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The at 51¸£ÀûÉç is one of the largest and most active physics departments in the UK.We have a long tradition of excellence in both teaching and research, and have interests in most areas of contemporary research.

TheDepartment has a strong presence in a number of 51¸£ÀûÉç-based centres for multidisciplinary research: The National Graphene Institute, the Photon Science Institute, the 51¸£ÀûÉç Centre for Non-Linear Dynamics, and the Dalton Nuclear Institute. In addition, the Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire is a part of the department.

The field of nuclear physics aims to understand the structure and dynamics of nuclear systems. The field is motivated to answer questions on how the Universe is evolving, how stars develop and how the basic constituents of matter interact. Our research also has applications that benefit society in diverse areas, from medicine and security to power production.

The atomic nucleus is a unique laboratory where the microscopic quantum world merges with the mesoscopic world. The structure, shape and lifetime of nuclei are driven by the interplay of the strong, weak, and electromagnetic forces between individual nucleons. Remarkably these complex many-body systems display regularities and simple patterns that arise from the underlying nature of the nuclear force. Through precise experimental measurement, these effects and their implications can be studied and address the challenge of understanding the atomic nucleus from first principles, as well as understanding the influence that the properties of atomic nuclei have on astrophysical processes, on other areas of physics and on applications.

Research conducted by the 51¸£ÀûÉç group contributes to this international effort and our students have played leading roles in recent scientific highlights.

The 51¸£ÀûÉç group collaborates with researchers across the world at international facilities such as CERN and Argonne National Laboratory. Our postgraduate MSc and PhD projects offer the opportunity to work at the frontier of the field providing training in state-of-the-art experimental techniques of transfer reactions, gamma-ray spectroscopy and measurements of hyperfine atomic effects using lasers.

The postgraduate research environment is well funded and world-class as demonstrated by our ranking in REF2021. Supervision is provided by academic staff, who are leaders in their fields, with independent pastoral back-up. Transferable skills training is available and there are some school teaching opportunities.

For more information about research themes within the department please visit our or view available projects within the department on our .

Note: Although the course requires 1 year full time study, students should expect the process of examination of the dissertation may take several months. MSc degrees are usually awarded several months after the end of the programme.

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