Physics

MSc by Research

  • Entry year 2025
  • Duration Full time 1 year, Part time 2 years
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Overview

A Physics MSc by Research programme provides the opportunity to undertake a substantial piece of original research in one of our world-leading research groups. To apply for an MSc by Research, you will need to find a Supervisor whose research interests align with your own, and contact them to discuss your application. Your supervisor will support you in defining and managing an independent research project, which will equip you for more sustained and original work at the doctoral level, or for advanced-level applied research positions in a range of organisations.

Available start dates are 1st October, 1st January, and 1st April, as agreed with your supervisor

There is a period of induction with a project supervisor where you will complete a learning plan and assess your research training development needs.

At the end of the third month (full-time) or sixth month (part-time) you will submit a report which will enable your supervisor to offer formative feedback on your writing skills, progress to date and ability to synthesise information.

Finally, you will complete a dissertation based on your research which will be examined by a viva, with a view to submitting the thesis for publication.

Entry requirements

Academic Requirements

2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in Physics or a relevant subject.

We may also consider non-standard applicants, please contact us for information.

If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.

English Language Requirements

We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.

We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 5.5 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications.

If your score is below our requirements, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language programmes.

Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email pgadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk

Pre-master’s programmes

Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored pre-master’s pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University master’s degrees. Visit the INTO Lancaster University website for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.

Fees and funding

The tuition fee for students with home fee status is set in line with the standard fee stipend provided by the UK Research Councils. The fee stipend for 2025/26 has not yet been set. For reference, the fee stipend for 2024/25 was full-time £4,786 and part-time £2,393.

The international fee for new entrants in 2025/26 is full-time £27,550 and part-time £13,775.

General fees and funding information

Additional fees and funding information accordion

Scholarships and bursaries

You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status and course. You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.

Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.

If you're considering postgraduate research you should look at our funded PhD opportunities.

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We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.

Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries.

Research Groups

Our postgraduate studies are closely aligned with our Research. Our research is divided into four main themes, and each of these contains sub-groups. In each group, you can find details of available research projects and academic supervisors.

  • Astrophysics

    The Astrophysics group contains teams investigating Observational Astrophysics, Theoretical Particle Cosmology and Space and Planetary Physics.

  • Experimental Condensed Matter

    The Experimental Condensed Matter group contains teams investigating Low Temperature Physics, Quantum Nanotechnology and Nonlinear and Biomedical Physics.

  • Particle and Accelerator Physics

    The Particle and Accelerator Physics group contains teams investigating Experimental Particle Physics and Accelerator Physics.

  • Theoretical Physics

    The Theoretical Physics group contains teams investigating Condensed Matter Theory, Mathematical Physics and the Theory of Molecular-Scale Transport.

Hamzah Shokeir's story

"The experience gained whilst at Lancaster University enabled me to embark on the next stage of my scientific career with the utmost preparation and willingness. This included taking part in journal club presentations, teaching assistant roles, training with state of the art equipment in nanofabrication labs and by the end of the year the chance to present preliminary results at an international conference. I strongly recommend the MRes program for anyone wishing to pursue a career in scientific research."

Ben Astbury's story

"Lancaster is a wonderful place to study. My Master's Research degree was in creating an unclonable electronic device that could be used in IoT devices for authentication purposes. The top-tier facilities at Lancaster allowed me to write and begin the process of publishing my first scientific paper. After completing an MRes, I went on to work as an Engineering Physicist for Imperial Brands. The research experience I gained while studying has been invaluable in my current career."

Important Information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2025/2026 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.

Our Students’ Charter

We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.

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