Physics studies how our Universe works, from the smallest atomic nucleus to the largest galaxy. Our MSci Physics with Astrophysics degree is aimed at students who have an interest in astronomy and wish to understand the physics behind the pretty pictures. Students undertaking this degree will still obtain a thorough grounding in modern physics, but will also take astrophysics modules that allows them to understand the workings of our Universe, and potentially lead to a career as a research astrophysicist.
Physics with Astro-Physics highlights
Professional Accreditations
Accredited by the Institute of Physics for the purpose of exemptions from some professional examinations, which partially fulfils the requirements to obtain the status of Chartered Physicist (CPhys).
Student Experience
This 4-year integrated masters programme allows our students to advance their knowledge and skills to a much higher level of proficiency. The additional year also enables these capabilities to be applied in an extensive research project during which the students’ confidence and maturity grows markedly. This ultimately transforms the career prospects of our graduates.
World Class Facilities
You will be taught in our new state-of-the-art teaching centre, containing specialist laboratory equipment and computer facilities. Students also use some of the research facilities in their final year projects, such as a telescope observatory on the roof of the main building, one of the most powerful university lasers in the world, and state-of-the-art nano-fabrication and characterisation facilities.
Internationally Renowned Experts
All of our faculty staff are research scientists in their own right; in the 2021 REF peer-review exercise, Physics Research Power was in the top 20 in the UK
Student Experience
In the 2023 National Student Survey physics scored above the benchmark in 6 out of 7 themes with a 94.9% positivity score on how well staff explained things.
Further Study Opportunities
You can join the Physics and Mathematics Society (PAMSOC) which organises events and trips throughout the year. You can also take advantage of the many events held within the Northern Ireland Science Festival each February, which School staff and postgraduate students heavily support. Many of our students also support other students by becoming peer mentors which qualifies them for the enhanced Degree Plus award.
Global Opportunities
We participate in the IAESTE and Turing student exchange programmes, which enable students to obtain work experience in companies and universities throughout the world.
Further Study Opportunities
Placement Year
Students can take an optional placement year between years 2/3 or years 3/4 of their course. Completion of an approved placement will be acknowledged in your final degree certificate with the addition of the words "with placement year".
Career Development
The most recent HESA data shows that over 95% of QUB physics graduates are in employment or further study 15 months after graduation.
Student Experience
The School has the 3rd highest postgraduate research student satisfaction in the University.
The School of Mathematics and Physics was 3rd of 15 schools in the University in overall NSS score.
Student Testimonials
All of my lecturers seemed so enthusiastic about what they were teaching us. It was easy to feel the same way. And they were always very approachable. They always seemed really happy if you came to ask a question. In our first year, we also had weekly physics tutorials in small groups of three or four that were also really helpful. I didn’t expect such focused teaching.
My degree has given me a lot of wonderful opportunities. After I left QUB I went to Munich to do a PhD and now I’m in Paris working as a postdoctoral researcher. Everyone I graduated with seems to have done really well.
Dr. Aoife Boyle (MSci Physics with Astrophysics)
All of my lecturers seemed so enthusiastic about what they were teaching us. It was easy to feel the same way. And they were always very approachable. They always seemed really happy if you came to ask a question. In our first year, we also had weekly physics tutorials in small groups of three or four that were also really helpful. I didn’t expect such focused teaching.
My degree has given me a lot of wonderful opportunities. After I left QUB I went to Munich to do a PhD and now I’m in Paris working as a postdoctoral researcher. Everyone I graduated with seems to have done really well.
The course unit details given are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Stage 1
In their first year students study a core of experimental, theoretical and computational Physics, alongside Applied Mathematics (all compulsory modules).
Stage 2
At Stage 2, students take 6 compulsory modules
Advanced Laboratory work develops the skills of planning, carrying out and analysing experiments and simulations, and provides opportunities for deepening understanding of the wide applicability of physics.
Stage 3
At Stage 3, MSci students also have the opportunity to undertake a Computational project module, which will introduce them to numerical simulations that are fundamental to all areas of physics today.
Stage 4
At Stage 4, specialist modules are available, broadly reflecting research interests of those teaching in the Department.
Also in this year, a major project is carried out in association with one of these research areas, with the student working within world-leading research groups. Through this project students gain an intensive insight into modern scientific research.
Students can also undertake projects with an outside organisation or company provided the research is approved by the Director of Education. Examples include the Central Laser Facility in Oxfordshire, England, local engineering firms and the Northern Ireland Regional Cancer Centre. Some projects may result in publications in national and international scientific journals.
School of Maths and Physics Dr Kar is a Reader in Physics and is an internationally recognised expert in the areas of high-intensity laser-plasma interaction. His main focus is on the development and optimisation of laser-driven ion and neutron sources for their wide-ranging applications in Science, security and healthcare.
Contact Teaching Hours
Medium Group Teaching
6 (hours maximum) 6 hours of practical classes and computer workshops each week in level 1, increasing to an average of 8 hours of practical work per week in Level 2.
Personal Study
16 (hours maximum) 14-16 hours studying and revising in your own time each week, including some guided study using handouts, online activities, homeworks etc.
Large Group Teaching
9 (hours maximum) 9 hours of lectures.
Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial
2 (hours maximum) 2 hours of tutorials (or later, project supervision) each week.
Learning and Teaching
At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:
Computer-Based Modules
These provide students with the opportunity to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts. For example, one of the Level 1 modules, PHY1003 Computational Modelling in Physics, will introduce students to programming and begin developing those skills in the field of theoretical calculations. Students will be given instruction on how to programme in Python and Matlab. Use of AI technology has been recently introduced into some modules such as the PHY3008 Professional Skills module at level 3.
