Saurav Anand
Table of Contents
MSc in Physics Introduction
A postgraduate degree focuses on advanced studies of certain fields and sectors. An MSc degree in physics is a postgraduate degree and as a prerequisite, this degree generally requires a bachelor’s degree in physics or a related field. In this degree, graduates explore a deeper understanding of various sectors of physics, such as quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, astrophysics, particle physics, and condensed matter physics
A postgraduate degree in MSc Physics usually takes two years to complete but the duration varies depending upon some colleges and country. Individuals with an MSc in Physics upon graduation have the opportunity to pursue various career paths. They can work in development and research in fields such as aerospace, energy, technology, or telecommunications. For further specialization or detailed study in this field, the graduates can also choose to pursue a Ph.D. in Physics and involve in academic positions or research opportunities at universities or research institutions.
MSc in Physics Highlights
The key highlights of an MSc in Physics are mentioned below:
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Postgraduate |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Degree | Master of Science in Physics |
| Eligibility Criteria | A BSc degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks and Physics as one of the mandatory subjects is required. |
| Age | No age limit |
| Average Course Fees | INR 21,000 – INR 2,50,000 |
| Average Salary Offered | INR 5 – INR 10 LPA |
| Subjects Required | Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. |
| Placement Opportunities | Tech Mahindra, Infosys, Wipro, TATA motors, Maruti Udyog CTS, Trademark and Indian Institute of Patent, etc. |
| Employment Roles | Research Scientist, Junior Research Fellow, Radiation Physicist, Research Associate, Medical Physicist, etc. |
Why choose the MSc in Physics Course? The feasibility of a degree in MSc Physics having career opportunities rely on many characteristics. Some of them are listed below:
- By pursuing a master’s degree in physics that is the MSc Physics course the students can develop the thoughts of analytical advancements and problem-solving mathematical questions.
- The understanding of scientific content is achieved by the students.
- Solving mathematical problems, analyzing data, and communicating complex ideas are some skills learned by students while pursuing this degree.
- Plenty of employment options in both the public and private sectors are available for candidates who complete the MSc Physics program
- A variety of business professionals, theories, scholarly discussions, reports, and speeches can be held to spread the research and discovery work of the students.
- However, this is a chance to study a detailed and advanced study of physics that upholds every factor of a person’s daily life.
MSc Physics Admission Process
All candidates must follow the basic steps to be admitted to the colleges offering the MSc in physics. Here is a rundown of the admission process for the MSc Physics course:
- Eligibility Criteria: The potential candidates for this degree must have qualifications that satisfy the eligibility criteria set by some of the universities or institutes offering the MSc degree in physics. The general criteria of eligibility include a bachelor’s degree in Physics or a related field with a minimum average score specified by the institution. Exams related to this degree are conducted by the NTA and the students should prepare and appear for these exams.
- Entrance Exams: Candidates are required to appear for entrance exams by most universities and colleges for admission to the MSc Physics program. Some of the most popular entrance exams for MSc Physics in India are individual university-conducted entrance exams and some universities such as BHU, JNU, DU, and others, use CUET MSc Physics entrance for the admission process.
- Application Process: The students are advised to apply to universities or colleges which they like and are aligning with their preferences by filling out the specific institute’s application forms and by submitting required documents, including mark sheets of 10+2 board exams, entrance exam scores, and letters of recommendation. The application process may vary amongst universities. The candidates are advised to refer to the respective university’s official website for a complete overview of detailed instructions.
- Interview and Enrollment: This admissions process is the final stage of the process in the admissions of candidates for the MSc in physics degree which requires an applicant to attend an interview. The interviewer may or may not ask candidates questions based on their subjects. At this point, the candidate must comprise important documents and records that will be used to determine eligibility for the MSc Physics program. The candidate is admitted to the MSc Physics program once their eligibility is determined.
How to Choose the Right College for MSc in Physics? For pursuing an MSc in Physics program choosing the right college is very critical for a successful academic journey and for career opportunities in the future. There are several aspects that should be considered while selecting a college:
- Rankings: Students should check if the college is recognized by authorities and holds a remarkable ranking in national or international prospects.
- Faculty: The students are advised to research the qualifications, interests of research, and proclamations of the faculty members in the Department of Mathematics to ensure they align with the student’s interests and aspirations.
