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Australian National University

Acton , Canberra ,Australia

Master of Science 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 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. You will discover the breadth of theoretical physics, including understanding how non-linear dynamics can be applied to complex problems.

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;

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

Postgraduate research, or a higher degree by research (HDR) program, is a research-focused degree usually undertaken by someone who has completed a previous degree with a significant research component.

Postgraduate research degrees include Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil).

Eligibility

Admission to a Doctor of Philosophy degree at ANU requires:

  • An Australian Bachelor degree with at least Second Class Honours - Upper (First Class Honours is often required) or its international equivalent, or
  • Another degree with a significant research/thesis component that may be assessed as equivalent to paragraph (1), or
  • A combination of qualifications, research publications, and/or professional experience related to the field of study that may be assessed as equivalent to paragraph (1).

Admission to a Master of Philosophy degree at ANU requires:

  • An Australian Bachelor degree or higher, with an overall grade of distinction or higher, or its international equivalent, or
  • Another degree that may be assessed as equivalent to paragraph (1), or
  • A combination of qualifications, research publications, and/or professional experience related to the field of study that may be assessed as equivalent to paragraph (1).
  • All applicants must meet the University's English language requirements for admission, noting that it is possible for you to apply without yet meeting English. In this case, if you are approved for admission, your offer would be conditional on meeting our language requirements.

A supervisor must be available at ANU willing to supervise your research before an offer may be made. If, however, you are applying to the ANU College of Business & Economics, please check with this College about their arrangements for setting up supervision.

A score of 70% or more with no section less than 65%

Academic IELTS An overall score of 7.0 with a minimum 6.0 in each component of the test.

TOEFL** - paper based test A score of 600 with a TWE* score of 5.0.

TOEFL** - internet based test An overall score of 100, with a minimum of 22 in each component of the test.

Cambridge CAE Advanced (Post 2015) An overall score of 185 with a minimum of 169 in all sub-skills.

PTE Academic An overall score of 70 with a minimum score of 60 in each of the communicative skills.

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 grade point average of at least 5.0/7.0
with at least 8 courses in the field of Physics and/or Engineering and/or Mathematics (minimum grade point average of 5.0/7.0 in these subjects)