E-Learning technologies
Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Online. A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree programme through the use of, for example, interactive support materials and web-based learning activities.
Laboratory Physics
As physics is an experimentally based subject, all students will undertake experimental physics as part of their degree. Students normally work in assigned pairs in the laboratory, with submitted reports and findings individually assessed. As part of this work students will become proficient in using Excel for analysing data and Word for laboratory reports. In their final year students will undertake a final year astrophysics project, placed within Astrophysics Research Centre at QUB. These projects are a key part of our MSci program can typically involve training a range of skills including practical laboratory work, computational skills, data analysis, and scientific presentation.
Lectures
These introduce and explain the foundation information about topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. The material in the lectures will follow the syllabus issued at the start of the module, and will form the basis of the assessment carried out. As the modules progress and student’s knowledge of physics grows, this information becomes more complex. Lectures, which are normally delivered in large groups to all year-group peers, also provide opportunities to ask questions and seek clarification on key issues as well as gain feedback and advice on assessments.
Additional lectures may also be also delivered by invited speakers and scientists from various areas of physics – these lectures generally do not form part of the assessed work, but students are encouraged to attend to widen their knowledge and appreciation of the subject. There may also be lectures from employers of physics graduates. These enable employers to impart their valuable experience to physics students, and allows our physics students to meet and engage with potential future employers.
Self-directed study
This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.
Seminars/Tutorials
A significant amount of teaching is carried out in small groups (2–5 students), particularly at Stage 1. These sessions are designed to explore, in more depth, the information that has been presented in the lectures, and are normally based on coursework submitted by the students. This provides students with the opportunity to engage closely with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of their peers. During these classes, students will be expected to present their work to academic staff and their peers.
Assessment
The way in which students are assessed will vary according to the learning objectives of each module. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which may be accessed online via the School website. Physics modules are typically assessed by a combination of continuous assessment and a final written unseen examination. Continuous assessment consists of:
Student Tutorial Questions/ Lecture Assignments
This involves the completion and submission of example problems on a weekly (tutorial) or three-weekly (assignment) basis as answered by individual students. These are submitted by students by an appropriate deadline and assessed, with the mark awarded contributing to the continuous assessment element of the module mark. The mark awarded reflects accuracy and clarity of the submitted answers together with understanding of the subject matter. Consistent with employer feedback, some modules also require students to prepare and make a small group presentation on a pre-assigned topic. Such group activities are also assessed, with the mark awarded contributing to the continuous assessment element of the module mark. To aid such exercises all students in their first year are given instruction and guidance on making successful presentations.
Laboratory and Computational Skills
All physics students are required to learn and understand the basic concepts of experimental physics. This involves understanding the basics of measurements, accuracy and error analysis; being able to understand and (in later levels) assess different methods of performing experimental measurements; reporting experimental findings and comparing them with prior knowledge of expectations based on physical laws. Assessment takes place through short laboratory reports or presentations, for which instruction is given. Additionally, all students will be given training in software coding using computer languages appropriate for scientific investigations, and this is assessed through worksheets and assignments. MSci students undertake a substantial research project in their final year. This involves developing the skills to develop and lead project work, and to present scientific results both as a formal written report and a talk.
Examinations
Most modules require the sitting of an unseen examination, to assess individual understanding of physical concepts and the ability to tackle problems in the taught areas of physics.
Computer Based Assessment
Some modules use online quizzes/tests as part of the module assessment. This tests basic knowledge, understanding and problem solving.
Feedback
As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module coordinators, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers (other students). University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:
Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted.
Face to face comment. This may include occasions when you make use of 1-1 discussions with lecturers to help you to address a specific query.
Online or emailed comment.
General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time.
Feedback and outcomes from experimental classes and computer workshops.
Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services including Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.
Facilities
Undergraduate Teaching Centre
Throughout their time with us, students will use the new Mathematics and Physics Teaching Centre. Opened in 2016 with almost £2 million of new equipment, students can use the well-equipped twin computer rooms for both self-study and project work. This includes a small astronomical observatory on the roof of the main building. In the physics laboratories, students will be able to investigate everything from the nature of lasers, to the quantum mechanical properties of the electron, to the dynamic hydrogen chromosphere of the Sun.
What our academics say
The study of physics is the study of the particles and forces that make our world. It’s fantastic to take students on a journey in their degree from their studies at school through to the very edge of our understanding about our Universe.
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
Classical Mechanics:
Newton’s Laws, Elasticity, Simple Harmonic Motion, Damped, Forced and Coupled Oscillations, Two- Body Dynamics, Centre of Mass, Reduced Mass, Collisions, Rotational Motion, Torque, Angular Momentum, Moment of Inertia, Central Forces, Gravitation, Kepler’s Laws
Special Relativity:
Lorentz Transformations, Length Contraction and Time Dilation, Paradoxes, Velocity Transformations, Relativistic Energy and Momentum
Electricity and Magnetism:
Static electric and magnetic fields. Time varying magnetic fields and motional emf. Electrical circuit analysis including dc and ac theory and circuit transients
Light and Optics:
Electromagnetic waves, dispersion by prisms and diffraction gratings, interference, diffraction, polarization, X-rays.
Quantum Theory:
Wave-particle duality, photoelectric effect, Bohr model, spectra of simple atoms, radioactive decay, fission and fusion, fundamental forces and the Standard Model.
