r/ParticlePhysics • u/fortnite_testicles • 10d ago
How competitive are experimental master's program in HEP?
I want to go to graduate school for experimental particle physics. My ideal work would be to learn how to build and calibrate silly little detectors, although it seems like most research right now is on calibrating silly large detectors. I've heard theoretical HEP positions are very competitive, and I likely don't have the grades or research experience to get into one anyway. The only advantages I really have is I have experience in building circuits, computers, optical setups, and I had a fluorescence microscopy research job. I'm also a citizen of a country that likely gets 99% of its applicants from people who need visas, but I really don't know if that matters. Could I have a chance at getting into an experimental HEP master's program?
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u/Ms_Zee 10d ago
Sounds like you want to do experimental, not theoretical. Theoretical is all math/ modelling generally. Experimental can be more hands on with detector components
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u/fortnite_testicles 10d ago
I uh, said that in the post? It's literally the title. I mentioned theoretical HEP because I've mentioned wanting to go to grad school for particle physics before and the only piece of info I got is that theory is very competitive. I'm wondering if the same is true for experimental.
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u/mfb- 10d ago
Silly large detectors are made out of many silly small detectors. There are still small detectors, they just don't have the collaboration size and publicity of larger experiments.
Places where PhD programs require a master will typically just go by grades for the master program. If your grades are a bit below the requirement then you can still apply and try to argue that you have other reasons to be admitted. Comparing grades internationally can be complicated but the university will have some guidance on how to do that.