Course Summary
The programme is aimed at students with a strong background in Physics or related Natural Sciences, who wish to learn how to convert a mathematical model of a physical system into accurate and robust computer programmes that can capture quantitatively its behaviour.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
This programme is intended for applicants who have a strong background in physics, chemistry, engineering, material sciences or a related discipline with a significant physics content. An upper second class honours or international equivalent is required. In special circumstances, students with a strong physics background and 2.2 class honours may be accepted.
Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.
Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD’s Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/
These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/
Application Details
Apply online
Who Should Apply?
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes
F120 Computational Physics (Master of Science) Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
Fees
MSc Computational Physics (F120) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 10200
nonEU fee per year - € 29100
MSc Computational Physics (F121) Part Time
EU fee per year - € 5030
nonEU fee per year - € 14550
***Fees are subject to change
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Career Progression
The programme prepares you for a career in industry or for further PhD research. Career opportunities are broad, including the bio-pharmaceutical, telecommunications, data mining and analysis, IT consulting and green technologies industry sectors, both in Ireland and internationally. It is also a stepping stone to PhD research in the areas of theoretical and computational physics, biological and medical physics, nanotechnology and nanoscience. Recent and prospective employers include Deloitte, Murex Inc., Intel, Pfizer, MSD, Philips, Tullow Oil, the University of Edinburgh, Imperial College London, and the National Institutes of Health, USA.
Duration
Delivery: On Campus.