Thermodynamics:
Kinetic theory of gases, Van der Waal’s equation, first and second laws of thermodynamics, internal energy, heat capacity, entropy. Thermodynamic engines, Carnot cycle. Changes of state.
Solid State:
Solids, crystal structure, bonding and potentials, thermal expansion. Introduction to band structure of metals, insulators and semiconductors. Origin and behaviour of electric and magnetic dipoles.
Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate knowledge and conceptual understanding in the areas of classical mechanics, special relativity, waves and oscillations, electricity and magnetism, light and optics, quantum theory, thermodynamics, and solid state, by describing, discussing and illustrating key concepts and principles.
Solve problems by identifying relevant principles and formulating them with basic mathematical relations.
Perform quantitative estimates of physical parameters within an order of magnitude.
Skills
Problem solving. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Communicating scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner both orally and in written form. Working independently and with a group of peers. Time management and the ability to meet deadlines.
Vectors: Vectors in the plane and space. Coordinates, scalar product, projections, and curl product.
Complex numbers: Concept of complex plane, vectorial and exponential representation of complex numbers. Fundamental operations with complex numbers: sum, subtraction, product, division, power and roots, and complex conjugate, Euler and de Moivre’s theorems
Fundaments of trigonometry: Sine, cosine, tangent functions. Their graphs in one dimensions, their representation on the unitary sphere, and representation as complex exponentials.
Elements of linear algebra: Definition of matrices and operations. Determinant of a matrix. Solution of a system of linear equations. Gauss’ elimination method. Eigenvalues/eigenvectors. Definition and basic properties of a vectorial space, isomorphisms and homomorphisms. Generalised definition of norm and scalar product.
Elements of Euclidean geometry: equation of a line and a plane. Equation of the circle and the ellipse.
Analysis of a single-variable function: Definition of a function. Definition of limit and derivative. Methods to calculate limits and derivatives. Definition of continuity and singularities. Study of a function.
Taylor and MacLaurin series and approximation of single-variable function: definition of orders of expansion
Integration in one variable: definition of definite and indefinite integral, integration by parts and by substitution, integral of a rational function, Gaussian integrals.
Ordinary differential equations: Definition of linearity and order of differential equations. Solutions for linear differential equations and main properties. Solution of specific non-linear cases.
Probability distributions: Probability concepts. Binomial, poisson and normal distributions.
Elements of discrete calculus: Series with their limit and convergence theorems and methods.
Learning Outcomes
Display knowledge of, and apply practically, a range of mathematical techniques and properties in the areas of trigonometry, Euclidean geometry, probability, vectors, linear algebra, complex numbers, and single and multi-variable calculus.
Formulate mathematical problems and obtain analytical or approximate solutions.
Skills
Problem solving. Communicating mathematical concepts in a clear and concise manner both orally and in written form. Working independently and meeting deadlines.
Experimental Methods:
Uncertainties, statistics, safety, using standard instruments
Experimental Investigation:
Performing experiments on a range of phenomena in Physics, recording observations and results
Writing Skills:
Scientific writing, writing abstracts, writing reports, writing for a general audience
Oral Communication:
Preparing and executing oral presentations
Computer Skills:
Using high level computing packages to analyse and present data, and solve problems computationally
Learning Outcomes
Plan, execute and report the results of an experiment, and compare results critically with predictions from theory
Communicate scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner both orally and in written form.
Use mathematical software packages to analyse and present data, and solve problems computationally
Skills
Work independently and in collaboration with one or two laboratory partners. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Writing with an appropriate regard for the needs of the audience. Time management and the ability to meet deadlines.
Introduction to computation and coding.
Introduction to the use of numerical methods to, for example, solve equations (e.g. find roots, numerical integration) and model systems by numerically solving ordinary differential equations.
Introduction to working with experimental data with computer by, for example, fitting data, interpolation and extrapolation.
Introduction to Monte Carlo methods for computer simulation
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Write computer programs to solve numerical problems
Apply mathematical techniques to a variety of physical situations and numerically solve the resulting equations.
Use computational methods to analyse data and perform simple Monte Carlo simulations
Skills
Problem solving with computing methods. Computer programming. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Writing written reports. Working independently and meeting deadlines.
Advanced linear algebra: Definition and basic properties of a generic vectorial space, isomorphisms and homomorphisms. Generalised definition of scalar product and norm, base of a vectorial space, orthonormality.
Fourier series and Fourier transform. The Dirac delta function, Parseval’s theorem and the convolution theorem.
Partial differential equations: method of characteristics, PDE classification, d’Alembert’s solution, separation of variables.
Hamiltonian Mechanics. Definition of generalized and conjugated variables, principle of minimum action, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalism, Poisson’s brackets.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Display knowledge of, and apply practically, a range of mathematical techniques and properties in advanced mathematical techniques and concepts including linear algenbra, Fourier series and transforms, partial differential equations,and Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics.
Formulate mathematical problems of physical systems and obtain analytical or approximate solutions.
Skills
Problem solving. Communicating mathematical concepts in a clear and concise manner both orally and in written form. Working independently and with a group of peers. Time management and the ability to meet deadlines.
Introduction to Astronomy: Units of measurement, telescopes and detecting photons.
From planets to galaxies: Size and scale of the visible Universe, Stellar and galactic motion.
The Solar system: The Sun as a star, Newtonian gravity; basic concepts in orbital dynamics, our solar system.
Stars – observational properties/characterization: Stellar luminosities, colours, the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, stellar classification, fundamental stellar properties, Stefan Boltzmann equation, mass-luminosity relations.
