Postgraduate

Master of Physics

You can take the Master of Physics in either Astronomy and Astrophysics, Computational Physics, Experimental Physics, Medical Physics, Theoretical Physics or Quantum Technology and Computing
1.5–2
Years Full Time

Contact us

Address

Student Central

The University of Western Australia (M355), 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia 6009

Telephone

131 UWA (131 892)

International

(+61 8) 6488 1000

Hours

8.30am - 5pm AWST, Monday - Friday

Frequently asked questions

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Careers and further study

Explore the career opportunities available to you.

Career Pathways

This course is about understanding the world around us at its most fundamental level. The knowledge generated through the study of physics is also the driving force behind most new technologies, from radars to lasers, from transistors to quantum computers, and from electron microscopes to advanced medical imaging scanners. In addition to a career as a research scientist or educator, previous graduates from the School of Physics have had highly successful careers in finance, management, geophysics and the information technology sector.

Medical physicists can undertake roles in a tertiary public hospital or private medical service provider. Some of the career options available to a Medical Physicist graduate include:

  • Medical Physics Registrar - The Master of Physics (Medical Physics) program provides students with the relevant knowledge and problem solving skills suitable for entry into the ACPSEM Training, Education and Accreditation Program (TEAP) in radiation oncology, diagnostic radiology or nuclear medicine. TEAP position are paid position and competitive. The accepted applicant will be in a registrar role for 3 to 5 years to become a qualified clinical medical physicist specialist.
  • Research and Development - Positions may be available at tertiary education institutions or private scientific companies as researchers. Opportunities may be available for further study (PhD) or postdoctoral research positions. Academic positions may open in university settings for PhD graduates as lecturers.
  • Radiation Safety Officers -There may be job opportunities in hospitals, clinics or industry (eg. mining companies) as a radiation safety officer.
  • Government Bodies - As scientific officers or dosimetry officers (eg. ARPANSA), or radiation safety officers (eg. State Radiological Councils).

This course is about understanding the world around us at its most fundamental level. The knowledge generated through the study of physics is also the driving force behind most new technologies, from radars to lasers, from transistors to quantum computers, and from electron microscopes to advanced medical imaging scanners. In addition to a career as a research scientist or educator, previous graduates from the School of Physics have had highly successful careers in finance, management, geophysics and the information technology sector.

Medical physicists can undertake roles in a tertiary public hospital or private medical service provider. Some of the career options available to a Medical Physicist graduate include:

  • Medical Physics Registrar - The Master of Physics (Medical Physics) program provides students with the relevant knowledge and problem solving skills suitable for entry into the ACPSEM Training, Education and Accreditation Program (TEAP) in radiation oncology, diagnostic radiology or nuclear medicine. TEAP position are paid position and competitive. The accepted applicant will be in a registrar role for 3 to 5 years to become a qualified clinical medical physicist specialist.
  • Research and Development - Positions may be available at tertiary education institutions or private scientific companies as researchers. Opportunities may be available for further study (PhD) or postdoctoral research positions. Academic positions may open in university settings for PhD graduates as lecturers.
  • Radiation Safety Officers -There may be job opportunities in hospitals, clinics or industry (eg. mining companies) as a radiation safety officer.
  • Government Bodies - As scientific officers or dosimetry officers (eg. ARPANSA), or radiation safety officers (eg. State Radiological Councils).

Further Study

Students completing this degree may have the option to pursue further studies in research.
Students completing this degree may have the option to pursue further studies in research.

Fees and scholarships

Learn more about the fees that apply to you for this course.

Domestic Student Fees

Indicative annual course fee
2025
Commonwealth Supported Place $10,248.76

Eligible Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) students can use the HECS-HELP loan program to pay their tuition fees. For Full-Fee Paying (FFP) places, students are charged an annual course fee.

Find out more information about tuition fees, or visit the fee calculator for a more accurate cost.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

International Student Fees

Indicative first year fee
2024
$48,100.00
2025
$50,700.00

Find out more about tuition fees or visit the fee calculator for the estimated total course fee.

Note, tuition fees are reviewed annually and are subject to increase up to 7.5 per cent per annum.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Admission requirements

If you’re interested in furthering your career by studying this postgraduate course, find out the admission details below

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have—
(a)(i) a bachelor's degree in physics, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA; and
(ii) the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 65 per cent;
or
(b) an honours degree in physics, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA.

Ranking and Selection Process

Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on the relevant requirements.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

English competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.

Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

How to apply

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Find out how to apply through our simple online application process. 

We'll guide you through our entry requirements, admission pathways available to you and application deadlines for your chosen course. 

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Course details

This course is about understanding the world around us at its most fundamental level. The knowledge generated through the study of physics is also the driving force behind most new technologies, from radars to lasers, from transistors to quantum computers, and from electron microscopes to advanced medical imaging scanners.

