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Australian National University

Acton , Canberra ,Australia

Master of Science (Advanced) in Theoretical Physics

A mastery of theoretical physics allows you to unlock the secrets of our universe. From quantum field theory to general relativity, theoretical physics not only answers the most fundamental questions of our existence but is also at the forefront of scientific discovery.

Take gravitational waves for example. Researchers at The Australian National University supplied equipment and techniques used in the detection of gravitational waves, opening up a new avenue for astronomical discovery. This global scientific collaboration was the culmination of a 100-year journey that started with Einstein’s theory of general relativity.

The Master of Science (Advanced) in Theoretical Physics brings students to the cutting edge of research in an interactive training environment, being taught by some of the world’s leading theoretical physicists. The Master of Science (Advanced) in Theoretical Physics provides you with the opportunity to extend your practical and coursework experience in theoretical physics with the development and implementation of a research project supervised by an academic. This is particularly relevant to those who wish to benefit from the research strengths of ANU and pursue a career in research.

If you are interested in big questions, like how the universe works or how elementary particles interact with each other to form nuclei and stars, then you will enjoy learning about quantum field theory. With applications such as particle physics and condensed matter, quantum field theory is arguably the most far-reaching attempt to combine special relativity and quantum physics in a unique framework.

Drawing on world leading expertise from the ANU Research School of Physics and Engineering, this program will provide you with the techniques and skills necessary for a bright future in research or related careers in education, science and industry.

Campus Information

Acton campus

Our Acton campus is in the heart of Canberra - Australia's capital city - in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). From here it's an easy walk, bike ride or drive to some of Australia's most significant political and cultural institutions including Australian Parliament House. Amongst our modern lecture halls, libraries, laboratories, student residences and administration buildings, you'll find all the conveniences of a small suburb including cafes, bars, supermarkets, child care centres, a newsagency, post office and even a medical centre.

Intakes

  • Feb
  • July

Application Processing Time in Days: 30

Application Process

More Information Required
10 Days
Possible Interview Call from Institution
10 Days
Provisional/Unconditional Offer
20 Days
Visa Process
30 Days

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

The Australian National University takes pride in attracting and retaining outstanding staff.

We offer two categories of employment vacancies, those open to all applicants and others which are only open to ANU staff. To find out how we will handle your information during the job application process.

External job opportunities » Use the Jobs website catalog of current vacancies to find and apply for jobs online.

Internal job opportunities » Use the Internal Jobs website catalog of current vacancies to find and apply for jobs

demonstrate high level knowledge in theoretical physics and its methods;

apply their knowledge in theoretical physics to new problems;

interpret, synthesize and critically analyse published literature of relevance to theoretical physics;

demonstrate theoretical and/or practical skills relevant to techniques and research methodology in theoretical physics;

critically analyse data within applications of theoretical physics to reach independent conclusions;

independently perform theoretical work, interpret and analyse results, write reports and collate data into a thesis;

demonstrate a critical understanding of science in society;

clearly communicate theory and results in both written and oral formats.

 

PSW Opportunity

  • The Insternational student studying in ANU, Canberra gets 3 years of PSW for PG Program

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not automatically guarantee entry. 

Applicants must present a Bachelor degree or international equivalent

  • with a minimum GPA of at least 5.5/7.0
  • with at least 8 courses in a cognate discipline, which must also have a minimum GPA of 5.5/7.0.

The GPA requirement for this program must be met by both the program as a whole, as well as by the 8 courses in a cognate discipline. Where more than 8 cognate courses have been completed by the applicant, ANU will take the best 8 courses when assessing the cognate GPA.

Academic achievement & English language proficiency

The minimum academic requirement for full entry and enrolment is a Bachelor degree or international equivalent with a minimum GPA of 5.5/7.0. 

 

However, applicants will first be ranked on a GPA ('GPA1') that is calculated using all but the last semester (or equivalent) of the Bachelor degree used for admission purposes. 

If required, ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of: 

• a GPA ('GPA2') calculated on the penultimate and antepenultimate semesters (or equivalent) of the Bachelor degree used for admission purposes; and/or

• demonstrating higher-level English language proficiency. 

Prior to enrolment in this ANU program, all students who gain entry will have their Bachelor degree reassessed, to confirm minimum requirements were met.