Stars – stellar structure: Equation of hydrostatic support (including use of mass coordinate), gravitational binding and thermal energy of stars, Virial theorem, energy generation, energy transport by photon diffusion, convection.
Stars – formation, stellar evolution, binary-star evolution, stellar death: single star evolution, post-H burning, binary-star evolution concepts and accretion, stellar end-states and compact objects.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Calculate photon fluxes and magnitudes for a sample of astrophysical sources.
Understand the relative sizes of astrophysical objects and the standard units used to report them.
Describe how the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram is constructed and physically interpreted.
Use knowledge of physical concepts to derive simple equations that govern the internal structure of stars, and understand energy generation and transport in main-sequence stars, and how Kepler’s Laws originate from the gravitational forces.
Comprehend how the observed properties of stars together with physical laws allow us to understand the evolution of stars of various masses.
Skills
Problem solving. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Written communication of scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Working independently and meeting deadlines.
Atomic:
Hydrogenic quantum numbers, Stern-Gerlach experiment, spin-orbit interaction, fine structure, quantum defect theory, central field approximation, LS coupling, Hund's rules, theory of the helium atom, selection rules, atomic spectra and transition probabilities, first order perturbation theory, Zeeman effect.
Nuclear:
Observation of nuclear properties, nuclear radius, mass (semi-empirical formula), inter-nucleon potential, radioactive decay mechanisms, fission and fusion, interactions of particles with matter.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Describe how atomic models have been developed from theoretical concepts and experimental observations.
Recognise and use basic definitions to define atomic states and perform routine calculations to predict their energies and properties.
Describe qualitatively the properties of nuclei and radiation making quantitative estimates of properties such as nuclear radius, binding energy, particle energy, and Q-values.
Plan, execute and report the results of an experiment or investigation, and compare results critically with predictions from theory
Skills
Problem solving. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Written communication of scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Working independently and meeting deadlines.
1D SWE Solutions:
Infinite and finite square potential well, harmonic potential well, particle wave at a potential step, particle wave at a potential barrier, quantum tunnelling, 1st order perturbation theory.
3D Solutions of SWE:
Particle in a box, hydrogen atom, degeneracy.
Statistical Mechanics:
Pauli exclusion principle, fermions, bosons, statistical distributions, statistical entropy, partition function, density of states. Examples of Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac, Bose-Einstein distributions.
Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate how fundamental principles in quantum and statistical mechanics are derived and physically interpreted. In particular the uncertainty principle, the Schrödinger wave equation, tunnelling, quantum numbers, degeneracy, Pauli exclusion principle, statistical entropy, Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein distributions.
Obtain and interpret solutions of the Schrödinger wave equation in 1D for several simple quantum wells and barriers, and in 3D for a particle in a box and the hydrogen atom.
Apply quantum mechanics and statistical distributions to explain different physical phenomena and practical applications.
Plan, execute and report the results of an experiment or investigation, and compare results critically with predictions from theory
Skills
Problem solving. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Written communication of scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Working independently and meeting deadlines.
Electrostatics and magnetostatics.
Coulomb, Gauss, Faraday, Ampère, Lenz and Lorentz laws
Wave solution of the Maxwell’s equations in vacuum and the Poynting vector.
Polarisation of E.M. waves and behaviour at plane interfaces.
Propagation of light in media (isotropic dielectrics). Faraday and Kerr effects.
Temporal and spatial coherence of light. Interference and diffraction
Geometrical optics and matrix description of optic elements
Optical cavities and laser action.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Define and describe the fundamental laws of electricity and magnetism, understand their physical significance, and apply them to well-defined physical problems.
Formulate and manipulate Maxwell’s equations to obtain electromagnetic wave equations, solving them for propagation in vacuum, isotropic media, and at interfaces.
Explain and formulate examples of optical phenomena such as interference, diffraction, Faraday and Kerr effects, laser action, and manipulation of light by optical components.
Plan, execute and report the results of an experiment or investigation, and compare results critically with predictions from theory
Skills
Problem solving. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Written communication of scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Working independently and meeting deadlines.
Periodicity and symmetry, basic crystallographic definitions, packing of atomic planes, crystal structures, the reciprocal lattice, diffraction from crystals, Bragg condition and Ewald sphere.
Lattice waves and dispersion relations, phonons, Brillouin zones, heat capacity, density of vibrational states, Einstein and Debye models of heat capacity, thermal conductivity, thermal expansion and anharmonicity.
Concepts related to phase transitions in materials such as: free energy, enthalpy, entropy, order parameter, classification of phase transitions, Landau theory.
Electronic band structure, including: failures of classical model for metals and semiconductors, free electron gas description of metals, density of states, Fermi Dirac statistics, electronic heat capacity, development of band structure, prediction of intrinsic semiconducting behaviour, doping
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Recognise and define the fundamental concepts used to describe properties of the solid state such as simple crystal structures and symmetries, diffraction and the reciprocal lattice, vibrational and thermal properties, phase changes, and electrical properties, and to demonstrate conceptual understanding of these concepts.
Show how relevant theoretical models can be developed to establish properties of materials and explain how these have been exploited in technological devices.
Plan, execute and report the results of an experiment or investigation, and compare results critically with predictions from theory
Skills
Problem solving. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Written communication of scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Working independently and meeting deadlines.
Introduction to placement for Physics students, CV building, international options, interview skills, assessment centres, placement approval, health & safety and wellbeing. Workshops on CV building and interview skills. This module is delivered in-house with the support of the QUB Careers Service and external experts.
Learning Outcomes
To identify gaps in personal employability skills. To plan a programme of work to result in a successful work placement application.
