Undergraduate + Postgraduate
Bachelor of Science (Frontier Physics) and Master of Physics
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
Frequently asked questions
Events you may be interested in
Show more eventsCareers and further study
This course opens up a world of future study pathways and career opportunities.
Career Pathways
Upon graduation you can pursue a number of careers in the field of physics and beyond:
> Physicist
> Astronomer
> Academic Researcher
> Defence Scientist
> Computational Scientist
> Technical Specialist
> High School Physics Teacher
> Lab Technician
> Software Developer
> Metallurgist
> Meteorologist
> Science Journalist
> Patent Attorney
> Geophysical Data Analyst
Fees and scholarships
Domestic Student Fees
For Commonwealth-supported places, student contribution amounts are charged by unit, based on area of study. For a fee estimate, go to the Fee Calculator and select “I want to price my units”. Fees are subject to annual indexation. Refer to the Handbook to identify the units required. More information on how fees are calculated.
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
International Student Fees
Onshore international students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled. Annual course fees are calculated based on an annual study load. Check the handbook to confirm the annual study load for your course.
Find out more about international student tuition fees and visit the fee calculator for the relevant course fees.
Fees are subject to annual indexation.
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
Admission requirements
The University of Western Australia welcomes applications from international and domestic school-leavers. If you’re interested in studying this major, find out the admission details below.
Minimum entry requirements
- 96
ATAR Requirements
A scaled mark of at least 50% in:
- ATAR Physics (or equivalent or higher)
- ATAR Mathematics Methods (or equivalent or higher)
- ATAR Mathematics Specialists (or equivalent or higher)
Admission requirements
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.
How to apply
When you're ready, you can apply direct to UWA
Non-school leavers
If you're not in Year 12 but have an ATAR, you can apply direct to us for an undergraduate course. Note you may be required to meet our English language competency levels.
Course details
About the course
The frontier of contemporary physics is built on a broad base of deep theoretical ideas that have been verified with astonishing precision by the most intricate and challenging experiments known to mankind.
Quick Details
- Available
- Perth (Crawley Campus)
- Full-time, part-time
- On-campus
- Semester 1
- 12 hours per unit including contact hours, personal study and examinations
- Undergraduate + Postgraduate
- 4 years full time or equivalent
- CM015
- 109131F
Why Study Frontier Physics and Master of Physics
- Study at the frontiers of discovery in physics, including advanced theories of General Relativity and Quantum Field Theory, gaining advanced knowledge and research skills
- Work with world-leading researchers and award winning lecturers in dark matter discovery, gravitational wave detection, quantum information and computing, quantum technology such as spintronics, quantum gravity and field theory, radio and optical astronomy.
- Gain both Bachelor and Masters degrees in four years, fast-tracking your journey to postgraduate research or a professional career in physics
- Be part of a community of like-minded high-achieving students, where you can share knowledge and make lifelong friendships and connections
You'll learn
- a thorough grounding in the fundamental theories and conceptual framework of contemporary and frontier physics, allowing a broad and fundamental understanding of the universe at its smallest and largest scales
- the ability to identify research areas and problems at frontiers of physics
- how to experimentally test concepts in advanced and frontier physics using state-of-the-art techniques and instrumentation
- to utilise appropriate mathematical expression and communication of physical concepts
- to investigate physical and theoretical problems using computational techniques
- the ability to undertake and complete a substantial research project in physics, and to communicate the outcomes both orally and in writing
Course structure
In your first three years, you will complete the Bachelor of Science (Frontier Physics) and a semester of postgraduate study. You will then complete your selected specialisation in the Master of Physics. Refer to the example study plan for more information.
Course structure
Frontier Physics Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s
BSc (Frontier Physics) and Master of Physics
Undergraduate (UG) specific units
Broadening units
Postgraduate (PG) specific units
| YEAR | SEMESTER | UNITS | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1ST YEAR | 1 | PHYS1100 | MATH1011 | CITS1401 | Elective |
| 2 | PHYS1200 | MATH1012 | Elective | Elective | |
| 2ND YEAR | 1 | PHYS2001 | PHYS2100 | MATH2501 | Elective |
| 2 | PHYS2002 | PHYS3100 | PHYS3011 | Elective | |
| 3RD YEAR | 1 | PHYS3001 | PHYS3005 | PG Specific | PG Specific |
| 2 | PHYS3012 | PHYS3101 | PG Specific | PG Specific | |
| 4TH YEAR | 1 | PG Specific | PG Specific | PG Specific | PG Specific |
| 2 | PG Specific | PG Specific | PG Specific | PG Specific | |
Postgraduate units will vary depending on your chosen specialisation, a study plan will be provided later in your degree.
Unit Description
- PHYS1100 - Classical and Frontier Physics
- MATH1011 - Multivariable Calculus
- CITS1401 - Computational Thinking with Python
- PHYS1200 - Modern and Frontier Physics
- MATH1012 - Mathematical Theory and Methods
- PHYS2001 - Quantum Mechanics and Electromagnetism
- PHYS2100 - Stellar Astrophysics and Frontier Astronomy
- MATH2501 - Advanced Mathematical Methods
- PHYS2002 - Many Particle Physics
- PHYS3100 - Electrodynamics, Special and General Relativity
- PHYS3011 - Mathematical Physics
- PHYS3001 - Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics
- PHYS3005 - Quantum Computation
- PHYS3012 - Special Topics in Contemporary Physics
- PHYS3101 - Quantum Field Theory and Quantum Technology
Discover EZONE UWA
Work Integrated Learning
Admission entry pathways
UWA offers a number of admission entry pathways for domestic and international students to be able to study with us. If your results do not qualify you for standard entry into the University, check our Admission entry pathways for one that suits you.
Your degree options
You’ll graduate with a Bachelor of Science (Frontier Physics) and a Master of Physics, or a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) for students enrolling in BPhil, in four years.
Bachelor of Science
Student Clubs
At UWA we have a range of student run clubs where you can engage with like-minded students
You may be interested in:
Find out more about all our student clubs from the UWA Student Guild.