Physics at Lancaster University

If you are a four-year MPhys or MSci student you will undertake a major project in your final year, with expert guidance from a member of staff who will act as your project supervisor. Project topics can be experimental or theoretical and should be relevant to your chosen degree theme.

Insight into Research

These projects will allow you to study a particular aspect of physics in depth. They will provide insight into physics research and provide excellent training for those who want to pursue a research career in academia or industry.

Transferable Skills

Working on a project will also help you to develop transferable skills highly valued by employers - such as independent study and thought, planning, time management, communication skills and experimental or theoretical research techniques.

A Choice of Topics

We offer a broad range of project topics based on our world-class research expertise. Students usually choose a set project topic, but you can also suggest your own, subject to there being a suitable project supervisor specialised in the field. Projects are usually related to the current research interests of the project supervisor and often uncover new results, occasionally leading to a publication in a scientific journal. Some projects are conducted in collaboration with industry or other external agencies.

Project Report and Mini-conference

You can work singly or in pairs on a project, but each student writes up the results of their project in an individual final report, and presents their work to fellow students and staff members at a mini-conference at the end of the summer term.

Since it comes after final exams the mini-conference is relaxed and fun, offering you a chance to develop presentation and communication skills in a friendly atmosphere. To help with this, we offer a module in which research communication skills, including professional poster design, are taught.

Enjoyable and Rewarding

It is not surprising that graduates often describe project work as the most useful, enjoyable and rewarding part of their degree course, and that many stay on to study for a doctorate in the same field as their project.