This is my second year studying physics and I am on the astrophysics pathway. Don’t worry if you are currently unsure of what exactly you want to study - for the first two years every student does the same modules and in third year you get to choose. So, there is plenty of time to figure out what you want to do.

^{Main Physics Building}

What modules are you taking?

For this year I’m taking six modules, 3 in the first semester and 3 in the second. There is also the option to take an employability module to best prepare you for a placement year if that is something which you are interested in.

The modules span an interesting range of topics, for this semester this includes Astrophysics, Mathematical Physics and Quantum/Statistical Mechanics. In the coming semester I will be studying Solid State Theory, Nuclear/Atomic Physics, and Electromagnetism.

What's your timetable like?

A typical week consists of lectures and experimental laboratory classes. The lectures run Monday-Wednesday and then Thursday and Friday consist of lab work applying what these lectures have covered. These labs are a great way of understanding the physics you are learning first hand by reproducing Nobel Prize winning experiments!

^{The Maths and Physics Teaching Centre}

Where do you go for lunch?

During lunch breaks, there are many spots to have lunch on and around campus. Some of my favourite places to eat lunch are Junction Café, Maggie Mays, and Boojum, or having a coffee in The Hope Café. There are also some lovely spots around campus to sit and enjoy a packed lunch for example Botanic Gardens or on the roof-top terrace of the Main Physics Building.

^{Rooftop Terrace of Main Physics Building}

Do you take part in any physics extra-curricular activity?

Physics at Queen’s is not just about lectures and memorising formulae; throughout the year, there are many events both outside of and relating to physics. The Physics and Math Society (PAMSOC) run many fun events and nights out during the year as well as a formal. These are great opportunities to get to know your classmates better in an informal setting.

From time to time the school will hold their own events such as inviting guest speakers to talk about a specific area of physics, which is an amazing chance to explore where this degree can take you and maintain your motivation. Recently I attended an event where you had the opportunity to potentially name a star and an exoplanet and the names I suggested were picked as the winners! Wish me luck!

^{Naming An Exoplanet Event}

Well that sounds cool! What else do you get up to?

In your free time there are many clubs and societies at Queen’s you can join, spanning a variety of interests. If you are interested in taking up a new language, or keeping up to date with one, there are many courses to choose from at The Language Centre.

Next semester they are offering classes in 14 languages across a range of fluency levels for beginners and more fluent speakers. On Tuesday evenings I attend Japanese classes with the Language Centre, which has been a great opportunity to learn about the culture and make friends too. Taking this course allows me to apply for a Future Ready Award.

^{The Language Centre at Queen's}

What is the Future-Ready Award?

The Future-Ready Award is a recognition of extra-curricular and volunteer work during your degree. Of course, there’s other ways to attain this, for example through volunteer work, helping to run a society (which are all student-led), and being a course rep to name a few.

As a course rep, you get to advocate for your fellow students and represent the student voice to staff. It’s also an excellent way to distinguish yourself and get to know your lecturers better, so if that’s something that interests you then go for it!

^{Make sure you check out the Future-Ready Award!}

What do you get up to at the weekend?

So that’s a typical week for me as a physics student. Generally, at the weekend I work on my assignments or go out with my friends. To celebrate we occasionally go out to eat at our favourite restaurants or take a trip into the city centre to explore the charity shops.

^{Belfast City Hall in the City Centre}

If you, like myself, don’t go home at the weekend, there is plenty of things to do and explore around Belfast. Queen’s Accommodation organise trips for the weekend, and there is a “Saturday Club” within the School of Maths and Physics that run activities/trips particularly for students from outside of Northern Ireland, but anyone is welcome to come along.

Find out more

Physics at Queen's

Physics and Math Society (PAMSOC)

Clubs and Societies at Queen's

See what the residents at Queen's Accommodation get up to on Instagram

Lauren McGinley Astrophysics| Undergraduate Student | Donegal, Ireland My name is Lauren and I'm a 2nd year physics student taking the astrophysics pathway. Originally from Donegal, I moved into Queen's accommodation for my 1st year and now live in a flat with my uni mates. Outside of lectures I enjoy archery, pub quizzes and jewellery making and art.

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