Research subjects in the Theoretical Physics department include strong interactions in extreme conditions, noncommutative geometry, general relativity and topological properties of quantum field theories, as well as the quantum Hall effect, quantum information theory and cosmology. Research in the Experimental Physics department includes several areas of astrophysics including the cosmic microwave background, terahertz space optics and submillimetre astronomy, where the department is involved with the Herschel Telescope.

Maynooth University offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in both theoretical and experimental physics.