Computational Physics

• Apply knowledge gained and skills developed to a specific project in the field.
• Describe the state-of-the art knowledge and skills in the field.
• Draw on a suite of transferrable skills including critical thinking, problem solving, scientific report writing, communication skills, team-work, independent work, professional networking, project management. Presenting findings both orally and in written form, to thesis level.
• Engage actively in addressing research topics of current relevance.
• Plan, execute and report the results of a numerical investigation and compare results critically with predictions from theory and experimental evidence.
• Set up, conduct and interpret simulations and/or experiment to create new knowledge.
• Use the underlying physics of the field to find, assess and use up-to-date information in order to guide progress.

The programme prepares you for a career in industry or for further PhD research. Career opportunities are broad, including the bio-pharmaceutical, telecommunications, data mining and analysis, IT consulting and green technologies industry sectors, both in Ireland and internationally. It is also a stepping stone to PhD research in the areas of theoretical and computational physics, biological and medical physics, nanotechnology and nanoscience. Recent and prospective employers include Deloitte, Murex Inc., Intel, Pfizer, MSD, Philips, Tullow Oil, the University of Edinburgh, Imperial College London, and the National Institutes of Health, USA.

There are opportunities to apply for an internship in an academic or industry workplace. The internship comprises a research project, the theme of which is chosen by the student in agreement with the supervisor and MSc Course Director. The project may include experimental research, modelling/simulations research, and/or other research appropriate to the MSc programme theme.

***Placements are secured through a competitive process and are not guaranteed.

Computational Physics (F120) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 10200
nonEU    fee per year - € 29100

MSc Computational Physics (F121) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 5030
nonEU    fee per year - € 14550

***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please visit International Scholarships.

This programme is intended for applicants who have a strong background in physics, chemistry, engineering, material sciences or a related discipline with a significant physics content. An upper second class honours or international equivalent is required. In special circumstances, students with a strong physics background and 2.2 class honours may be accepted.

Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent. 

Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the  English language requirements, may enter the programme upon  successful completion of UCD’s Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/ 

These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes 

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

This programme is ideal for any graduate with a strong background in Physics, Mathematics or a related Natural Science, wishing to learn how to convert a mathematical model of a physical system into accurate and robust computer programs that can capture quantitatively its behaviour.