Pre-arrival information for new physics masters students
Welcome to the University of Sheffield! Congratulations on securing your place to study with us in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences - we can’t wait to meet you! On this page you’ll find useful information and tasks to help make your transition to university as smooth as possible.
We know it’s a busy and exciting time for you, and we want to make preparing for starting your degree as straightforward as possible.
You’ll be receiving lots of information about how to register as a student at Sheffield, and all the exciting university-wide activities that all students can get involved with once you arrive.
This pre-arrival page is just for new physics and astronomy students. Here you’ll find information and tasks to complete specific to you and your course.
School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
We’re so excited that you’ll be joining us in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences! You might have noticed that our name is a bit different now, as we’ve joined forces with similar departments. There won’t be any changes to your course, but it’ll mean you’ll be part of a wider community to learn from and make friends in.
Complete your registration
The first thing you need to do is complete your registration.
Welcome Week timetable
There are lots of events taking place across the University during Welcome Week. Here’s a list of the events that are specifically for physics and astronomy students.* These are compulsory and will ensure you get the best start to your time at Sheffield.
Please note that this timetable might change before you arrive so make sure you keep checking back!
Welcome Talk
Date: Wednesday 25 September
Time: 2pm - 3.30pm
Location: Hicks Building, Lecture Theatre E
Consent and Race Equality Conversations
Date: Thursday 26 September
Time: 10am - 12pm
Location: Hicks Building, Lecture Theatre 2
Making the most of your course
Date: Friday 27 September
Time: 11am - 12pm
Location: Hicks Building, Lecture Theatre C
Welcome Week Lunch
Date: Friday 27 September
Time: 12pm - 1pm
Location: Hicks Building, Lecture Theatre C
*MSc Mathematics and Theoretical Physics students will be invited to both the physics and mathematics welcome talks. Please ensure you attend both sessions.
Choose your modules
In addition to compulsory core modules, you’ll also have optional modules. At the beginning of September, you’ll receive an email notifying you to select your optional modules using online module selection as part of your pre-registration tasks. A link to the Online Module Choice system will also appear within the pre-registration system.
Choosing the right modules can be tricky, so it’s a good idea to discuss your choices with the course directors. If you have any questions about the different optional module choices, please contact the course directors below:
MSc Astrophysics
Dr James Mullaney - j.mullaney@sheffield.ac.uk
MSc(Res) Quantum Photonics
Professor Dmitry Krizhanovskii - d.krizhanovskii@sheffield.ac.uk
MSc(Res) Particle Physics
Dr Christos Anastopoulos - c.anastopoulos@sheffield.ac.uk
Research projects
One of the biggest parts of your masters course is an individual research project. You’ll choose a project of relevance to your programme of study at the beginning of your first semester. You’ll work under the guidance of a world-leading researcher who is an expert in their field, have access to our outstanding research facilities and gain first-hand experience as a researcher.
The project will involve analysing the literature relevant to the problem and then developing skills relevant to tackling the problem. Projects may be experimental, theoretical, analytical or computational in nature but will involve a substantial component of new work. The research will culminate with a written dissertation.
Examples of recent research projects include:
MSc Astrophysics
- Using Neural Networks to classify stars and galaxies in all-sky surveys
- Calculating the destruction of planet forming disc in star-forming regions
MSc(Res) Quantum Photonics
- Quantum Dots as single-photon sources
- Nano antennas - an emerging technology for light manipulation at the nanoscale
MSc(Res) Particle Physics
- Design a masterclass for high-school students using ATLAS open data
- Using tau leptons in collider experiments to search for new physics
Explore Blackboard
Blackboard hosts your course materials and assignments. You can also read an overview of your courses through the module handbooks. You won’t be able to access Blackboard until you have fully registered with the University and have a full University MUSE and email (Gmail) account.
Recommended reading
You can see reading lists for all your courses on Blackboard. You can access books via links to the University library or read them online.
Physics and astronomy student intranet
The physics and astronomy student intranet is your first port of call for information related to your physics studies. You’ll need to make sure that you are signed into your University of Sheffield MUSE account to access the physics student intranet.
Student handbook
Our School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences student handbook has all the information you'll need to guide you through your postgraduate studies in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences.
Student societies
Our Students’ Union has been voted number 1 in the UK by our students and is home to over 350 societies and sports clubs. Physics and astronomy students can join Physoc, who organise events from guest lectures to fancy dress socials and the Hicks’ Ball!
Get in touch
If you have any questions or you know that you’ll be arriving late to Sheffield in September, please let us know.
If you are yet to accept your offer or provide evidence that you have met the conditions of the offer, please email any questions to study@sheffield.ac.uk, making sure to include your full name and applicant number.
If you have completed registration and have access to your IT account, please email phy-support@sheffield.ac.uk, making sure to provide your full name and student registration number.