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Universities United Kingdom Cardiff University Courses Gravitational Wave Physics (MSc)

Gravitational Wave Physics (MSc)
at Cardiff University

Cardiff, United Kingdom

Tuition Fee £ 23,450
Country Rank-
Duration12 Months
Score IELTS: 6.5

Program Overview

The Gravitational Wave Physics MSc provides broad and comprehensive training in both theory and experiment in gravitational wave (GW) physics and astronomy.

The field of gravitational physics has grown rapidly in the last few years following the first direct detection of gravitational waves in 2015, one hundred years since they were first predicted by Einstein’s general theory of relativity. The landmark first detection, from two black holes colliding, was followed in 2017 by the first joint gravitational-wave and electromagnetic observation of a neutron-stars merger and subsequent gamma-ray burst, and by the award of the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physics. Gravitational-wave observations are now transforming our understanding of the universe, and the field will continue to grow in the next decades with successive improvements in the sensitivity of current detectors, the design and commissioning of the next generation of ground-based detectors, and the space-based LISA detector.

The Gravitational Wave Physics MSc provides broad and comprehensive training in both theory and experiment in gravitational wave (GW) physics and astronomy: techniques in laser interferometry for GW detection, general relativity, astrophysics, modelling of GW sources, and data analysis for GW detection and source interpretation. The programme offers three streams, which allow specialisation in GW observation, data analysis and source modelling, or a broad experience across these topics. Cardiff University staff are at the forefront of world-leading research in all of these areas, which span the core topics at the heart of the field, and which make this a unique degree programme.

As part of the programme you will complete a three-month summer project on one of these research areas. As part of your research you will have the opportunity to join the LIGO Scientific Collaboration (LSC) and to contribute to flagship projects related to gravitational-wave experiment, source modelling, signal searches, and astrophysical interpretation.

On completion of the programme you will have the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to begin a research career in gravitational-wave physics, and be a competitive candidate for jobs in industry.

Distinctive features

You will receive solid core skills training through carefully designed modules that provide practical and theoretical projects that run in parallel with up-to-date lectures, seminars and laboratory sessions.
You will learn how to plan and propose research projects, conduct literature reviews and critiques, code in a variety of experimental- and theoretical-physics related programming environments, and the mathematical and conceptual background of gravitational-wave sources, astrophysics, and data analysis.
You will be able to tailor the course to your requirements by choosing from a range of elective modules to suit your interests and ambitions. Whether you’re fascinated by state-of-the-art precision physical measurements, or want to specialise in numerical relativity, the astrophysics of compact binaries, or measurement of gravitational-wave sources, we have modules to suit you.
Central to the design of this programme is the opportunity for you to take ownership of real theoretical or practical projects
You will have acquired a full year’s worth of practical research experience by the time you complete your MSc, greatly enhancing your CV and prospects for employment or further study.
Cardiff University’s position at the forefront of gravitational wave physics and astronomy means that the knowledge, theory and skills that you acquire will be at the cutting-edge of the field.
You may well have the opportunity of carrying out your research project with one of the exciting international research teams working in this field in the US, Germany or the UK.
You will join a supportive student community and, as an MSc student, have sole access to a dedicated MSc Teaching Facility which includes teaching laboratories, a meeting and seminar room, close to the offices of the MSc Co-ordinators and Director of Postgraduate Taught Studies.

Course Content
The MSc Gravitational Wave Physics is a two-stage programme delivered over three terms.

Autumn term (60 credits, taught)

You will undertake three required modules (40 credits total) covering core skills and two elective modules of 10 credits value each covering specialist skills.

Spring term (60 credits, taught)

You will undertake three required modules (40 credits total) covering core skills and two elective modules of 10 credits each covering specialist skills.

Within the optional modules, students are required to follow one of three possible streams, depending on the particular focus on gravitational-wave physics that they wish to pursue. The three streams are: (1) Observational gravitational-wave astronomy, with a pairing of PXT903 and PXT125; (2) Gravitational-wave sources, with a pairing of PXT904 and PXT112; (3) Comprehensive gravitational-wave astronomy, for students who wish to focus exclusively on gravitational-wave physics, with a pairing of PXT903 and PXT904. Students will be guided through their module choices.

You must successfully complete the 120 credits of the taught component of the course before you will be permitted to progress to the research project component.

Summer term (60 credits, research project)

The summer term consists of a single 60 credit research project module of 3 months’ duration. You will be required to produce a research dissertation and present your research to the School in order to complete this module.

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2022/23 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2022.

You will have two weeks at the beginning of the autumn term to attend any elective modules you are interested in so that you can finalise your choice for that term. You will need to make your final selections for the spring term before the Christmas recess. You will be supported in generating and negotiating a research project proposal during the spring term in order to prepare for your summer research project.
Entry Requirement
Academic requirements:

Typically, you will need to have either:
- a 2:1 honours degree in a relevant subject area such as physics, mathematics, engineering, a related physical science, astronomy, astrophysics or an equivalent international degree
- a university-recognised equivalent academic qualification.
- or relevant professional experience evidenced by a reference. This should be signed, dated and less than six months old at the time you submit your application.
English Language requirements:

IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or an accepted equivalent.

Application deadline:

We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible.

Selection process:

We will review your application and if you meet the entry requirements, we will make you an offer.
Fees & Scholarships
Fees for home status

Tution Fees - £10,200
Deposit - £

Fees for overseas status

Tution Fees - £23,450
Deposit-£1,000
Career Prospect
An MSc Gravitational Wave Physics degree will open up opportunities in the following areas:
- Theoretical, experimental and computational doctoral research in gravitational wave physics and astronomy;
- Numerate, technical, research, development and engineering positions in related scientific fields;
- Physics, mathematics and general science education
Placements

There may be opportunities each year for students to carry out their summer research project module at one of the LIGO observatories in the U.S. or at the GEO600 detector in Germany. The number and nature of these projects will vary from year to year and will be assigned based on merit demonstrated during the autumn and spring terms.

Cost Of Studying At Cardiff University

Interest rates as low as 8.9% ^*

250K+

Students Assisted

800Cr+

Loan Amount Disbursed

5000+

Loans Sanctioned

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Gravitational Wave Physics (MSc) at Cardiff University