Skills
Plan self-learning and improve performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD. Decide on action plans and implement them effectively. Clearly identify criteria for success and evaluate their own performance against them .
Development of oral presentation skills. Presentations to large groups/peers in a research or popular science context. Probing scientific understanding, critiquing presentations, peer review. Entrepreneurship, career guidance, CV writing, interview techniques. Essay writing and scientific writing skills
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Search for, evaluate and reference relevant information from a range of sources
Communicate general scientific topics in a clear and concise manner both orally and in a written format with proper regard for the needs of the audience.
Critically question and evaluate the work of peers
Critically self-reflect on progression of skills, academic performance, entrepreneurship and future prospects
Skills
Problem solving. Scientific writing. Entrepreneurship. Working independently and with a group of peers. Time management and the ability to meet deadlines.
Advanced stellar structure and evolution: physics of stellar interiors; concepts of single-star evolution; end points of stellar evolution
Radiative transfer: radiative transfer in solar and stellar atmospheres; statistical and ionization equilibrium, plasma diagnostics and line broadening processes
Galaxies: the Milky Way galaxy; galaxy properties; physics of the interstellar medium, theories of galaxy formation and evolution
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Demonstrate a detailed comprehension of the main concepts underpinning modern astrophysics with emphasis on stellar interiors/atmospheres, stellar evolution and galaxy structure / evolution.
Explain the physics of stars and stellar evolution, and be able to describe the physical state of stars at all stages of their lives, and critically compare their fates and the various classes of objects they leave behind.
Understand and be able to link the physical conditions existing in a variety of astrophysics environments, including stellar interiors, stellar atmospheres and galaxies to observations (including spectroscopy) and the principles of radiative transfer.
Describe the properties of galaxies, their constituents and their evolution.
Apply their knowledge to unfamiliar astrophysical problems.
Skills
Problem solving. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Written communication of scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Working independently and meeting deadlines.
Computing coding skills and optimization techniques.
Solution of ordinary differential equations with, for example, Runge Kutta 4th order method.
Students to choose from a range of computational projects including projects to solve ordinary differential equations, for example in solution of the 1D time independent Schrödinger Equation with the Shooting method, and partial differential equations, for example simulation of a wave on a string.
Data analysis techniques, for example, coping with noise and experimental uncertainty.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Analyse physical systems and write computer programs to model them.
Use computational methods for robust analysis of experimental data.
Skills
Problem solving with computing methods and computer programming. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Communicating scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner both orally and in written form. Working independently and with a group of peers. Time management and the ability to meet deadlines.
Nuclear reaction classifications, scattering kinetics, cross sections, quantum mechanical scattering, Scattering experiments and the nuclear shell model, the inter-nucleon force, partial waves. Fermi theory of beta decay. Nuclear astrophysics and nuclear fission power generation. Elementary particles; symmetry principles, unitary symmetry and quark model, particle interactions.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Show how theoretical concepts can be used to develop models of the nuclear structure, nuclear reactions, particle scattering, and beta decay, and report on supporting experimental evidence.
Describe the principles of and evidence for the Standard Model
Apply theoretical models to make quantitative estimates and predictions in nuclear and particle physics.
Skills
Problem solving. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Written communication of scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Working independently and meeting deadlines.
Dielectrics, including: concepts of polarization, polarisability, Mossotti field, contributions to polarization, the Mossotti catastrophe, ferroelectricity, soft mode descriptions of ferroelectricity and antiferroelectricity, Landau-Ginzburg-Devonshire theory, displacive versus order-disorder ferroelectrics.
Magnetism, including: underlying origin of magnetism, the link between dipole moment and angular momentum, diamagnetism, paramagnetism (classical and quantum treatments), ferromagnetism and the Weiss molecular field, antiferromagnetism.
Electronic transport in metals, including: Lorentz-Drude classical theories and the Sommerfeld quantum free electron model. Influence of band structure on electron dynamics and transport. Electron scattering.
Magnetotransport, including cyclotron resonance, magnetoresistance and Hall effect
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Explain how lattice periodicity, structure and both classical and quantum mechanics lead to general concepts and observed properties of metals, dielectrics and magnetic materials.
Formulate specific theoretical models of the properties of metals, dielectrics and magnetic materials and use these to make quantitative predictions of material properties.
Skills
Problem solving. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Written communication of scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Working independently and meeting deadlines.
Fundamental principles, and technical and clinical applications of: interaction of electromagnetic radiation and ionising radiation with the body, lasers for therapy and imaging, ultrasound, radiation imaging techniques, radiotherapy, magnetic resonance imaging.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Describe, apply and discuss the underlying physical principles of techniques used for medical imaging techniques and treatment of diseased tissue with light and radiation.
Evaluate the relative merits of current and future imaging and therapeutic techniques.
Make quantitative estimates of relevant physical parameters such as penetration depth and radiation dose.
Skills
Problem solving. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Communicating scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner both orally and in written form. Working independently and with a group of peers. Time management and the ability to meet deadlines.
Relativity:
Einstein's postulates. The Lorentz transformation and consequences. 4-vector formulation. Relativistic particle dynamics. Relativistic wave dynamics. Relativistic electrodynamics.
Quantum Mechanics:
The Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalism. Wavefunctions and operators. The Schrödinger equation. The harmonic oscillator. Three-dimensional systems: angular momentum. Three-dimensional system: spherical harmonics. Composition of angular momenta and spin. The Hydrogen atom. Special distributions: Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac statistics. Bell inequality and quantum entanglement. Perturbation theory: time-independent perturbations. Perturbation theory: periodic perturbations
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
State the fundamental postulates of relativity and quantum mechanics, develop the mathematical formalism of these subjects.
