Schools Schools for theoretical physics

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on seeking a Master's or PhD in Theoretical Physics, specifically in particle physics and general relativity, with a focus on options in the US and UK. It highlights that in the US, many universities do not offer a terminal Master's degree in physics, often requiring a PhD instead. The conversation emphasizes the importance of academic qualifications such as GPA, GRE, and PGRE scores for US applications, along with research experience. For international students, proficiency in English is typically assessed through tests like the TOEFL. In contrast, the UK system appears to have fewer standardized requirements, mainly focusing on a certain level of honors in undergraduate studies and TOEFL for non-native speakers. The participant is looking for recommendations on universities for a PhD program, indicating a lack of familiarity with the educational systems in the US and UK.
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Hi, I am searching for a school where I can have a Master of Threoretical Physics, in particular I am interested on particle physics and general relativity any suggestion is welcomed. Ah it could be on either US or UK.

Thanks
 
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That might be an option in the UK, but in the US, it would just be called a masters in physics. Many good schools don't offer a terminal masters degree; it's a PhD or nothing. What do you plan on doing with this degree? I can't think of many jobs that would require that coursework and not a PhD, or things that would get you with a masters you couldn't do with a bachelors in physics.
 
eri said:
That might be an option in the UK, but in the US, it would just be called a masters in physics. Many good schools don't offer a terminal masters degree; it's a PhD or nothing. What do you plan on doing with this degree? I can't think of many jobs that would require that coursework and not a PhD, or things that would get you with a masters you couldn't do with a bachelors in physics.

ok. In that case. which universities would you recommend for a PhD on any of those countries??
 
Well, there are more than 100 universities in the US offering a PhD in physics. GPA? GRE and PGRE scores? Research experience? Hard to tell what you should be shooting for.
 
eri said:
Well, there are more than 100 universities in the US offering a PhD in physics. GPA? GRE and PGRE scores? Research experience? Hard to tell what you should be shooting for.

Well as I sad, It would be particle physics or general relativity from the theoretical side, both. I just would like to hear maybe 3 or 4 options. I am begginig to search for a few options to apply. The main reason is because I am not from US neither UK. So, for the moment I just know I want to study one of those 2 options.

eri said:
GPA? GRE and PGRE scores?

What is the meaning of that?? As you can see I am not familiar with US or UK education system.
eri said:
Research experience?

Again, What is that?? forgive my ignorance :)
 
GPA = Grade Point Average. Your average grade (mark) in your undergraduate courses. In the US this is on a scale of 0 to 4.00. Your country likely uses a different scale, in which case your average will be converted to the US equivalent by the graduate schools you are applying to, or maybe by your own university.

GRE = Graduate Record Examination. Most or all graduate schools in the US require applicants to take it. This is a general test of verbal and mathematical ability.

PGRE = "Physics GRE" = GRE Subject Test in physics. Most graduate physics departments in the US require applicants to take it. That is, you need to take both the general exam and the physics exam.

If English is not your native language, you probably also need to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or something similar, to convince schools that you know enough English to do OK in your classwork etc.
 
jtbell said:
GPA = Grade Point Average. Your average grade (mark) in your undergraduate courses. In the US this is on a scale of 0 to 4.00. Your country likely uses a different scale, in which case your average will be converted to the US equivalent by the graduate schools you are applying to, or maybe by your own university.

GRE = Graduate Record Examination. Most or all graduate schools in the US require applicants to take it. This is a general test of verbal and mathematical ability.

PGRE = "Physics GRE" = GRE Subject Test in physics. Most graduate physics departments in the US require applicants to take it. That is, you need to take both the general exam and the physics exam.

If English is not your native language, you probably also need to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or something similar, to convince schools that you know enough English to do OK in your classwork etc.

Thanks for the information, very helpful. Can you tell me something about UK system? What I have seen, they don't ask for any of these requirements but TOEFL and a certain grade of honours(their grading system I think) as they call it.

Thanks
 
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