Physics with Quantum Dynamics
Deepen your knowledge of quantum dynamics to prepare for a research career.
Deepen your knowledge of quantum dynamics to prepare for a research career
Receive expert training in research skills and methodology
Complete a three-month, full-time project with a College academic research group
Course key facts
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Qualification
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MSc
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Duration
1 year
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Start date
September 2025
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Study mode
Full-time
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Fees
£16,000 Home
£37,000 Overseas
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Delivered by
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Location
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South Kensington
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Minimum entry standard
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First class Honours in physics, electrical or electronic engineering or a relevant scientific discipline, with strong mathematical content and a strong background in undergraduate quantum mechanics
Course overview
Deepen your knowledge of physics for a research career on this full-time Master's course.
A stream of the MSc in Physics, this course is open to both physicists and BSc graduates from mathematics, chemistry or engineering disciplines. It covers three core sections: quantum optics, quantum information and quantum systems.
A major focus of your learning will be a three-month, full-time project on quantum dynamics. This is usually carried out with one of our academic research groups.
This course will provide you with an understanding of selected areas of physics at the frontiers of knowledge. Your learning will move beyond the undergraduate level, and enhance your understanding of advanced mathematical methods.
You'll receive training in research skills and methodology and develop a physics-related project through a full scientific report and oral and poster presentation.
This course will equip you with the research and communication skills for doctoral research in atomic physics, quantum photonics, quantum information, or in general quantum physics.
Structure
This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about potential course changes.
Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.
You’ll take all of these core modules. Please note, starred modules may be substituted with an alternative optional module if the content has already been covered at undergraduate level.
Core modules
Become familiar with the fundamental principles and applications of quantum information and their realisation.
Discover key mathematical methods used by physicists including basic linear algebra and vector space theory
Uncover the quantum nature of light and its interaction with atoms.
Enhance your knowledge of atomic physics, including angular momentum in atoms and molecules, laser cooling atoms, cold molecules, and trapped ions.
Further your understanding of quantum photonics, optical quantum information, and matter qubits and oscillators.
Complete a three-month, full-time project on quantum dynamics.
You’ll also choose optional modules to the value of at least 6 ECTS credits. Selected examples are outlined here.
Optional modules
Further your knowledge of supersonic compressible flows, shock physics, inertial confinement fusion and high energy density physics.
Examine advanced notions of quantum algorithms, entanglement theory and quantum error correction.
Cultivate your understanding of light-matter interactions, optical imaging and metrology, and explore the opportunities for optical techniques in biomedicine.
Understand the key physical concepts underlying laser and nonlinear optics and their contemporary applications.
Acquire a mathematically rigorous understanding of laser physics and learn the basic mechanisms of laser action.
Discover how physical principles are used to generate contrast in modern medical imaging, nuclear diagnostics and MRI.
Learn how physical principles are to generate contrast in modern medical imaging using X-rays and ultrasound.
Engage with theories of plasmonics and metamaterials and understand how photonics and nanotechnology can be combined into the new discipline of nanophotonics.
Build your expertise in Quantum Theory of Matter, exploring topics including the integer quantum Hall effect, the Berry phase and topology in condensed matter physics.
Explore why QFT (Quantum Field Theory) is essential to understand nature at smallest scales. You’ll also learn how to use Feynman diagrams to describe physical processes using perturbation theory.
Discover the properties required for the Lagrangian of a field theory and understand how the form of the Standard Model Lagrangian follows from symmetries.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning methods
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Virtual learning environment
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Lectures
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Lecture recordings
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Practical work
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Problem classes
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Tutorials
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Self-study project
Balance of assessment
Key
- Taught modules
- Practical modules
- 52% Taught modules
- 48% Practical modules
Assessment methods
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Dissertation
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Examination
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Oral presentation
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Poster
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Practical
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Oral assessment
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Written report
Entry requirements
We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.
How to apply
Apply online
You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.
Application deadlines – Round 1 closes on Thursday 16 January 2025
We operate a staged admissions process with several application rounds throughout the year.
Apply by 23.59 (UK time) on the closing date of an application round, to ensure you receive a response on your application by the relevant decision date.
Application rounds
Round 1
- Apply by Thursday 16 January 2025
- Decision by Thursday 6 March 2025
Round 2
- Apply by Thursday 27 March 2025
- Decision by Thursday 1 May 2025
Round 3
- Apply by Thursday 15 May 2025
- Decision by Thursday 17 July 2025
There is no application fee for MRes courses, Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas, or courses such as PhDs and EngDs.
If you are applying for a taught Master’s course, you will need to pay an application fee before submitting your application.
The fee applies per application and not per course.
- £80 for all taught Master's applications, excluding those to the Imperial College Business School.
- £100 for all MSc applications to the Imperial College Business School.
- £150 for all MBA applications to the Imperial College Business School.
If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay the application fee, we encourage you to apply for our application fee waiver.
Find out more about how to apply for a Master's course, including references and personal statements.
Unless you are from an exempt nationality, you will need an ATAS certificate to obtain your visa and study this course.
Nationals from the following countries are exempt: Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, USA and EEA members.
Use this information when applying for an ATAS certificate to study this course:
- CAH code: CAH07-01-01
- Descriptor: Physics
- Supervisor name: Professor Michele Dougherty
Get guidance and support for obtaining an ATAS certificate.
Tuition fees
Home fee
2025 entry
£16,000
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
For courses starting on or after 1 August 2024, the maximum amount is £12,471. The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Overseas fee
2025 entry
£37,000
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
For courses starting on or after 1 August 2024, the maximum amount is £12,471. The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
How will studying at Imperial help my career?
Have the knowledge and skills necessary for doctoral research in atomic physics, quantum photonics, quantum information, and general quantum physics.
Physics graduates at Imperial are highly sought after in a variety of employment sectors.
Employment opportunities exist in a wide range of fields, including electronics, astrophysics, and space technology.
Further links
Contact the department
- Telephone: +44 (0)20 7594 7512
- Email: l.sanchez@imperial.ac.uk
Course Director: Professor Ben Sauer
Visit the Department of Physics website.
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Request info
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Events, tasters and talks
Meet us and find out more about studying at Imperial.
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Terms and conditions
There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications