MSc Physics Syllabus & Subjects 2025

The MSc Physics or Master of Science in Physics syllabus offers a meticulous exploration of the core concepts of Physics, where you learn to interact with data and solve issues. Through the medium of this program, you will be able to amplify your expertise in conceptual and experimental aspects of physics. During the entirety of the course, you will be studying topics that cover Advanced Quantum Mechanics, Mathematical Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Atomic Physics, Electromagnetics, and many others.

There will be a total of 4 semesters during the course program. The MSc Physics Syllabus semester wise will furnish you with the skills that will guide you in solving critical issues, analysing data, and conveying complicated ideas. In addition, it will help you with performing principal duties at your workspace. You will be taught the methods of lecture and laboratory classes. 

MSc Physics encompasses a broad spectrum of fundamental and significant subjects. In this two-year course duration, you will be studying various core and elective subjects. There are higher chances that your curriculum might be UGC-instructed as most of the educational institutions in India follow the same. Nonetheless, it is contingent from one college to another.

You will see that the subjects will be correspondingly integrated into four semesters or two years. In the first year, the subjects will fall into the category of first and second semester and the fourth and fifth semesters will fall under the second year. To provide you with a clear view, here we have provided a table that demonstrates the semester-wise syllabus for MSc Physics. Have a quick look at it: 

1st Year Syllabus for MSc Physics

Tabulated below is a list of subjects that you will be studying in the first two semesters of your course program:

2nd Year Syllabus for MSc Physics

Tabulated below is a list of subjects that you will be studying in the last two semesters of your course program:

In general, core subjects are the basic subjects that are compulsory and every single student pursuing the course has to study them. Throughout the course program, you will be taught these subjects and topics in an extensive manner. It will ensure that you have a strong base on aptitudes and skills in the required areas to get you all ready for the workforce or higher studies. Let us discuss some of the common core subjects in MSc Physics:

There are different streams in the MSc Physics. Two of the most important MSc Physics course are MSc Geophysics and MSc Nuclear Physics. The MSc streamwise subjects for these two courses are mentioned below: 

1.MSc Geophysics

MSc Geophysics is an important stream of MSc Physics. Being a branch of earth science, it is one of the most sought-after courses among students. Laboratory studies, experiments, and traditional classroom instruction all are crucial parts of the Geophysics syllabus. The subjects included in the MSc Geophysics syllabus are as follows:

·       Elements of Geology

·       Solid Earth Geophysics 

·       Geoexploration and Surveying

·       Fundamentals of Physics & Mathematics

·       Language and Communication Skills I

·       Electrical Methods

·       Applied Geology 

·       Gravity and Magnetic Methods

·       Practical Modules I

·       Numerical Methods and Computer Programming

·       Language and Communication Skills II

·       Practical Module II

2. MSc Nuclear Physics

The syllabus of MSc Nuclear Physics helps the students to explore a wide range of subjects related to the field. Some of the MSc Physics streamwise subjects for Nuclear Physics are mentioned below:

The course subjects of MSc Physics is a process of gaining knowledge throughout life. Within these course subjects, you will be made aware of scientific foundations and the methods that will help you carry them out in your projects. When you get to learn the core concepts through the subjects, you are likely to become more competent and knowledgeable.

As previously mentioned, you will get to learn and excel in this subject through both core as well as elective subjects. The course comprises specialisation and open elective subjects. It means you will have the option to select your electives which are optional and not compulsory. You may choose the one that you find interesting and aligns with your goals. Now, let us take a look at the year-wise syllabus for the MSc in Physics course:

For 1st Year

Provided below is a table that displays the subjects that you will be studying in the first year of MSc Physics:

For 2nd Year

Provided below is a table that displays the subjects that you will be studying in the second year of MSc Physics:

The main motive of an MSc in physics is to help you get a comprehensive understanding of the aspects of physics. When you enrol in this course program, you will be learning through the medium of lectures, seminars, and hands-on lab work. All of these together will provide you a deep knowledge of this course ensuring you can have great educational and career prospects ahead. You will be required to present research-based projects in the two semesters. Apart from that, your final results will be made on the grounds of classwork, project reports, internships, and final exams at the end of the semester. The core curriculum for the MSc in Physics is going to be the same regardless of your educational institution. However, you might notice a difference in specific disciplines. Provided below is a list of the common subjects in MSc Physics:

• Biophysics
• Classical Mechanics
• Electromagnetism & Electronics
• Geophysics
• Optics & Atomic & Molecular Physics
• Quantum mechanics
• Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics

You will get the opportunity to choose the optional subjects from various other specialisations. With the help of the elective subjects, you will get proficiency in other subjects together with having a sound knowledge of basic concepts. Here we have given you the  list of a few of the elective/optional subjects studied in MSc Physics:

• Astrophysics
• Cosmology
• Energy Harvesting and Storage Devices

Lab classes are an essential part of the MSc Physics curriculum. The lab subjects will help you build your knowledge by performing elementary to advanced experiments. When you will be studying the lab subjects, you will be focusing on enhancing your practical and theoretical concepts. Besides that, lab sessions also make the subject a lot more engaging.

With the help of these subjects, you will get a comprehensive understanding of performing research on the front-line areas. As a result, it will increase your opportunity for higher studies. Given below is a listicle of lab subjects taught in MSc Physics:

• Nuclear Physics
• Material Science
• Computational Physics
• Electronics
• Particle Physics

With the aid of specialisations in MSc Physics, you get to attain a maximum level of competence in your specific area of interest. Being specific to a particular species enhances the value of comprehensive learning in the course program. At present, the vibrant atmosphere of the job market is in continuous evolution. In the same way, the needs of employers and technological innovation are also evolving. That being the case, you must have a proper clue regarding your subject of interest. If you possess sufficient acquaintance with the course syllabus, you will be able to figure out the best and most appropriate specialisations for yourself. Presented below is a listicle of a few widespread specialisations under MSc Physics:

• Particle Physics
• Bio and Medical Physics
• Geophysics
• Nuclear Physics
• Quantum Physics

Those who are working or do not wish to opt for regular classes can easily pursue this course with the distance learning method. If you pursue this mode of learning, the course will be completed in about five years. This mode permits you to complete your education with ease. On the other hand, the traditional learning method can be more on the expensive side but you will need to pay about INR 12,000 to 60,000 for a distance learning program. Additionally,  it will help you possess the right expertise and experience. Explore the distance learning mode and broaden your knowledge. Provided below is a syllabus list that you will be studying in the distance learning mode:

In case you secure admission and pursue this course, you can fill out the application forms available for entrance exams. The national and university-level entrance exams are organised to help students pursue their chosen course. You can apply for the one that caters to your educational requirements.

Once the results are out for this exam, you will be selected on the grounds of the score that you will have received in the entrance exams. Moreover, you can also get the syllabus of entrance exams for MSc Physics which is published by the authorities. It will help you prepare significantly and wisely according to the exam pattern. Take a close look at the syllabus for the entrance exam:

NEST Exam: The NEST exam syllabus includes important topics such as Vectors, Thermodynamics, Thermal physics, Systematics, Solutions, Solid state, Reproductive Systems, Reactive intermediates, Phenols, Nervous System, Integral calculus, Electricity and magnetism, Electric current, Digestive System, Differential calculus, Circulatory System, Chemical equilibrium, Capacitance, Biology of Plant Systems, Aromatic compounds, Analytical geometry, Alkenes and Alkynes, etc.

IPU CET Exam: The IPU CET exam syllabus includes important topics such as Rehabilitation in Clinical Sciences Musculoskeletal (Physiotherapy), Recombinant DNA Technology, Plant and Animal Biotechnology, Operating Systems, Occupational Therapy in Rehabilitation of Neurological Conditions, Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, Immunology, Electrotherapy, Discrete Mathematics, Computer Organisation, Bioinformatics, and more.

IIT JAM Exam: The IIT JAM exam syllabus includes important topics such as Chemical Thermodynamics, Atomic and Molecular Structure, Bonding in molecules, Plant Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Probability, Organic Reaction Mechanism and Synthetic Applications, Aromatic and Heterocyclic Chemistry, and more.

CUET PG Exam: The CUET PG exam syllabus includes important topics such as Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, Plant Physiology, Mycology & Plant Pathology, Horticulture, Genetics & Plant Breeding, Entomology, Agronomy, Agricultural Extension Education, Agricultural Engineering & Statistics, Agricultural Economics, and more.

BITSAT Exam: The BITSAT exam syllabus includes important topics such as Work and Energy, Two-dimensional Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry, Three-dimensional Coordinate Geometry, Thermodynamics, Rotational Motion, Physical and Chemical Equilibria, Newton’s Laws of Motion, Kinematics, Impulse and Momentum, Gravitation, Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Algebra, and more.

The major part of your curriculum consists of choosing appropriate books as you will be getting proper knowledge through them. It is essential for you to indulge and get your hands on the right resources to gain adequate knowledge of your course. These books possess contextual illustrations that will draw your interest in the subject. It will provide you with an in-depth understanding of concepts. Make sure to get them if you wish to acquaint yourself and polish your wisdom on the major concepts. Provided below are the important books and their authors that you can consider:

The course structure for this postgraduate degree includes both core and optional subjects. Through these subjects, fundamental and specific topic-related concepts are explained to the students. Lab classes are conducted to help the students get immersed in theoretical understanding. While the first-year MSc Physics syllabus provides learning on basic fundamental concepts, the second-year syllabus deals with specific subject-related concepts. At the end of semester IV, students need to complete a research project.

Conventional classroom training and practical and audiovisual demos, case studies, group discussions, and kinesthetic learning all are implemented to provide the best quality education to the students. The following pointers briefly highlight the MSc Physics course structure:

• IV semesters
• Core subjects
• Optional subjects
• Lab sessions
• Research Project / Thesis Submission