- Infrastructure: The availability of library access, research opportunities, facilities, labs including computer labs, and other infrastructure should be considered by the students before choosing a college that can help enhance the learning experience of students.
- Research: Students should consider colleges that provide participation in active research programs and a chance to work with industry or research organizations.
- Placements: The college’s placement records should be evaluated by the students before choosing a college as it is an integral part of the completion of a degree and also a strong network of alumni in the specific college to advise about career opportunities to graduates.
MSc in Physics Entrance Exams
Here’s a list of the entrance exams conducted by the respective authorities:
| Entrance Exam | Conducting Authority |
|---|---|
| Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) – Physics paper | Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) |
| Combined Biotechnology Entrance Examination (CEEB) – Physics section | Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) |
| Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) | Science & Engineering Research Board (SERB) |
| National Eligibility Test (NET) – Physics | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| The University of Delhi Entrance Examination – the Physics | University of Delhi |
| National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) – Physics section | NISER |
| TIFR Graduate School Admissions (GS) – Physics | Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) |
| IISc Entrance Test – Physics | Indian Institute of Science (IISc) |
| BHU PET – Physics | Banaras Hindu University (BHU) |
MSc in Physics Courses
The course provided by the colleges for the degree Master of Science in Physics MSc in Physics is listed below. The courses offered are generally termed branches of MSc Physics. Here are some of them:
- Thermodynamics & Statistics Mechanics
- Optics & Atomic & Molecular Physics
- Quantum computing
- Astrophysics
- Geophysics
- Classical Mechanics
- Biophysics
- Quantum mechanics
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Electromagnetism & Electronics
MSc in Physics Syllabus
The duration of this degree is two years typically and is segregated into 4 semesters. Here’s a rundown of the subjects in the semesters of each year.
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Electromagnetic Theory I | Electromagnetic Theory II |
| Mathematical Methods in Physics | Condensed Matter Physics |
| Classical Mechanics | Statistical Mechanics |
| Quantum Mechanics I | Quantum Mechanics II |
| Laboratory – Quantum Mechanics | Laboratory – Statistical Mechanics |
| Laboratory – Electromagnetic Theory | Laboratory – Condensed Matter Physics |
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|
| Solid State Physics | Computational Physics |
| Astrophysics | Research Project (Thesis) |
| Quantum Field Theory I | Quantum Field Theory II |
| Nuclear and Particle Physics | Cosmology and Gravitation |
| Laboratory – Solid State Physics | – |
| Laboratory – Nuclear Physics |
MSc Physics Top Colleges in India
Here are some of the top colleges MSc Physics colleges in India mentioned in the list below: Please note that this tabulated average fee is a rough idea and the students are instructed to visit the official website for more information.
| College Name | MSc Physics fees, Average |
|---|---|
| Hansraj College | INR 16,000 |
| Hindu College | INR 16,000 |
| Fergusson College | INR 50,000 |
| Ramjas College | INR 14,000 |
| Miranda House | INR 16,000 |
| Sri Venkateswara College | INR 13,000 |
| The Oxford College of Science | INR 50,000 |
| Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani | INR 7,00,000 |
| Christ University | INR 1,00,000 |
| Chandigarh University | INR 1,00,000 |
| St. Xavier’s College | INR 90,000 |
| Stella Maris College | INR 30,000 |
| National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli | INR 74,000 |
| Loyola College | INR 1,80,000 |
| Banaras Hindu University | INR 6,000 |
| IIT Delhi | INR 91,400 |
MSc Physics Scope in India
One of India’s most popular degrees is the MSc Physics course recently. The students through this degree get an opportunity to focus on the various aspects of the subject. The MSc Physics degree scope in India is constantly expanding. Upon completion of this degree successfully students graduating with this MSc Physics degree can pursue careers in science, research, or education. Students may wish to pursue a higher degree after completing this master’s degree. The Ph.D. in Physics and MPhil in Physics are the most popular options.
Upon completion, students completing this degree can work in both public and private sectors because they have a brief knowledge of physics principles. There have job profiles in information technology fields, research labs and the automobile industry, and various government-owned Scientific Research as well as Development Organisations.
