Applied Physics

Applied Physics

Course Details

CAO Code:
Course Type:
Undergraduate
NFQ Level:
8 - Please see www.qqi.ie for further information
Placement:
Yes
Delivery Mode:
Full-time
Minimum Points
N/A
Duration:
4 yr
Phone:
+353 (0) 1
700 5743

Overview

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Do you want to know how to use your understanding of physics to have an impact in the real world? This is the course for you. As for students of any experimental physics course, you’ll need reasonable ability and comfort with mathematics to thrive and achieve your potential.

This long-established experimental physics course focuses on the real-world applications of fundamental physics. You’ll learn through a blend of lectures, tutorials and a strong element of laboratory and project work, gaining theoretical and analytical knowledge as well as excellent hands-on experimental, problem-solving and analytical skills. And you can focus on your core interests, by choosing from a range of specialisms such as data science, computational physics or semiconductors. 

Gaining vital real-world experience
In third year, you’ll do an INTRA work placement, either in an industrial or research laboratory environment. We strongly support students applying for summer internships both nationally and internationally, and some Applied Physics students go on such competitive internships each year, both in Ireland and abroad.

As a graduate, you’ll be sought after for roles in data science and data analytics, high end technology and manufacturing (such as semiconductors and photonics), programming and coding in scientific and engineering contexts, or academic or industry-based research and development.

DCU People

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Irish Apale
Alumni

Looking on LinkedIn influenced Irish Apale when it came to the best choice for her third level education.


Read more about Irish Apale
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Dr Samuel McKeague
Staff

My research is in high energy astrophysics or the physics behind processes in the universe that lead to emissions of light at very, very high energies.


Read more about Dr Samuel McKeague
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Emily McGill
Alumni

Maths, physics, and chemistry were always my strongest subjects in school so it was easy to decide to pursue a science degree.


Read more about Emily McGill

Careers & Further Options

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Careers

Applied Physics is a gateway to a wide range of careers. Armed with highly marketable skills, you will be a powerful and versatile addition to any workforce. Examples of careers pursued by previous graduates include working in the areas of engineering, communications, semiconductors, photonics/optoelectronics and research and development. You could find yourself either in a design or management role, or you could push the boundaries of fundamental science in a research laboratory and be a future Nobel Prize winner!

Successful completion of this Honours Bachelor Degree (NFQ Level 8) satisfies the current Teaching Council of Ireland subject curricular requirements for the teaching of physics at post-primary level

Further useful materials and resources on the many interesting and diverse career opportunities available to physics graduates are available on the Institute of Physics website.

  • Communications
  • Education
  • Electronics
  • Engineering
  • Information Technology
  • Optoelectronics
  • Photonics
  • Research and Development
  • Semiconductors
  • Teaching
Communications
Education
Electronics
Engineering
Information Technology
Optoelectronics
Photonics
Research and Development
Semiconductors
Teaching

DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.

DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path.

Go to our Careers site to find out more about career planning, our mentorship programme, skills development and online resources for students when working on CVs and making applications.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements Icon

There is no direct entry to the programme via CAO. All entries to this programme are via DC175 Physics General Entry.

Holders of Higher Certificate/National Certificates or Bachelor (Ordinary) Degree/National Diplomas with Merit or Distinction may be admitted into second year if the relevant Programme Boards are satisfied that the candidate has achieved an appropriate standard in the major subjects covered in Year One. Direct entry into third year is possible for well-motivated students holding a distinction at Diploma level in a related discipline.

There is no direct entry to the programme. All entries to this programme are via DC175 Physics General Entry. For further information on international applications click here.

Course Structure

Course Structure Icon

You will enter BSc in Applied Physics via the Physics General Entry route (DC175), confirming your choice at the end of Year 1. This degree combines lectures, tutorials and stimulating laboratory work and projects with fundamental physics concepts and exciting, real-life technological skills and applications. 

The basic foundations of physics, mathematics and programming will be laid in Years 1 and 2, while in Years 3 and 4 you will study a range of topics in greater depth., You can choose from a number of specialist topics, such as data science, computational physics, instrumentation, nanotechnology, semiconductor materials, plasma physics and microfluidics.

Your INTRA placement in third year, and the final year project in fourth year will allow you to apply your skills and demonstrate your abilities in tackling and solving real problems, and will enable you to bring together all the knowledge and experience gained from previous modules studied.


For more information on the course structure click here

How To Apply

How To Apply Icon

There is no direct entry to the programme. All entries to this programme are via DC175 Physics General Entry. 

There is no direct entry to the programme. All entries to this programme are via DC175 Physics General Entry. For further information on international applications click here.

There is no direct entry to the programme. All entries to this programme are via DC175 Physics General Entry. 

Applications are made via the CAO Advanced Entry route which opens from the 6th November to 1st July

There is no direct entry to the programme. All entries to this programme are via DC175 Physics General Entry. 

Life On Campus

Life on Campus
DCU Campus Glasnevin

DCU Glasnevin Campus

FAQs

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