Postgraduate Study in Physics
Physics is a search for and an application of rules that can predict the evolution of the world around us.
This includes planetary motion, quantum jumps in atoms and the propagation of light.
Through central concepts such as energy, force, particles and waves, Physics attempts to answer fundamental question about Nature, while at the same time providing solutions to technological problems.
Why study Physics?
Learning how the physical world works is fascinating. It is also useful. Physics will hone your thinking ability, and help you to develop high level analytical and problem solving skills. In Otago's Physics department you will get to study with some of the country's top physicists. Our research informed teaching draws from a broad spectrum of expertise areas including geophysics, optics, energy science, atomic physics, electronics, and quantum theory.
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying Physics as an undergraduate at Otago.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, Master’s, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a Master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons))
A four-year degree focusing on advanced study and culminating in a research project in the final year
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
A one-year programme which builds on an undergraduate science degree, encompassing coursework and a chosen research topic
Master of Science (MSc)
A two-year degree with a wide range of subject options, the MSc may be taken by a combination of coursework and thesis, or by thesis only
Graduate Qualifications
Our graduate qualifications are crafted to transition students from foundational studies to advanced, specialised knowledge.
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
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Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
PHSI papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHSI131 | 2025 | Fundamentals of Physics I | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| PHSI132 | 2025 | Fundamentals of Physics II | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| PHSI191 | 2025 | Biological Physics | 18 points | Summer School, Semester 1 |
| PHSI221 | 2025 | Classical and Quantum Mechanics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| PHSI222 | 2025 | Electromagnetism | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| PHSI243 | 2025 | Environmental Physics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| PHSI245 | 2025 | Electronics for the Sciences | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| PHSI282 | 2025 | Experimental Physics I | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| PHSI307 | 2025 | Special Topics | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| PHSI308 | 2025 | Special Topics | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| PHSI331 | 2025 | Quantum, Atomic and Particle Physics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| PHSI336 | 2025 | Mathematical Physics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| PHSI341 | 2025 | Thermal and Condensed Matter Physics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| PHSI343 | 2025 | Waves in Physical Systems | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| PHSI365 | 2025 | Computational Physics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| PHSI381 | 2025 | Experimental Physics II | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| PHSI421 | 2025 | Advanced Statistical Mechanics | 10 points | Semester 1 |
| PHSI422 | 2025 | Upper Atmospheric and Space Physics | 10 points | Semester 2 |
| PHSI423 | 2025 | Advanced Quantum Mechanics I | 10 points | Semester 1 |
| PHSI424 | 2025 | Advanced Quantum Mechanics II | 10 points | Semester 2 |
| PHSI425 | 2025 | Advanced Electromagnetism | 10 points | Semester 1 |
| PHSI426 | 2025 | Fluids, Instability and Turbulence | 10 points | Semester 2 |
| PHSI437 | 2025 | Topics in Advanced Physics | 10 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| PHSI438 | 2025 | Topics in Advanced Physics | 10 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| PHSI480 | 2025 | Research Project | 40 points | Semester 1, Semester 2, Full Year, 1st Non standard period (14 July 2025 - 17 June 2026) |
| PHSI490 | 2025 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year |
Contacts
Department of Physics
Email physics@otago.ac.nz
Website otago.ac.nz/physics
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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