MSc in Mathematical and Theoretical Physics

at University of Oxford

You will have to attend at least ten units' worth of courses, where one unit corresponds to a 16-hour lecture course or equivalent. 

Depending on how many courses you take in total, and how they split between terms, you can expect to attend two, three or four (or, in exceptional cases, five) lecture courses per term. Each lecture course has roughly two one-hour lectures per week supplemented by roughly four 90 minute classes per term.

The remainder of your study time should be spent on self-study, consolidating on the material covered in lectures, working through the problem sheets set for each class and working independently on your dissertation, if you have chosen to undertake one.

Dissertation

You can opt to offer a dissertation as part of your ten units. 

The dissertation is undertaken under the guidance of a supervisor and will typically involve investigating and writing in a particular area of mathematics or physics, without the requirement (while not excluding the possibility) of obtaining original results. A dissertation gives students the opportunity to develop broader transferable skills in the processes of organising, communicating, and presenting their work, and will equip students well for further research or for a wide variety of other careers.

For single unit dissertations you can roughly expect a one hour meeting with your dissertation supervisor at the end of the first term, followed by a further three one hour meetings in the second term. Double unit dissertations would have roughly twice this number of meetings.

Proven and potential academic excellence

Degree-level qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:
 

• a first-class undergraduate degree with honours in mathematics, physics, or a related discipline.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.7 out of 4.0.

GRE General Test scores

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience
 

• Publications are not expected.

English language proficiency

Minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level requirement

IELTS Academic

 7.5  

TOEFL iBT, including the 'Home Edition'

110

Home    
£12,710

Overseas    
£32,760

Research in mathematical and theoretical physics or industry.