Physics

Magdalen accepts students for both undergraduate Physics courses now available at Oxford: the three-year course leading to the degree of B.A. Honours (Physics), and the four-year course leading to the degree of M.Phys. The purpose of the three-year course is to provide a general education in the basic principles of modern physics, their mathematical formulation and application in experiments. The four-year course includes the same basic physics as the three-year course, but allows additional time to study two or more areas in physics at an advanced level close to the research frontier. It is possible to leave choice between these courses until the third year of study.

Magdalen has three Tutorial Fellows, one Supernumerary Fellow and one Lecturer in Physics. Professor John Gregg researches on the novel physical properties of nanoscale magnetic systems and is particularly interested in developing the enabling basic science and technology of Spin Electronics. Dr Giles Barr researches in experimental high energy physics and currently works on the T2K neutrino oscillation experiment in Japan. Dr Arzhang Ardavan studies the mechanisms at work in exotic superconductors and the potential of molecular-scale magnetic systems for use in quantum information processing. Professor Andrew Turberfield works on nanometre-scale construction by self-assembly, including the creation of synthetic molecular machinery, and on three-dimensional microstructured optical materials. Dr Geoffrey Smith is a Fellow of St. Cross College but is attached to Magdalen as a lecturer in Astrophysics. His particular interests are in the interpretation of astrophysical spectra and extend from atomic physics to telescope observations of stars and the interstellar medium.

Teaching of Physics is fully covered within the College during the first nine terms. Magdalen is also in the remarkable position of having in-house teaching for most specialist third-year and fourth-year option papers of the Oxford Physics syllabus.

A typical Physics intake of new students is 5-6 per annum. We take students to read Physics and Philosophy when good candidates apply.

Entry procedures

All candidates must sit the Physics Aptitude Test on 2 November 2011. Further details, including information on registration, can be found on the Undergraduate Admissions website at: PAT

Conditional offers are usually based on A*AA grades at A2 (or equivalent), to include Physics and Mathematics and the A* to be in one of these two subjects.

We are willing to consider special cases for deferred entry, although we are not always persuaded that deferral is in the candidate’s best interests. Please note, however, that deferred entry in the joint degree of Physics and Philosophy cannot normally be considered.

We recommend interested candidates to visit us during the University Physics Open Days/College Open Days.

External links