Solve specific physical problems using the formalism of relativity and quantum mechanics.
Skills
Problem solving. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Written communication of scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Working independently and meeting deadlines.
Maxwell's equations, propagation of EM waves in dielectrics, conductors, anisotropic media, optical fibres/waveguides, non-linear optics. Polarisation, reflection and transmission at boundaries, Fresnel's equations. Thin/thick optical lenses, matrix methods, aberrations and diffraction.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge and conceptual understanding of Maxwell's equations and their application to the propagation of electromagnetic waves in various media and their manipulation using optical components.
Solve problems using mathematical techniques such as matrix methods and vector calculus to model electric/magnetic fields, the propagation of light, and to obtain analytical or approximate solutions.
Skills
Problem solving. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Written communication of scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Working independently and meeting deadlines.
Observational overview
Accreting neutron stars and pulsars
Pulsar emission mechanisms
Black holes, active galactic nuclei, explosive transients (gamma-ray bursts, supernovae), and supernova remnants
Role of jets
Non-electromagnetic processes; cosmic rays, gravitational waves
Particle acceleration
Radiation processes (e.g., Bremsstrahlung, inverse Compton, etc.)
Stellar dynamos
Flux emergence
Magnetic topologies
Zeeman + Hanle effects
Magnetic reconnection and flares
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Apply their knowledge of mathematics and physics from Levels 1-3 in an astrophysical context.
Understand the evolutionary history of binary systems containing compact degenerate objects;
Understand how high energy processes such as accretion and angular momentum transfer come into play in a variety of astrophysical objects on vastly different scales.
Develop a sense of relevant observational signatures of high energy astrophysical processes that may be both electromagnetic and non-electromagnetic in nature.
Critically compare the evidence from observations with the predictions from theory
Skills
Problem solving. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Written and oral communication of scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Working independently and meeting deadlines.
Overview of Solar system structure. Properties of asteroids, comets, Trans-Neptunian Objects. Solar System evolution. Planetary System formation including molecular clouds, Jean’s mass, disc formation, angular momentum considerations. Protoplanetary disks – observed and theoretical structure and lifetimes, planet formation. Finding exoplanets. Exoplanet properties. Planet migration. Planetary interiors. Exoplanet theory and observation. Habitability.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Understand the structure of planetary systems and protoplanetary disks, and describe how they are formed through the comparison of observations and theory.
Understand different techniques for exoplanet discovery and calculate the values of planetary system parameters required for this.
Use knowledge of physics to constrain the orbital evolution of planets and their interior structure.
Describe the observed properties of planetary atmospheres by combining measurements with theory, and explain how these properties allow possible habitats for life to be evaluated.
Skills
Problem solving. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Written and oral communication of scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Working independently and meeting deadlines.
Students will undertake a single research project within a Research Centre in the School or at an appropriate external organisation. Safety, risk assessment, and ethics training. Searching and evaluating scientific literature. Students will work full-time to complete all laboratory/computational results by the end of the first semester.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Plan, execute and report the results of an experiment or investigation, and compare critically with previous experiments or theory.
Exploit computer technology to analyse and present data
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in a selected research topic in Physics, the current trends in this field, and developments at the frontiers of this subject
Generate research results or technical innovations which could be included in a scientific publication
Appreciate the importance of health and safety and scientific ethics, and perform a project risk assessment
Skills
Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Communicating scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner both orally and in written form. Working independently and within a research group. Time management and the ability to meet deadlines.
Introduction to Plasmas: applications, fundamental concepts
Single particle orbit theory: Motion of charged particles in constant/varying electric and magnetic fields, particle drift
Plasma as Fluid: Two fluids model, Plasma oscillations and frequency.
Waves in Plasma: Electron plasma wave, Ion acoustic wave, electromagnetic wave propagation in plasma
Collisions and Resistivity: Concept of plasma resistivity, Collisional absorption of laser in plasma
Intense laser plasma Interaction: Resonance absorption, Landau damping, Ponderomotive force, Interaction in the relativistic regime, particle (electron and ion) acceleration mechanisms
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the physics of plasmas relevant to a range of research areas from astrophysics to laser-plasma interactions.
Understanding and derive the behaviour of charges particles in presence of electric and magnetic fields.
Derive and interpret various plasma phenomenon using fluid theory
Review scientific literature and report on current research topics individually or as part of a group.
Skills
Problem solving. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Written and oral communication of scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Working independently or as part of a group and meeting deadlines.
Basic laser physics: Population inversion and laser materials, gain in a laser system, saturation, transform limit, diffraction limit
Short pulse oscillators: Cavities, Q-switching, cavity modes, mode locking
Amplification: Beam transport considerations (B-Integral), chirped pulse amplification, stretcher and compressor design, white light generation, optical parametric chirped pulse amplification.
Different types of lasers: Fiber lasers, laser diodes, Dye lasers, high performance national and international laser facilities
Applications of state of the art lasers: Intense laser-matter interactions, high harmonic generation : perturbed atoms to relativistic plasmas, generation of shortest pulses of electromagnetic radiation
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the basics of modern laser systems, and how the unique properties of the high power lasers and recent technological advances are opening up new research fields including next generation particle and light sources.
Correlate the fundamental parameters of specific lasers or laser facilities to potential applications or research projects.
Review published material on topics of high intensity laser-plasma interactions
Skills
Problem solving. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Written and oral communication of scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Working independently or as part of a group and meeting deadlines.
