MSc Nuclear Physics is a 2-year master’s degree program specializing in studying atomic nuclei structure, behavior, and interactions. Students learn the fundamental nature of matter at the atomic and subatomic levels.
Nuclear Physics is different from Particle Physics. Nuclear Physics studies the structure of atomic nuclei and the behaviour of finite quantum systems of mutually interacting particles, while To enrol in MSc Nuclear Physics, one must possess a BSc Physics or BSc.Tech with at least 50% marks.
Admission may require qualifying PG entrance exams like AUCET, CUET PG, or a university-specific entrancetest. Some private universities grant admission based on graduation merit. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, University of Madras, Andhra University, etc, are some of the best institutes to study MSc Nuclear Physics.
The course fee ranges between INR 20,000 to 1,00,000 for 2 years. Career prospects of MSc Nuclear Physics include Medical Physicist, Research Analyst, Radiation Physicist, Laboratory Technician, etc, with an average initial earning of INR 3 to 7 LPA.
MSc Nuclear Physics: Course Highlights
Key highlights of the course are given in the table below.
Particulars | Details |
Program Name | Master of Science in Nuclear Physics |
Duration | 2 years (full time) |
Eligibility | Minimum 50% or equivalent CGPA in BSc Physics or B.Tech with Maths and Physics. |
Admission | Graduation or entrance exam merit |
Average Course Fee | INR 20,000 to 1,00,000 |
Average Starting Salary | INR 3 to 7 LPA |
Top Positions | Radiation Safety Officer, Medical Physicist, Research Analyst, Radiation Physicist, Laboratory Technician. |
Top Recruiting Areas | Nuclear Power Plants, Space Stations, Research and Development, Universities, etc. |
Why Pursue MSc Nuclear Physics?
MSc Nuclear Physics can be a rewarding career choice as it opens doors to research, nuclear power plants, medical physics, and academic endeavours.
- It trains to work for various applications like Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Detection, and Materials Science.
- Students develop technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills required for research.
- MSc Nuclear Physics is an interdisciplinary course, allowing students to collaborate with other applied sciences.
- Nuclear physics is an evolving area for technological innovation, offering opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge advancements.
MSc Nuclear Physics: Eligibility
Minimum eligibility to enrol in MSc Nuclear Physics is 50% marks or equivalent CGPA in BSc Physics or B.Tech with Physics and Maths as core subjects.
- Candidates may need to qualify for the PG entrance exam as part of the selection process.
- B.E. graduates are also eligible to pursue MSc Nuclear Physics.
- For international applicants, a Qualification Certificate from the Association of Indian Universities is required.
MSc Nuclear Physics: Admission
Admission to MSc Nuclear Physics is generally direct, considering the graduation merit. However, some universities may admit students on the basis of their scores in entrance exams.
Commonly accepted entrance exams are CUET PG, JEE Advanced, and AUCET.
Some universities may conduct their university-level exam to screen the students.
To apply for the MSc Nuclear Physics.
- Visit the official Admission Portal given on the institute’s website.
- Go through the admission guidelines and selection process.
- Fill out the application form with the required details and documents.
- Pay the registration fees.
- Appear in the exam, if applicable (candidates having a state or national entrance qualification are exempted from the university-level exam)
- The university will release the cut-offs and the list of selected candidates.
- Selected candidates will be called for document verification and counselling rounds.
MSc Nuclear Physics Colleges in India
Limited colleges/ universities are offering MSc Nuclear Physics in India. Some of them may offer the course in conjunction with Environmental Physics or Nuclear Physics and Technology. Therefore, it is advised to confirm the available specialization before applying to the particular institute.
