Physics with Quantum Dynamics
Deepen your knowledge of quantum dynamics to prepare for a research career.
Course key facts
Qualification
MSc
Duration
1 year
Start date
October 2027
Study mode
Full-time
Delivered by
Location
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South Kensington
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Minimum entry standard
Normally a First class Honours in Physics, Electrical or Electronic Engineering or a relevant scientific discipline.
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.
MSc Physics streams
This is one of several MSc Physics streams available at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. You may wish to consider choosing one of the following streams:
- Physics (generic stream)
- Physics with Extended Research
- Physics with Fusion and Plasma Physics
- Physics with Quantum Dynamics (this stream)
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, modules starred with an asterisk 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.
You’ll also choose optional modules to the value of at least 6 ECTS credits. Selected examples are outlined here.
Optional modules
Examine advanced notions of quantum algorithms, entanglement theory and quantum error correction.
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.
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.
Explore the fundamental concepts of shocks and gain a thorough understanding of compressible flow and its importance in supersonic motion.
Understand the concept of topology in condensed matter physics using examples of current interest.
Analyse a range of clinical imaging modalities and radiotherapies and understand the physical principles underlying the interactions of x-ray radiation with tissue.
Explore how optoelectronic and quantum devices are designed and gain insight into some of the latest research developments in semiconductor and device physics.
Complete a three-month, full-time research project on quantum dynamics.
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
This is an example of how assessments are usually divided, based on a typical pathway through the course. The actual breakdown may vary depending on the modules you choose.
Key
- Taught modules
- Practical modules
- 52% Title 1 goes here
- 48% Title 2 goes here
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
Applications open on Wednesday 30 September 2026
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.
Round 1
Business School courses only.
Round 2
- Applications open on Wednesday 30 September 2026
- Applications close on Wednesday 6 January 2027
- Decision by Wednesday 3 March 2027
Round 3
- Applications open on Thursday 7 January 2027
- Applications close on Wednesday 10 March 2027
- Decision by Wednesday 5 May 2027
Round 4
- Applications open on Thursday 11 March 2027
- Applications close on Wednesday 28 April 2027
- Decision by Thursday 1 July 2027
We recommend applying as early as you can – we cannot guarantee that places will be available, or that courses will remain open, in later rounds.
If you are applying for a Master’s course, you will need to pay an application fee before submitting your application.
The fee applies per application and not per course.
The application fees for postgraduate courses are:
- £90 for all Master's applications, excluding those to 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Business School
- £125 for MSc applications to 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Business School
- £150 for MBA applications to 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Business School
There is no application fee for Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas, or courses such as PhDs and EngDs. This includes MRes and PhD combined (1+3) courses with the Centre for Doctoral Training.
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 Stefan Soldner-Rembold
Get guidance and support for obtaining an ATAS certificate.
Fees and funding
Home fee - Physics + Quantum Dynamics
2027 entry
Not set
As a guide, the fee for 2026-27 was £16,800.
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.
The maximum value of the loan is £13,206 if your course starts on or after 1 August 2026.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Please note that the loan is only available if you’re studying a full Master’s course from the start. If you start on a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) and later move on to the Master’s, you won’t be eligible for this loan.
Overseas fee - Physics + Quantum Dynamics
2027 entry
Not set
As a guide, the fee for 2026-27 was £38,900.
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.
The maximum value of the loan is £13,206 if your course starts on or after 1 August 2026.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Please note that the loan is only available if you’re studying a full Master’s course from the start. If you start on a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) and later move on to the Master’s, you won’t be eligible for this loan.
Scholarships
View all scholarshipsHow will studying at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø help my career?
Graduates of our Department go on to succeed in a wide range of sectors. These include technology, research and development, academic research, healthcare and medical physics, space and defence, data science (including machine learning and deep learning), banking and finance, and government and public services.
What jobs do our graduates do?
Software Developer, Quantum Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Quantitative Analyst, Research Engineer, Medical Physicist, Optical Engineer, Project Manager, Science Director, Physics Teacher.
Who do our graduates work for?
Qutronix, Deloitte, Thales, Network Rail, WaveOptics, D-FINE, IBM, Apple, Texys, Mazars.
What about further study?
Some graduates progress to further research or specialist professional training.
What careers support does 51³Ô¹ÏÍø offer?
Our Careers Service works with the department to deliver a range of career planning sessions, application talks and skills training tailored specifically for Physics students throughout their course. This includes a bespoke offer for postgraduate students, with regular drop-in sessions to answer queries.
Further links
Contact the department
Email: ph-pgt@imperial.ac.uk
Course Director: Professor Ben Sauer
Visit the Department of Physics website.
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Request info
Find out more about studying at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. Receive updates about life in our community, including event invites and download our latest Study guide.
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Events, tasters and talks
Meet us and find out more about studying at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.
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Terms and conditions
There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. 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