Interactions of radiation with matter; Introduction to radio-biology; Interaction of Charged Particles with Biological Matter; Modern approaches to Radiotherapy; Selected Modern Radiation Research Topics
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Comprehend the basis for radiation-based physical measurements pertinent to the human body
Appreciate the role of modern radiation medical devices and the underlying physics at work
Analyse and quantify the physical processes at work in a range of medical applications.
Skills
Problem solving. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Written and oral communication of scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Working independently and meeting deadlines.
Fundamental physics underlying electron microscopy-based analysis to investigate the delicate link between crystal structure and chemical composition at the nanoscale, and its impact on properties, with special focus on functional oxides and semiconductors. Physical principles of spectroscopy, Infrared and Raman spectroscopy/microscopy, Scanning nonlinear optical microscopy and scanning probe microscopy with specific applications towards study of phase transitions, domains and ferroic materials.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of physical principles underpinning different spectroscopy and microscopy techniques relevant to study of phase transitions, ferroic materials and semiconductors.
Identify, design and propose microscopy based experimental setups to study physical phenomena in solid state.
Review and discuss scientific literature, and report on current research topics individually or as part of a group.
Skills
Problem solving. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Written and oral communication of scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Working independently or as part of a group and meeting deadlines.
Introduction to a basic Linux scientific computational environment. Introduction to Monte-Carlo radiation transport simulation. Proton and photon interactions with matter. Applications of radiation transport to simulate aspects of medical imaging and radiotherapy. Validation of simulations and assessment of errors.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Solve a range of problems computationally involving the transport of radiation through matter, including assessing the validity of and errors associated with such simulations.
Skills
Problem solving. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Written and oral communication of scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Working independently or as part of a group and meeting deadlines.
Physics of nanomaterials with the emphasis on fabrication of materials and applications in magnetic recording and photonics. Magnetic recording materials including bit patterned media and spin valves. Nanostructures for surface plasmon detection. Optical properties of metal nanoparticles and nanostructures. Concept of metamaterials and negative refractive index materials. Examples of applications of nanophotonic devices e.g. in imaging, sensing and data storage.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of physical principles underpinning nanostructured materials and of nano-optics and its applications.
Identify design and propose fabrication routes to create nanostructured materials for various applications.
Review and discuss scientific literature, and report on current research topics individually or as part of a group.
Skills
Problem solving. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Written and oral communication of scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Working independently or as part of a group and meeting deadlines.
Observational overview
Distance scale and redshift
Friedmann equation and expansion, and Universal geometry
Cosmological models
Observational parameters
The cosmological constant
Age of the universe
Density of the universe and dark matter
Cosmic microwave background
Early universe
Nucleosynthesis – the origin of light elements
Inflationary universe and the Initial singularity
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Apply their knowledge of basic physics including thermodynamics, atomic physics and nuclear physics to understand the principles of modern cosmology.
Appreciate the concepts of the expanding Universe, redshift, isotropy and the mass energy content of the Universe.
Formulate and manipulate equations of Newtonian gravity to derive the Friedmann equation. Solve this equation to obtain simple cosmological models.
Explain the origin of the cosmic microwave background and the nucleosynthesis of the light elements in the big bang theory.
Understand how precision measurements constrain the Hubble parameter, the age and the matter and energy density of the Universe. Understand the observational evidence for dark matter and the accelerating expansion.
Critically compare the evidence from observations with the predictions from theory
Skills
Problem solving. Searching for and evaluating information from a range of sources. Written and oral communication of scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Working independently and meeting deadlines.
AAA including Mathematics and Physics
OR
A*AB including Mathematics and Physics
A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate will be accepted as part of an applicant's portfolio of qualifications with a Distinction* being equated to a grade A at A-level and a Distinction being equated to a grade B at A-level.
Irish leaving certificate requirements
H2H2H3H3H3H3 including Higher grade H2 in Mathematics and Physics
Access Course
Not considered. Applicants should apply for the BSc Physics with Astrophysics degree.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
36 points overall including 6 6 6 at Higher Level including Mathematics and Physics.
Graduate
A minimum of a 2:2 Honours Degree, provided any subject requirement is also met.
Note
All applicants must have GCSE English Language grade C/4 or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.
How we choose our students
Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by the School of Mathematics and Physics. Once your on-line form has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.
Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form. Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS.
For entry last year, applicants for programmes in the School of Mathematics and Physics must have had, or been able to achieve, a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade C/4 or better (to include English Language and Mathematics), though this profile may change from year to year depending on the demand for places. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of GCSE and/or A-level subjects can be fulfilled.
Offers are normally made on the basis of three A-levels. The offer for repeat applicants may be one grade higher than for first time applicants. Grades may be held from the previous year.
Applicants offering two A-levels and one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent qualification) will also be considered. Offers will be made in terms of the overall BTEC grade awarded. Please note that a maximum of one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent) will be counted as part of an applicant’s portfolio of qualifications. The normal GCSE profile will be expected.
For applicants offering the Irish Leaving Certificate, please note that performance at Irish Junior Certificate (IJC) is taken into account. For last year’s entry, applicants for this degree must have had a minimum of five IJC grades at C/Merit. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of Leaving Certificate subjects can be satisfied.
Applicants offering other qualifications will also be considered. The same GCSE (or equivalent) profile is usually expected of those applicants offering other qualifications.
The information provided in the personal statement section and the academic reference together with predicted grades are noted but, in the case of degree courses in the School of Mathematics and Physics, these are not the final deciding factors in whether or not a conditional offer can be made. However, they may be reconsidered in a tie break situation in August.
