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Australian National University (ANU)

  • 36% international / 64% domestic

Master of Science (Advanced) in Theoretical Physics

  • Masters (Coursework)

A mastery of theoretical physics allows you to unlock the secrets of our universe. From quantum field theory to general relativity, theoretical physics not only answers the most fundamental questions of our existence but is also at the forefront of scientific discovery.

Key details

Degree Type
Masters (Coursework)
Course Code
VSCTP, 0101482
Study Mode
In person
Domestic Fees
$32,256 per year / $32,256 total
International Fees
$46,080 per year / $46,080 total

About this course

A mastery of theoretical physics allows you to unlock the secrets of our universe. From quantum field theory to general relativity, theoretical physics not only answers the most fundamental questions of our existence but is also at the forefront of scientific discovery. Take gravitational waves for example. Researchers at The Australian National University supplied equipment and techniques used in the detection of gravitational waves, opening up a new avenue for astronomical discovery. This global scientific collaboration was the culmination of a 100-year journey that started with Einstein’s theory of general relativity. The Master of Science (Advanced) in Theoretical Physics brings students to the cutting edge of research in an interactive training environment, being taught by some of the world’s leading theoretical physicists. The Master of Science (Advanced) in Theoretical Physics provides you with the opportunity to extend your practical and coursework experience in theoretical physics with the development and implementation of a research project supervised by an academic. This is particularly relevant to those who wish to benefit from the research strengths of ANU and pursue a career in research. If you are interested in big questions, like how the universe works or how elementary particles interact with each other to form nuclei and stars, then you will enjoy learning about quantum field theory. With applications such as particle physics and condensed matter, quantum field theory is arguably the most far-reaching attempt to combine special relativity and quantum physics in a unique framework. Drawing on world leading expertise from the ANU Research School of Physics and Engineering, this program will provide you with the techniques and skills necessary for a bright future in research or related careers in education, science and industry.

Entry requirements

At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not automatically guarantee entry. 

Applicants must present a Bachelor degree or international equivalent

  • with a grade point average of at least 5.5/7.0
  • with at least 8 courses in the field of Physics and/or Engineering and/or Mathematics (minimum grade point average of 5.5/7.0 in these subjects)

Students must achieve a minimum 70% weighted average mark in the initial 48 units of coursework and have the approval of the supervisor for the research project to continue to the research component.

Cognate Disciplines

Physics, Engineering, Mathematics

In line with the university's admissions policy and strategic plan, an assessment for admission may include competitively ranking applicants on the basis of specific academic achievement, English language proficiency and diversity factors. 

Academic achievement & English language proficiency

The minimum academic requirement for full entry and enrolment is a Bachelor degree or international equivalent with a minimum GPA of 5.5/7.0. 

However, applicants will first be ranked on a GPA ('GPA1') that is calculated using all but the last semester (or equivalent) of the Bachelor degree used for admission purposes. 

If required, ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of: 

• a GPA ('GPA2') calculated on the penultimate and antepenultimate semesters (or equivalent) of the Bachelor degree used for admission purposes; and/or

• demonstrating higher-level English language proficiency. 

Prior to enrolment in this ANU program, all students who gain entry will have their Bachelor degree reassessed, to confirm minimum requirements were met.

Diversity factors

As Australia’s national university, ANU is global representative of Australian research and education. ANU endeavours to recruit and maintain a diverse and deliberate student cohort representative not only of Australia, but the world. In order to achieve these outcomes, competitive ranking of applicants may be adjusted to ensure access to ANU is a reality for brilliant students from countries across the globe.

Assessment of qualifications

Unless otherwise indicated, ANU will accept all Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualifications or international equivalents that meet or exceed the published admission requirements of our programs, provided all other admission requirements are also met.

 Where an applicant has more than one completed tertiary qualification, ANU will base assessment on the qualification that best meets the admission requirements for the program. Find out more about the Australian Qualifications Framework: www.aqf.edu.au

ANU uses a 7-point Grade Point Average (GPA) scale. All qualifications submitted for admission at ANU will be converted to this common scale, which will determine if an applicant meets our published admission requirements. Find out more about how a 7-point GPA is calculated for Australian universities: www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/admission-criteria/tertiary-qualifications

Unless otherwise indicated, where an applicant has more than one completed tertiary qualification, ANU will calculate the GPA for each qualification separately. ANU will base assessment on the best GPA of all completed tertiary qualifications of the same level or higher.

Credit Granted

Applicants with a Bachelor Degree or Graduate Certificate in a cognate discipline may be eligible for up to 24 units (one semester) of credit. Applicants with a Graduate Diploma or Bachelor degree with Honours in a cognate discipline may be eligible for up to 48 units (one year) of credit.

Cognate Disciplines

Physics, Engineering, Mathematics

Indicative fees Domestic International Annual indicative fee for domestic students $32,256.00

For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees

Annual indicative fee for international students $46,080.00 Scholarships

ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are.  Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.

For further information see the Scholarships website.

Study locations

Canberra