MSc Particles, Strings And Cosmology

The aim of this course is to bring you, in 12 months, up to the frontier of elementary particle theory.

This is a one year, advanced taught course. This course is intended for students who have already obtained a good first degree in either physics or mathematics, including in the latter case, courses in quantum mechanics and relativity.

The course consists of three modules: the first two are the Michaelmas and Epiphany (the first two terms of the academic year) graduate lecture courses, which are assessed by examinations in January and March. The third module is a dissertation on a topic of current research, prepared under the guidance of a supervisor with expertise in the area. We offer a wide variety of possible dissertation topics. The dissertation must be submitted by September 15th, the end of the twelve month course period.

Course structure

The main group of lectures are given in Michaelmas and Epiphany. This part of the lecture course is assessed by examinations. In each term there are two teaching periods of four weeks, with a week’s break in the middle of the term in which you will be able to revise the material. Most courses are either 8 or 16 lectures in length. There are 14 lectures/week in the Michaelmas term and 14 lectures/week in Epiphany term.

Core modules:

• Introductory Field Theory
• Group Theory
• Standard Model
• General Relativity
• Quantum Electrodynamics
• Quantum Field Theory
• Conformal Field Theory
• Supersymmetry
• Anomalies
• Strong Interaction Physics
• Cosmology
• Superstrings and D-branes
• Non-Perturbative Physics
• Euclidean Field Theory
• Flavour Physics and Effective Field Theory
• Neutrinos and Astroparticle Physics
• 2d Quantum Field Theory.

Examples of optional modules:

• Differential Geometry for Physicists
• Boundaries and Defects in Integrable Field Theory
• Computing for Physicists.