 Interest in the Subject  Future Career Prospects  Change of career direction  Most suitable current option  To improve your academic record  Recommendations from others  To gain an insight into the industry  Flexible study

 MSc in Forensic Science  MSc Physics EuroMasters

 Postgraduate taught students undertake a structured programme of study, with set modules in specific areas- similar to undergraduate programmes of study.  They include a dissertation or project of 10-15,000 words, which is guided by a Supervisor/ Tutor.  The modules run over the first 8 months of the programme, and the dissertation/ project is completed in the summer term and following summer break.

 There are set modules for this course, much like an undergraduate programme.  Full-time: One Year. Part-time: Two Years  Entry: Minimum Upper Second Class Honours degree in a Forensic Science or Forensic related subject.  Assessment: Examination & Coursework.

 A full-time 2 Year Masters degree, which works in conjunction with 6 South East Universities, as part of the South East Physics Network (SEPnet).  The First Year is taught, whilst the Second Year provides the opportunity to undertake an advanced research project.  Students will also have the opportunity to study at any of the 5 partner Universities or at a research institution- for all or part of your studies. These include those at Cern, Switzerland, the UK’s Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, ISIS, Diamond or NPL.  Entry: First or Second Class Honours degree in Physics, Chemistry or a related discipline.  Assessment: An interim report, a dissertation & presentations.

 Master of Science by Research (MSc-R)  Doctor of Philosophy (PhD-R) Both of these programmes are undertaken in either Physics or Chemistry. The subject of the research project will determine which of these is used. For example, a Master of Science by Research in Physics (MSC-R: PHYS) would cover topics in astrophysics and optics etc. So although your higher degree from SPS would be under the title of Physics or Chemistry, these titles cover a vast array of research possibilities.

 There are no set taught modules, as it involves studying for a (set) research project, for which you will submit a thesis at the end of the course.  You will have your own Supervisor, who will help guide you through the project- in addition to an Associate Supervisor and support within the School.  As a postgraduate research student, you will also be a member of one of the School’s Research Groups. This will be determined by your research project and your Supervisor’s area of research.  The research is largely independent as there are no set lectures or seminars, and you will be able to study a topic that interests you.  You can study for your degree on a full-time or part-time basis.

 Applied Optics Group  Centre for Astrophysics and Planetary Science  Forensic Imaging Group  Functional Materials Group

The Functional Materials Group was awarded a high rating in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF). We have numerous collaborative links with colleagues in other universities and research institutions, both in the UK and overseas. CAPS present research spans a range of themes including Solar System and Space Science, the Interstellar Medium, Star Formation and Planetary Nebulae. The activities include infrared astronomy, astrobiology, astrochemistry, astrofluids and numerical astrophysics. Research in the Forensic Imaging Group focuses on the design and application of image processing and machine learning algorithms to the areas of forensic science, security and policing. Applied Optic Group is home to about fifteen academics, research staff and postgraduate students working on a range of projects. Most of our work is currently being focused on the field Optical Coherence Tomography, including work on the applications of OCT, the development of swept-sources, wavefront sensors and adaptive optics.  For further information about our work, training opportunities and projects, to arrange a tour or to find relevant contacts to speak to, please visit For access to on line application forms, visit  The School of Physical Sciences is a dynamic department, achieving national and international excellence in both our high-quality teaching and innovative research. We welcome students from all over the world, providing them with a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, a supportive environment and new and up-to-date facilities. The department is frequently expanding and developing, having recently refurbished our laboratories and teaching building, as well as continually increasing our academic and administrative staff numbers. The research effort is led by four groups, Applied Optics, Astrophysics and Planetary Science, Forensic Imaging and Functional Materials.

 The AOG currently focuses on the field of Optical Coherence Tomography, however research includes a wider range of topics as well.  Main research focus: non-invasive imaging via optical coherence tomography, optic fibre sensing, optoelectronics, electro-optics and magneto-optics.  Members include: Prof Adrian Podoleanu, Dr George Dobre

 The research portfolio of the Centre covers a diverse range of topics, which are focused on infrared observations, numerical simulations and laboratory experiments- all under the themes of the Solar System, Space Science, the Interstellar Medium, Star Formation and Planetary Nebulae.  Main research focus: star formation, space science, the solar system, astrobiology, astrochemistry and astrophysical fluids.  Members include: Prof Michael Smith, Prof Mark Burchell, Dr Dirk Froebrich, Dr Stephen Lowry, Dr Jingqi Miao and Dr Mark Price

 The research of this group is mainly applied, focusing on mathematical and computational techniques, whilst employing a wide variety of image processing and analysis methods for applications in Forensic Science.  Main research focus: the design and application of image processing and machine learning algorithms to the areas of forensic science, security and policing.  Members Include: Dr Christopher Solomon, Dr Stuart Gibson

 An interdisciplinary group, carrying out research in a broad and diverse range of topics.  Main research focus: alternative energy materials (batteries and fuel cells), porous, nanostructured and amorphous materials, soft functional materials, quantum materials and magnetism.  Members include: Dr Maria Alfredsson, Dr Barry Blight, Dr Donna Arnold, Dr Stefano Biagini, Dr Simon Holder, Prof Paul Strange, Prof Michael Went and Prof Mark Green

Postgraduate fees for the academic year 2014/15 have not yet been finalised. However, as a guide only, the 2013/14 fees can be found in the fees table, on the main University Finance site: student/fees/tuition/index.html#postgraduate - UK or European Union fee status depends on your nationality and residency. Overseas fees refer to students living outside of the UK/EU.

 Self- Funding  Research Councils  Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs)  50 th Anniversary Scholarships  School Scholarships?  Additional Scholarships?  Loyalty Awards:- - Graduate School Scholarship - Loyalty Discount- 10% reduction of 1 st year’s tuition fees - Alumni Research Scholarship All funding opportunities can be found on the main University webpages ( and on the School Postgraduate pages.

 Applications are made through an online form.  Look up the appropriate course on the University’s Course Finder, and apply through the ‘Apply’ tab. This takes you to an online form, which guides you through the process.  Taught Programmes: It is advised that you apply at least three months before the expected start date (September for our programmes).  Research Programmes: Firstly contact Professor Smith for advice on postgraduate research. If you already know the member of staff who you’d like to be supervised by, you should contact them directly- to ask about available projects and a project proposal. It is also advised that you apply as soon as possible, in order to enter the September or January intake. All applications submitted by 31 st January 2014 will be considered for funding.

 When applying you will need to provide: - Personal & Contact Details - Education & Experience History (Qualifications) - Reasons for Study & a Research Proposal (where applicable) - The name of your preferred Supervisor (if applying for a research programme) - Curriculum Vitae (full and up to date) - Transcript of Results - Two Academic Referees & their References  Providing all the above information has been provided, your application will be sent for consideration within the School.  You may then be invited for an interview, or need to provide more information.  Once the application has been considered, you will be informed by a member of staff within the School, or by the central Admissions Team of the decision. You will then start on the process of induction and other preparations for your time in postgraduate study.

Professor Michael Smith- Director of Graduate Studies- (Research project & Supervisor queries) Helen West- Postgraduate & Recruitment Assistant- (Admissions Queries- application process, requirements, funding, available projects) in order to book a meeting slot with either of the Postgraduate Administrators, or to find out more