - Score of 90 with a minimum writing score of 21
  • Paper-based TOEFL - score of 587 (TWE 4.5)
  • Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) & Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) - Minimum of 176
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic - Overall score of 58 with no communicative skills score below 50.
  • LanguageCert - International ESOL: C1 Expert (LRWS) with a high pass overall and no less than a pass in each skill OR C2 Mastery (LRWS) with a pass overall and no less than a pass in each skill
  • NZCEL - NZCEL 5 Academic endorsement
  • ELA pathway programmes - Successful completion of the English Pathway for Postgraduate Studies (EPPS) with a B Grade

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