Courses / Course

Cosmology
Prof Peter Coles
Cosmology and the large-scale structure of the Universe, especially theoretical models of galaxy formation and the evolution of galaxy clustering. The cosmic microwave background as a probe of space-time geometry and models of the early Universe. Dark matter and dark energy.  Statistical analysis of present and future observational data, especially the European Space Agency's forthcoming Euclid mission.

Complex Quantum Phenomena
Dr Graham Kells
My main interests are complex quantum phenomena and how they can be  harnessed to store and control quantum information. Recently, I have been working on weak zero-modes and quantum many-body scars.  I have also become interested in the formalism of third/operator quantisation and have started new projects on measurement-induced entanglement transitions.

Black Holes
Dr John Regan
Dr. Regan's research interests are in the study of the formation and evolution of massive black holes in the early Universe. He uses state-of-the-art computational models to understand the formation pathways of massive black holes and  their subsequent dynamics inside early galaxies.

Non-perturbative Quantum Field Theory
Dr Jon-Ivar Skullerud
Non-perturbative computer simulations of quantum field theory; in particular strong interactions. Phase transitions at high temperature and/or density.  Confinement and deconfinement of quarks and gluons.  Philosophy of physics, in particular quantum field theory.

Topological Phases and Quantum Computation
Dr Joost Slingerland
Topological phenomena in condensed matter physics and their application to fault tolerant and scalable quantum computation. This involves study of two dimensional systems that harbor anyons – quasiparticles with exotic exchange properties. These topological phases and transitions between them are studied both at the level of topological field theory, and in local models and realistic physical contexts such as the fractional quantum Hall effect.

Topological Quantum Computation
Prof Jiri Vala
Topological phases of condensed matter systems. Topological quantum computation. Fault-tolerant quantum computation. Theory of decoherence and quantum error correction and suppression.

Topics in Applied Mathematics
Dr Paul Watts
Applications of group theory and algebra in high-energy physics, quantum field theory and quantum information processing; mathematical modelling and statistical inference in the social sciences.

For further details on the research specialisms within the Department please visit: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/theoretical-physics/our-research.

Candidates for a PhD degree will normally be expected to have a Masters degree or a First Class Honours primary degree in Mathematical/Theoretical Physics or a relevant discipline.

Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.

Minimum English language requirements:

• IELTS: 6.5 minimum overall score
• TOEFL (Paper based test): 585
• TOEFL (Internet based test): 95
• PTE (Pearson): 62

Maynooth University’s TOEFL code is 8850

Online application only. To make an application please click here.                                                                                                                           

Please note: All research applicants should contact the respective department before applying to ensure their research proposal aligns with departmental interests and criteria.

To apply for your chosen postgraduate study at Maynooth University, please ensure you have the following documents to make an application:

• Evidence of your primary degree
• Academic transcripts
• A copy of your passport
• Proposed Thesis Title and Summary 
• A personal statement   
• An academic letter of recommendation
• A professional letter of recommendation

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants. 

Typically a PhD in Theoretical Physics takes four years of full time study (six years part time). The structured PhD programme involves substantial original research under the supervision of academic staff in an area of theoretical physics or applied mathematics and the submission of a major thesis containing a significant amount of original matherial and results. Prospective students should contact potential supervisors to discuss possible research projects before submitting an application. In addition students must take a minimum of 30 credits in taught modules (15 in generic/transferable modules and 15 in subject/specialist modules) and not exceed 90 credits in taught modules over the duration of their Structured PhD programme.

Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually. Please check periodically for updates.

Year 1

THEORETICAL PHYSICS PhD (Science) in Theoretical Physics The objective of the structured research programme in Theoretical Physics is to provide: - A high quality research experience and training - Enhanced arrangements for supervision and mentorship - Structured arrangements for the development of generic and transferable skills - Advanced discipline-specific taught courses - Regular monitoring of progress Closing date Research applications are generally accepted at any time Commences September (or other agreed time) Notes: All students should consult with their supervisor before registering for modules. This is especially important in the first year of your research studies as not all modules are suitable for Year 1 students. Modules with a FM or GST prefix are managed by the Research Development Office. Please consult with your supervisor before registering for these modules. Students who wish to register for FM and GST modules in semester 2 must contact the MU Research Skills Development Programme rsdp@mu.ie. TP900 - THEORETICAL PHYSICS Credits: n/a Not compulsory: Module Code Credits Semester Compulsory ALGEBRAIC TOPOLOGY MT840 5 1 CONFERENCE ORGANISATION FM801 5 Year-Long CREATIVE THINKING & PROBLEM SOLVING GST5 5 Year-Long DIFFERENTIAL GEOMETRY MP655 5 1 ENGAGING WITH THE COMMUNITY:RESEARCH, PRACTICE AND REFLECTION. FM804 5 Year-Long ETHICS AND ACADEMIC PRACTICE FOR RESEARCH STUDENTS GST15 5 Year-Long GENERAL RELATIVITY MP656 5 2 GROUPS AND THEIR REPRESENTATIONS MP640 5 1 HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPUTING MP874 5 Year-Long INNOVATION AND RESEARCH COMMERCIALISATION GST10 5 2 INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING I. MP871 5 2 INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING II COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS. MP872 5 Year-Long MAJOR ADVANCED SUMMER SCHOOL, TECHNICAL COURSE OR INTERNATIONAL PLACEMENT MP835 5 Year-Long MAJOR ADVANCED TOPICS IN MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS MP809 5 Year-Long MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS SEMINAR SERIES MP808 5 Year-Long MINOR ADVANCED SUMMER SCHOOL, TECHNICAL COURSE OR INTERNATIONAL PLACEMENT MP834 2.5 Year-Long ORAL AND POSTER PRESENTATION OF RESEARCH WORK AT AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE, MEETING OR WORKSHOP MP831 5 Year-Long OUTREACH & COMMUNICATION FM805 5 Year-Long PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE IN POSTGRADUATE TEACHING & LEARNING : TUTORS & DEMONSTRATORS CTL1 5 1 PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE IN POSTGRADUATE TEACHING & LEARNING : TUTORS & DEMONSTRATORS CTL1X 5 2 QUANTUM FIELD THEORY 1 MP651 5 1 QUANTUM FIELD THEORY 2 MP652 5 2 RESEARCH FUNDING APPLICATION GST13 5 1 RESEARCH PLACEMENT FM803 5 Year-Long RESEARCH PRACTICE AND INTEGRITY GST4 5 Year-Long TEACHING PRACTICE IN MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS MP802 5 Year-Long TOPICS IN COMPLEX ANALYSIS MT821 5 2 WORK-BASED PLACEMENT FM802 5 Year-Long

Programme Director Dr John Regan
Email John.Regan@mu.ie 
Website https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/theoretical-physics
Address Department of Theoretical Physics, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare

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Theoretical physicists are in high demand in the job market thanks to their skills in numeracy, analytical and abstract thinking and the application of these skills  to solving problems in the real world. Graduates  can consider a wide range of careers, including research and teaching in a university, research in a research institute or industrial setting; public sector agencies, the scientific civil service; banking and stock market analysis; business and actuarial work, telecommunications and in all sections of the computer industry.  They lead and are at the forefront of scientific discovery and in understanding the universe from the microscopic to the macroscopic, the origin of space-time, quarks, quantum information, black holes and to astrophysical processes on the scale of the entire universe.

For further information on Postgraduate options please go to the Graduate Studies site