According to the sources, MSc Physics job opportunities for graduates will increase by 15% between 2013 and 2022. These physicists can also have a teaching career. The most popular options for students are M.Phil and P.hD for students who want to continue their education
Higher Studies Options after MSc Physics: MSc Physics is a degree that provides a base for higher studies and research in the field of physics. Some of the options for MSc physics graduates in higher studies are mentioned below:
- Ph.D. in physics: A Ph.D. in Physics can be pursued by a student to gain a piece of deeper knowledge into a specific area of interest and put an impact on the advancement of physics research society. Ph.D. programs are a gateway to research opportunities and academic advancements.
- Integrated Ph.D. Programs: These doctorate programs provide an opportunity for the student to directly shift from a bachelor’s or master’s degree to a Ph.D. program without any specific master’s degree. These programs involve coursework as well as research and are of longer duration.
- Specialized Master’s Programs: Areas such as Financial Research, Engineering Modeling, Operations Research, and Computational physics are fields in which aspiring graduates can opt for specialized Master’s programs. These programs allow students to study various fields in an advanced method.
Career Opportunities after MSc Physics
Students pursuing a master’s degree in Physics have various career opportunities provided to them. A few of the popular career opportunities are listed below:
- Research: To pursue a career in research and academia graduates with a degree in MSc Physics can choose to complete their further studies and pursue a Ph.D. in Physics for a deeper study of advanced principles. Research positions are offered by many universities and research institutions where some of the noblest physicists have admirable discoveries and advancements in the field.
- Analytics and Data Science: Quantum mechanics, astrophysics, electromagnetism, particle physics, and so on are key components of data science and analytics. Data science specialists with a background in physics can find work in fields including research scientists, radiation physicists, research associates, and medical physicists. They can work as online tutors, or scientists, assisting professors in making informed decisions and resolving challenging issues.
- Financial Services: A crucial role is played by Physics in this subject. Banking, investment firms, insurance companies, or financial consultancies are some jobs that can be taken up by graduates with a strong mathematical background of the graduates in physics. Optimization of investment strategies, market trends, and developing financial models are some of the essential features taught in this subject. Financial analyst, risk analyst, quantitative analyst, and actuary are some of the job opportunities offered to the students.
- Renewable Energy and Sustainability: The implementation of renewable energy and development in technologies, such as wind, solar or geothermal power. optimization of energy systems, analyzing data, and improving energy efficiency aspects of this opportunity.
- Consulting and Management: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are possessed by the graduates pursuing this degree making them an important asset in management and consulting roles. Management consultants, optimizing business processes, and solving complex problems for clients are some of the roles physics graduates can work in. Their expertise in principles involving physics helps them analyze data, and make strategic decisions.
- Education: A popular choice for MSc Physics graduates is a career in teaching physics. Their knowledge and passion for the subject can help them become teachers and professors in colleges and schools. For the graduates, this becomes an opportunity to inspire today’s generation of students and help develop skills in the subject of physics in students.
- Government and Public Sector: In government organizations and public sector institutions, physicists are in great demand. They get opportunities to work in profiles such as defense research, meteorology, and policy analysis. Solving critical problems, optimizing resource allocation, and developing scientific models to address different challenges can be a contribution by them.
Thus the diverse career opportunities available to MSc Physics graduates are described by a few examples. Critical thinking, logical reasoning, and quantitative analysis are some of the basic principles provided in various industries. They also get a chance to explore different career paths and contribute significantly to their chosen field.
The Average Salary after completing MSc in Physics?Depending on experience, the field of specialization, study subjects, and other factors the salary varies for the graduates. Nowadays Graduates are having some trouble finding work in educational institutions or other industries.
The average salary for an MSc Physics graduate can be expected between INR 4 and INR 10 LPA on an average package. As the quality of one’s work and years of experience increases the salary also increases for the graduate. These all factors can help one earn more money. MSc Physics recruiters have different MSc Physics salary packages as well as work profiles. Working for a variety of firms and professions can be an opportunity for a graduate completing a master’s degree in Physics.
Here’s a list of a brief idea of average salaries provides by certain job profiles mentioned below This is a rough research of the profiles that can provide such average packages:
| MSc Physics Job profile | MSc Physics Salary (Average) |
|---|---|
| Medical Physicists | INR 6.5 LPA |
| Radiation Physicist | INR 5 LPA |
| Research Associate/Manager | INR 4 LPA |
| Research Fellow | INR 7 LPA |
| Research Scientist | INR 10 LPA |
MSc Physics Top Recruiters
There are numerous highly regarded companies available to graduates with master’s degrees in physics that have an MSc in physics. They have various opportunities to work in many places, such as hospitals, government agencies, the private sector, labs, research facilities, etc.