DollarThis course is subsidised for Australian residents through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). Visit our fee calculator for CSP rates and an estimate on your course fees.

About the course

You will develop a combination of high-level research, analytical and problem-solving skills which are highly valued by industry and government employers.
Master of Physics

Quick details

Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time only
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1, Semester 2
Weekly contact time
  • 16-25 hours per week
Level of study
  • Postgraduate
Course Code
  • 53560
CRICOS code
  • 087902J
Master of Physics
Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time only
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1, Semester 2
Weekly contact time
  • 16-25 hours per week
Level of study
  • Postgraduate
Course Code
  • 53560
CRICOS code
  • 087902J
Full time/part time duration
  • 1.5 to 2 years
Degrees course is available in
  • Master of Physics

Why study this course?

  1. Specialise in one of 5 areas of physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics, Computational physics, Experimental physics, Medical physics, Theoretical physics 
  2. Complete a research project with an internationally recognised research group, giving invaluable experience and helping to develop networks
  3. Many opportunities during the course for interaction with industry, allowing students to understand where their degree can take them

Student Clubs

Whatever you’re interested in, you’ll find people here to share your journey.

Enhance your employability while making lifelong friends and connections by joining one of our many student clubs, such as:

Find out more about all our student clubs from the UWA Student Guild.

Hear from our current students and alumni

Find out what it's like to be a postgraduate Physics student at UWA and see how our courses have benefited past students in their chosen careers.

Master of Physics student

You'll learn to

  • understand and apply the fundamental laws and principles of physics 
  • review the scientific literature in your field of study 
  • gain the mathematical and computational skills required to interpret models of physical behaviour 
  • plan, execute and report the results of an experiment in a research environment
  • gain the skills required to apply theoretical knowledge of physical principles and mathematical techniques to practical problems 

Course Accreditation

ACPSEM logo

The Master of Physics (53560) specialisation in Medical Physics is accredited by the Australasian College of Physical Scientists & Engineers in Medicine (ACPSEM).

Course structure

Postgraduate coursework degrees and combined (coursework and research) degrees comprise a number of units. Refer to the course structure for more information.

Conversion
Students who have not completed a major in Physics from this University, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by the School, may be required to complete conversion units up to the value of 24 points from this group:
Core
Take all units (24 points):
Astronomy and Astrophysics specialisation
Take all units (36 points):
Take unit(s) to the value of 12 points:
Computational Physics specialisation
Take all units (24 points):
Take unit(s) to the value of 24 points:
Experimental Physics specialisation
Take all units (24 points):
Take unit(s) to the value of 24 points:
Medical Physics specialisation
Take all units (42 points):
Take unit(s) to the value of 6 points:
Quantum Technology and Computing specialisation
Take all units (24 points):
Take unit(s) to the value of 24 points:
Theoretical Physics specialisation
Take all units (24 points):
Take unit(s) to the value of 24 points:

World-class facilities

Teaching in the Master of Physics is supported by access to world-class facilities including:

We also have close links and ties with local industry, hospitals, observatories, schools, and government research organisations.

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Specialisation

Astronomy & Astrophysics

Program objectives:

Astrophysics is focused on the study of the physical nature of stars and other celestial bodies, and on the application of the laws and theories of physics to the interpretation of astronomical observations. Through hands-on training and exposure to research you’ll gain the skills and knowledge to launch your career in international astronomy.

Specialisation
Specialisation

Computational Physics

Program objectives:

Broadly speaking, physics research is exploration at the forefronts of science. We aim at a deep and fundamental understanding, based on first principles of physics, of systems at the smallest scale, or at the largest scale, or with an extremely high degree of complexity. Computational Physics deals with complex systems that cannot be solved exactly and analytically.
Specialisation
Specialisation

Experimental Physics

Program objectives:

Ultimately, the correct physical laws of the Universe are determined by cleverly designed experiments. You’ll take on the challenge of developing and performing experiments to solve unique scientific and technological problems posed by modern physics.
Specialisation
Specialisation

Medical Physics

Program objectives:

Gain the strong scientific expertise and understanding of medical physics concepts required for a career as a medical physicist in Australia/New Zealand with our Medical Physics specialisation.

This course is accredited by the Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine (ACPSEM).

Specialisation
Specialisation

Quantum Technology and Computing

Program objectives:

First of it’s kind in WA, this master’s program will give you the skills to pursue a career at the forefront of the rapidly expanding quantum technology sector

You’ll cover a variety of areas including essential and advanced quantum theories, experimental techniques and applications, as well as computational concepts and programming skills.
Specialisation
Specialisation

Theoretical Physics

Program objectives:

In the Theoretical Physics specialisation, you will study fundamental physics theories such as Symmetry Principles in Physics, Relativistic Electrodynamics, Statistical Mechanics, General Relativity, and Quantum Field Theory.
Specialisation