School of Physics
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Our research
Learn more about our academic staff and their diverse research interests.
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Studying a PhD in Physics
Start your research career in physics here. Our PhD students work on cutting-edge research at the frontiers of physics. Join them!
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Events in Physics
Seminars, public lectures, school programs and more.
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Contact us
General contacts and maps for the School of Physics, and for student, industry, media and philanthropy enquiries.
News from Physics
Banner photo | Christopher Burns via Unsplash
The School of Physics at the University of Melbourne is one of the leading physics departments in Australia. Our members are engaged in research at the forefront of a diverse range of fields.
Research areas
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Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
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Complex Systems
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Condensed Matter Physics
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Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
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Experimental Particle Physics
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Extragalactic Astrophysics
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High Energy Astrophysics
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Large Scale Facility Physics
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Nanoscience
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Physical Bioscience
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Quantum Information
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Theoretical Particle Physics
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X-ray Physics
Research centres
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ARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO-3D)
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ARC Centre of Excellence for Advanced Molecular Imaging
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ARC Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics
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ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGrav)
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ARC Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology (CQC2T)
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ARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems (TMOS)
Learn how you can study physics with us – at undergraduate, masters or PhD levels.
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Undergraduate physics
Whether you're studying a Bachelor of Science or another undergraduate degree, there's a way for you to study physics with us.
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Masters in physics
Level up your skills and knowledge in physics with a Master of Science (Physics).
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PhD studies in physics
Start your research career here! Become an expert in your field by taking a deep dive into a physics research project.
Studying in the School of Physics
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Awards, prizes and scholarships
See what's available for undergraduate and graduate students studying physics.
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Meet our students and alumni
Meet our diverse undergraduate and graduate students, and see where physics has taken our alumni.
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Postgraduate Physics Students' Society
An academic and social group that connects graduate students and ensures student representation in the School of Physics.
Careers in physics
There are many exciting directions that studying physics could take you. See the careers, industries and organisations a specialisation in physics can open up for you.
The School of Physics hosts a range of events each year - from informative and entertaining public lectures, to updates on groundbreaking research, to completion seminars given by PhD students on the cusp of completing their studies.
July Lectures in Physics video archive
Watch 30 years of eminent physicists presenting historical and up-to-the-minute perspectives on current topics in physics in our video archives.
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Physics colloquium
See a range of colloquia arranged by the School of Physics.
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Public Lectures and July Lectures
Since 1969, the School of Physics has been informing and entertaining the public with lectures across a range of topics.
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GOSS/Completion Seminars
Completion seminars are given by PhD students preparing to finish up their PhD, presenting their work and discoveries.
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CoE Dark Matter Particle Physics Seminars
Find out about the latest work of the Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics.
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Condensed Matter and Optics Seminars
Learn more about the school's research into condensed matter physics and optics.
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Astrophysics colloquium
Every week, our Astrophysics group presents seminars on astrophysics, astronomy, cosmology and more.
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Physics Outreach
The School of Physics runs a range of activities for school students and teachers, the general public and our alumni and friends.
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Alumni
Keep in touch to enjoy the many benefits of a life-long connection to the physics alumni community.
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Our sponsors
As well as national research funding bodies, a diverse group of industry partners, public institutions and individuals enhance the teaching and research efforts of the School.
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Ed Muirhead Physics Museum
More than 350 items, including equipment and photographs, spanning the history of the School of Physics.
Public lectures
Each July, eminent physicists present historical and up-to-the-minute perspectives on a current topic in physics.
Watch our previous videos for accessible takes on the physics of the Apollo moon mission, planetary geology, quantum mechanics in biology, and more.
Support Physics
Join the many donors worldwide who are funding science scholarships and research at the University of Melbourne, whose support is crucial for enhancing the cultural and intellectual life in the School of Physics.
The School of Physics at the University of Melbourne enjoys an internationally respected reputation for its research excellence, broad-based undergraduate courses, and challenging and rewarding postgraduate experience.
Head, School of Physics
It is an exciting time to be studying physics in the 21st century: it is an enabling science that expands our knowledge of the Universe and underpins new technologies that benefit our society. Our programs in astrophysics, theoretical particle and experimental particle physics explore questions relating to the origin, evolution and fate of our universe.
Our School studies matter and light interactions, particularly in advanced materials utilising diamond and silicon, quantum information science, photonics, nanoscale imaging and nanoelectronics, and hosts interdisciplinary teams of physicists, biologists and chemists studying biological molecules.
Studying in the School of Physics
Physics is taught at an Undergraduate level through the Bachelor of Science program and at a postgraduate level through Masters and PhD programs. The School leverages its broad physics expertise to enhance the Physical Sciences experience of students.
- The Bachelor of Science is an internationally recognised, flexible program that will open the doors to an outstanding future
- A distinctive suite of Masters programs are designed to provide options in advanced research training, specialised coursework studies and professional skills development
- PhD studies let students carry out independent research on an area of study about which they are passionate.
Life in the School of Physics
The School of Physics is committed to providing support and resources to create an equitable environment for all members of the department, including students at all levels and visitors. This includes improving the understanding of unconscious bias and its impact through training and working with the Faculty of Science Diversity and Inclusion committees to create and implement faculty-wide initiatives.
The School has developed a diversity policy and code of conduct to ensure inclusion and acceptance of all members regardless of gender, ethnicity or origin, culture, language, relationship status, pregnancy, sexuality, medical conditions or disability, age and political or religious belief.
Professor Harry Quiney
Head, School of Physics
More information
Get in contact with us
Whether you're an academic, a current or potential student or a member of the media or the general public, you're more than welcome to get in touch with us.