A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking would not normally be considered as part of a three A-level offer and, although they may be excluded where an applicant is taking four A-level subjects, the grade achieved could be taken into account if necessary in August/September.
Applicants are not normally asked to attend for interview.
If you are made an offer then you may be invited to a Faculty/School Visit Day, which is usually held in the second semester. This will allow you the opportunity to visit the University and to find out more about the degree programme of your choice and the facilities on offer. It also gives you a flavour of the academic and social life at Queen's.
If you cannot find the information you need here, please contact the University Admissions and Access Service (admissions@qub.ac.uk), giving full details of your qualifications and educational background.
International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.
English Language Requirements
An IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at: http://go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
International Students - Foundation and International Year One Programmes
INTO Queen's offers a range of academic and English language programmes to help prepare international students for undergraduate study at Queen's University. You will learn from experienced teachers in a dedicated international study centre on campus, and will have full access to the University's world-class facilities.
These programmes are designed for international students who do not meet the required academic and English language requirements for direct entry.
Students are encouraged to apply for summer or extended placements with local companies. Employers who specifically seek our Physics students for placements include Seagate and General Electric. Some MSci projects are undertaken in collaboration with outside organisations, including local companies, the NHS, and national and international facilities.
According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, 5 years after graduation, Physics graduates earn 15 per cent more on average than other graduates (IFS 2018) with female graduates the 4th highest earners compared to all other subjects (5th for males).
Physics-related jobs are available in research, development, and general production in many high technology and related industries. These include medicine, biotechnology, electronics, optics, aerospace, computation and nuclear technology. Physics graduates are also sought after for many other jobs, such as business consultancy, finance, business, insurance, taxation and accountancy, where their problem-solving skills and numeracy are highly valued. In Northern Ireland alone in 2019, there were almost 49,000 jobs in physics based industries which had a £10bn turnover (Institute of Physics Report 2019).
About half of our students go on to further study after graduation. Some physics graduates take up careers in education, while a number are accepted for a PhD programme in Physics, which can enhance employment prospects or provide a path to a research physicist position. Most of the rest of our graduates move rapidly into full-time employment, most in careers that require a degree.
Skills to enhance employability
As part of the assessment within our modules, students will have to prepare reports, give presentations and work together within small groups. Students will become experienced in using spreadsheet and Word processing software to analyse and communicate their findings. Additionally, basic computer programming is taught to allow computational modelling of physical phenomena, which can then be applied to many non-scientific areas of commerce and industry. The problem-solving and communication skills that are essential to scientific study are also recognised as important attributes for many other careers.
Employment after the Course
Typical career destinations of graduates include:
• Industrial Physics
• Telecommunications
• Medical Physics
• Research scientist
• Computer technology
• Forensic accountant
• Nuclear Physics
• Biophysics
• Education
• Financial analysis
Employment Links
Graduate employers include: BT; Seagate; Allstate; NYSE; Andor; Civil Service
What employers say
The Regional Medical Physics Service benefits hugely from the high quality graduates produced by the School of Maths and Physics at Queen’s University Belfast. Since the turn of the century, two thirds of all our Clinical Scientists obtained a Physics degree at Queen’s prior to joining the Service. The vast majority of these degrees were at integrated masters level or higher.
Prof. Alan Hounsell, Head of the Regional Medical Physics Service, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
At Randox we continuously pursue disruptive technologies to push the cutting edge of healthcare diagnostics. QUB Physics graduates are an excellent fit in this framework as at the core of their studies is a questioning of methodology and quantitative analysis.
Dr. Paul Vance, Project Manager, Randox Laboratories
Prizes and Awards
Top performing students are eligible for a number of prizes within the School.
Degree Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
The tuition fees quoted above for NI and ROI are the 2024/25 fees and will be updated when the new fees are known. In addition, all tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase in each year of the course. Fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Tuition fee rates are calculated based on a student’s tuition fee status and generally increase annually by inflation. How tuition fees are determined is set out in the Student Finance Framework.
Additional course costs
All essential software will be provided by the University, for use on University facilities, however for some software, students may choose to buy a version for home use.
All Students
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
How do I fund my study?
There are different tuition fee and student financial support arrangements for students from Northern Ireland, those from England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain), and those from the rest of the European Union.
Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at: www.ucas.com/students.
When to Apply
UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2025 from early September 2024.
The advisory closing date for the receipt of applications for entry in 2025 is still to be confirmed by UCAS but is normally in late January (18:00). This is the 'equal consideration' deadline for this course.
Applications from UK and EU (Republic of Ireland) students after this date are, in practice, considered by Queen’s for entry to this course throughout the remainder of the application cycle (30 June 2025) subject to the availability of places. If you apply for 2025 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.
Applications from International and EU (Other) students are normally considered by Queen's for entry to this course until 30 June 2025. If you apply for 2025 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as is consistent with having made a careful and considered choice of institutions and courses.
The Institution code name for Queen's is QBELF and the institution code is Q75.
Additional Information for International (non-EU) Students
Applying through UCAS
Most students make their applications through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for full-time undergraduate degree programmes at Queen's. The UCAS application deadline for international students is 30 June 2025.
Applying direct
The Direct Entry Application form is to be used by international applicants who wish to apply directly, and only, to Queen's or who have been asked to provide information in advance of submitting a formal UCAS application. Find out more.
Applying through agents and partners
The University’s in-country representatives can assist you to submit a UCAS application or a direct application. Please consult the Agent List to find an agent in your country who will help you with your application to Queen’s University.