Below are some of the top recruiting companies that can have a number of MSc Physics jobs profiles for MSc Physics course graduates:
- Tech Mahindra
- Infosys
- Wipro
- CTS
- HCL Technologies
- Accenture
- IBM
- Verizon
- Amazon
- Capgemini
- Maruti Udyog
- TATA Motors
- Indian Institute of Patent and Trademark
- Reliance Industries Limited
- TCS
- L&T InfoTech
Graduates majoring in this degree of MSc in Physics get the opportunity to experience recruiting organizations in the government sector as well such as :
- Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
- National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC)
- Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
- Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
- Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
Notable Personalities in the Field of Physics:
Here’s a table showcasing some notable personalities in the field of physics, along with their notable contributions:
| Name | Contributions |
|---|---|
| Isaac Newton | Laws of Motion, Universal Gravitation, Calculus |
| Albert Einstein’s | E=mc², Theory of Relativity, Photoelectric Effect |
| Richard Feynman | Quantum Electrodynamics, Feynman Diagrams, Feynman Lectures |
| Marie Curie | Radioactivity, Discovery of Radium and Polonium |
| Niels Bohr | Atomic Structure, Bohr Model, Principle of Complementarity |
| Max Planck | Explanation of Blackbody Radiation, Quantum Theory, Planck’s Constant, |
| Stephen Hawking | Black Hole Physics, Hawking Radiation, Cosmology |
| Galileo Galilei | Experimental Physics, Laws of Motion, Telescope Observations |
| Werner Heisenberg | Uncertainty Principle, Quantum Mechanics |
| Enrico Fermi | Nuclear Physics, Fermi Paradox, Development of the First Nuclear Reactor |
| Carl Sagan | Popular Science Communication, Cosmos TV Series, Research in Extraterrestrial Life |
| Jocelyn Bell Burnell | Discovery of Pulsars, Contributions to Radio Astronomy |
| Richard P. Feynman | Quantum Electrodynamics, Feynman Diagrams, Feynman Lectures |
| Ernest Rutherford | Nuclear Physics, Rutherford Model, Discovery of the Nucleus |
| Lisa Randall | Theoretical Physics, Extra Dimensions, Dark Matter, and Dark Energy |
| Andrei Sakharov | Particle Physics, Nuclear Fusion, Human Rights Activism |
| Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar | Stellar Structure, White Dwarfs, Chandrasekhar Limit |
| Lise Meitner | Nuclear Physics, Discovery of Nuclear Fission |
| Neils Bohr | Atomic Structure, Bohr Model, Principle of Complementarity |
| Edwin Hubble | Hubble’s Law, Expanding Universe, Classification of Galaxies |
| Chen-Ning Yang | Yang-Mills Theory, Symmetry Breaking, Nobel Prize in Physics (1957) |
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, studying for a master’s degree in Physics offers a variety of quantitative opportunities for individuals passionate about upheaving the experiences of the physical world.
This postgraduate degree fulfills students with detailed and advanced knowledge and skills in various sectors ranging from quantum mechanics to astrophysics on the principles of physics and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions about MSc in Physics?
Q. What is an MSc in Physics?
Ans. A postgraduate degree program is MSc in physics offered by many universities that focus on a detailed advanced study in physics, comprising topics such as quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, particle physics, condensed matter physics, and particle physics.
Q. What is the duration to complete an MSc in Physics?
Ans. The duration of an MSc in Physics program is typically one to two years.
Q. Can I pursue a Ph.D. after completing an MSc in Physics?
Ans. Yes, an MSc degree in Physics is a gateway to pursuing a Ph.D. in Physics or a field relevant to physics.
Q. Can I specialize in a specific area of physics during the MSc program?
Ans. Yes, there are many opportunities for this degree of MSc in Physics program that offers specialization depending on the field of physics.
Q. What career opportunities are available with an MSc in Physics?
Ans. Some of the career opportunities are teaching and academia, computational physics, science journalism, research scientist, financial analysis, medical physics, data science, engineering roles renewable energy, and entrepreneurship.