Name | NIRF 2024 Ranking
(University Category) | Admission based on | Avg. Course FEE (INR) |
University of Madras | 39 | Graduation merit | 15,000 |
Andhra University (AU) | 25 | Graduation merit | 1 lakh |
University of Delhi (DU) | 6 | Graduation + JEE/AUCET or DUET merit | 2 lakhs |
M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences – MSRUAS | 151-200 | Graduation merit and 50 % in the cognate course | 95,000 |
Sambalpur University | 101-150 | Graduation merit | 20,000 |
MSc Nuclear Physics Syllabus
MSc Nuclear Physics covers a course-specific theoretical and practical training on nuclear structure, nuclear reactions, nuclear instrumentation, radiation detection, and nuclear energy.
To complete the course, students need to undertake an internship, a seminar, and a dissertation in the final year.
The table below represents the MSc Nuclear Physics syllabus followed by Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences.
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
Electronics and devices, and the Laboratory | Electrodynamics |
Mathematical Methods of Physics | Atomic and Molecular Physics and Laboratory |
Classical Mechanics | Solid State Physics |
Quantum Mechanics - 1 | Python Laboratory |
General Physics Laboratory | Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics |
Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
Advanced Physics Laboratory | Semiconductor Physics |
Numerical Techniques, Computational Physics, and Laboratory | Reactor Physics, Shielding, and Safety |
Quantum Mechanics - 2 | Discipline Elective / Open Elective |
Nuclear and Particle Physics | Seminar 2 |
Advanced Solid-State Physics and Laboratory | Dissertation |
Nuclear Physics, Nuclear Electronics, Applications, and Laboratory | Internship |
Research Methodology |
MSc Nuclear Physics Jobs & Salary in India
With an MSc Nuclear Physics in India, one can pursue careers in nuclear research, nuclear power, medical physics, and related fields, with salaries ranging from INR 3 LPA to 7 LPA. Salaries depend on factors like job roles, industry type, experience, and location.
- Those seeking a research career can join as a research intern or research assistant in R&D firms.
- Candidates interested in Academics can pursue higher studies in this field, such as a PhD, or prepare for competitive exams like NET, SET, or GATE.
- Qualifying for SET/SLET/NET can help secure positions in government or private universities.
Here are some of the well-paying jobs after an MSc in Nuclear Physics.
Job Profile | Job Description | Avg. Salary (INR) for Freshers |
Teaching Assistant/Physics Teacher | They have to teach UG or PG students pursuing Physics as a specialization. | 4 to 5 LPA |
Laboratory Technician | They are responsible for maintaining lab records, assisting in experimental tasks, and looking after instruments in the lab. | 3 to 4 LPA |
Research Analyst | They analyse data and findings related to nuclear phenomena. | 6 to 7 LPA |
Medical Physicist | They apply physics principles to healthcare, focusing on radiation safety, imaging, and treatment planning. They generally work on medical imaging. | 6 to 7 LPA |
Radiation Physicist | Their job is to ensure the safe and effective use of radiation in medical settings. | 6 to 7 LPA |
Research Assistant | They have to support researchers by conducting experiments, collecting data, analyzing information, and preparing reports | 3 to 4 LPA |
MSc Nuclear Physics FAQs
Are MSc Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Engineering the Same?
No, they focus on different aspects of the nuclear field. Nuclear Physics focuses on the fundamental study of nuclear phenomena, and Nuclear Engineering includes the practical application of those principles.
Can I pursue an MSc in Nuclear Physics via online mode?
Yes, one can pursue distance learning in this field, as many universities offer online MSc Physics programs. However, specializations offered by them need to be verified beforehand.
Can an MSc Nuclear Physics graduate work in the Air Force?
Yes, one can join the Indian Air Force by qualifying for the AFCAT exam. The potential job positions include Nuclear Engineer, Analyst, or Technical Staff/Ground Staff.
What are 5 applications of nuclear physics?
Nuclear medicine, Sterilisation, Nuclear imaging, Radioisotope Techniques, and Insect control are the broad applications of nuclear physics. Studying these applications leads to a great career in various fields like Medical, Education, Research, and Industrial settings.
