Course Title: Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physics Technology
Physicists design experiments to test or apply new ideas to better understand the physical world. Their work has led to key developments in areas such as optics, electronics, communications systems, information technology, computing, medical technologies, energy production and management, sustainable technologies and environmental technologies.
This course is designed to educate and train students to be professional scientists in the area of Physics Technology, and to provide them with scientific and analytical skills in physics as well as a practical problem-solving ability.
It is not necessary to have studied physics in order to do this degree, although you do need to have an interest in science and technology. All of the Physics in Year 1 and much of it in Year 2 is delivered using the exciting method of Problem-Based Learning. This learning style allows students to develop additional skills much sought after by industry: problem-solving, adaptability, teamwork, research skills, leadership and communication skills.
You’ll study a wide range of subjects, from the physics of motion, electricity & magnetism, nuclear physics, mechanics, relativity, heat & thermodynamics and quantum mechanics to technology for sustainability, astronomy, entrepreneurship for scientists, environmental & remote sensing, electronics & instrumentation, and particle physics & astrophysics. And you can choose to specialise in areas of particular interest.
You’ll also undertake an Invention, Innovation & Commercialisation Project.
Professional Accreditation
Physics Technology is an accredited course of the Institute of Physics (IOP).
Work Placement
There is a work placement element to this course.
Leaving Certificate Requirements
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Minimum Number of |
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Subjects |
Honours |
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6 |
2 H5's |
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Minimum Grade in |
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Maths |
English OR Irish |
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O3/H7 |
O6/H7 |
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Additional Requirements: |
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At least H4 in one of: Physics, Chemistry, Physics & Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Agricultural Science, Engineering, Technical Drawing, Technology, or Design and Communication Graphics. |
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QQI/FET Requirements
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QQI/FET Award Required |
Additional Requirements |
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Level 5: 1 OF THE FOLLOWING AWARDS: CASLT / 5M3807 Laboratory Techniques |
DISTINCTION(S) REQUIRED: 5 DISTINCTIONS WHICH MUST INCLUDE: C20139 / 5N1833 Mathematics |
| Level 6: Full level 6 award in a relevant discipline | |
In addition to the QQI minimum entry requirements, QQI quotas and QQI points apply. The max QQI points awarded is 390. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/qqi
Mature Applicants
Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/mature
English Language Requirements
If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants for this course should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.
Click on the link below to view an indicative timetable for this course. Timetables are subject to change and up to date timetables will be provided to students on commencement.
View Sample Timetable
- Research Scientist
- Medical Physicists
- Engineer/Scientist
- Space Scientist
- Environmental Scientist
- Software Engineer
- Equipment Designer
- Project Manager
Semester 1
- Introduction to Chemistry [Mandatory]
- Introductory Mathematics [Mandatory]
- Physics Horizons & Programming for Physicists I [Mandatory]
- Physics Laboratory Stage I [Mandatory]
- Physics Theory I [Mandatory]
Semester 2
- Introduction to Chemistry [Mandatory]
- Mathematics for the Physical Sciences I [Mandatory]
- Physics Theory I [Mandatory]
- Physics Laboratory Stage I [Mandatory]
- Data Science 1 [Mandatory]
- Astronomy, Environmental & Energy Physics [Mandatory]
- Introduction to Medical Instrumentation [Mandatory]
- Physics Horizons & Programming for Physicists I [Mandatory]
Semester 1
- Mathematics for the Physical Sciences II [Mandatory]
- Mathematics for the Physical Sciences III [Mandatory]
- Physics Laboratory Stage II Part 1 [Mandatory]
- Metrology/Statistical Process Control & Experimental Design [Mandatory]
- Quantum Physics, Electromagnetism and Optics [Mandatory]
- Technological Approaches to Sustainability [Mandatory]
- Mechanics and Thermodynamics [Mandatory]
- Physics Horizons & Computational Physics [Mandatory]
- Numerical Methods and Computational Physics 2 [Mandatory]
- Physics Laboratory Stage II Part 2 [Mandatory]
Semester 2
- Physics Laboratory Stage II Part 1 [Mandatory]
- Metrology/Statistical Process Control & Experimental Design [Mandatory]
- Relativity, Nuclear Physics and Astrophysics [Mandatory]
- Technological Approaches to Sustainability [Mandatory]
- Electronics and Semiconductor Devices [Mandatory]
- Physics Horizons & Computational Physics [Mandatory]
- Numerical Methods and Computational Physics 2 [Mandatory]
- Physics Laboratory Stage II Part 2 [Mandatory]
Semester 1
- Solid State Physics 1 (Condensed Matter) [Mandatory]
- Quantum Physics [Mandatory]
- Electronics & Instrumentation 1 [Mandatory]
- Thermal Physics [Mandatory]
- Ionising Radiation & Nuclear Physics [Mandatory]
- Career Preparation and Structured Placement [Mandatory]
- Electromagnetisim and Optics [Mandatory]
Semester 2
Semester 1
- Final Year Research Project [Mandatory]
- Solid State Physics II [Mandatory]
- Advanced Electronics [Mandatory]
- Particle Physics and Astrophysics [Mandatory]
- Invention, Innovation and Commercialisation [Mandatory]
- Advanced Optics/ Applied Optical Spectroscopy/ Physics of Fluids [Mandatory]
- Lasers and Applications [Mandatory]
- Electromagnetism [Mandatory]
- Advanced Topics in Physics II & Research Methods [Mandatory]
Semester 2
Irish/EU Applicants
Applications from all Irish/EU citizens are made through the Central Applications Office (CAO).
Note: Applicants presenting with the Irish Leaving Certificate or a QQI FET award, regardless of nationality, should apply through the CAO.
The standard closing date to apply is February 1st. Late applications will close on May 1st. For restricted courses, the closing date is February 1st. Please see important dates on the CAO website. For a detailed guide on how to apply, please visit our CAO Hub.
International Students (Non-EU)
Applications from international students are welcome for this programme. If you meet any of the following criteria, applications should be made directly to TU Dublin via the “Apply Now – Non-EU” link on each programme webpage.
- You hold Non-EU Nationality, and you live in a Non-EU country.
- You hold EU Nationality, but you have not lived in an EU country for 3 of the last 5 years AND you have not attended 5 years primary/secondary education in an EU country.
- You require a Student Visa to study in Ireland
Note: Applicants presenting with the Irish Leaving Certificate or a QQI FET award, regardless of nationality, should apply through the CAO.
For full details on How to Apply, Visa & Immigration Information, Accommodation Information and International Fees, please visit our International Hub.
Application Dates for Non-EU Applicants
Applications for undergraduate courses commencing September 2025 are now closed.
Applications for undergraduate courses commencing in September 2026 will open in November 2025. Applications will close in June 2026.
Advanced Entry applications are accepted to this course. For further information on how to make an Advanced Entry application, please visit our CAO Hub. A full list of courses open for Advanced Entry are listed on the CAO website.
To qualify for Advanced Entry applicants must be currently studying, completing, or have successfully completed, studies at Level 6, 7 or 8 in a Higher Education Institution (HEI) or an equivalent, in a related area. You must demonstrate by providing transcripts of results that you have achieved the learning outcomes for each stage you wish to advance past, for example:
- To enter Year 2 via Advanced Entry, you must demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for Year 1.
- For entry to Year 3, you must demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for Years 1 and 2.
- For entry to Year 4, you must demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for Years 1, 2, and 3.
If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website.
On graduation, you may proceed to postgraduate studies leading to the award of MSc, MPhil or PhD at research institutes and universities worldwide.