Program Overview

Introduction to Physics with Nuclear Science

The Physics with Nuclear Science BSc (Hons) program at the University of Liverpool is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in nuclear-related industries. In addition to core physics, students will also study mathematics, computing, and experimental physics.

About the Course

• The course content is subject to change and is currently being reviewed for 2027 entry.
• Students will explore and apply fundamental principles that underpin modern physics, from electrodynamics and semiconductors to the startling conclusions of relativity and quantum mechanics, alongside the study of selected topics in the field of nuclear science.
• The program includes a network of academic advisors and an open-door policy, ensuring a friendly and supportive learning environment.
• Students have the opportunity to take a paid year-long industry placement or spend a year abroad at a partner university or the China campus.

What You'll Learn

• Detailed knowledge in the core fundamental principles of modern physics
• Skills necessary for a career in the growing sector of nuclear science
• Latest advances in cutting-edge physics research
• Problem-solving
• How to undertake research and practical work
• How to present and communicate clearly
• Strong powers of analysis, numeracy, and good IT skills

Accreditation

The course is accredited by the Institute of Physics, which means it satisfies the academic requirements for Chartered Physicist status.

Course Content

The program is divided into three years, with a mix of compulsory and optional modules.

Year One

• Compulsory modules include Dynamics and Relativity, Thermal Physics and Properties of Matter, Electricity, Magnetism and Waves, Foundations of Quantum Physics, Introduction to Computational Physics, Practical Physics I, Mathematics for Physicists I, Mathematics for Physicists II, and Introduction to Nuclear Science.
• Programme details and modules are subject to change.

Year Two

• Compulsory modules include Electromagnetism I, Condensed Matter Physics I, Quantum and Atomic Physics I, Nuclear and Particle Physics, Computational Physics, Practical Physics II, Mathematics for Physicists III, and Accelerators and Radioisotopes in Medicine.
• Programme details and modules are subject to change.

Year Three

• Compulsory modules include Radiation Physics Advanced Practical, Nuclear Science Project, Quantum and Atomic Physics II, Electromagnetism II, Statistical Thermodynamics, Nuclear Physics, and Nuclear Power.
• Optional modules include Physics Internship, Computational Modelling, Particle Physics, Solid State Physics, Materials Physics and Characterisation, Magnetic Properties of Solids, Semiconductor Applications, Physics Data Analysis with Statistics, Energy Generation and Storage, Medical Applications, Physics of Planets, Physics of Galaxies, Relativity and Cosmology, and Physics of Sound and Music.
• Programme details and modules are subject to change.

Teaching and Assessment

• Research-led teaching ensures students are taught the latest advances in cutting-edge physics research.
• Lectures introduce and provide the details of the various areas of physics and related subjects.
• Tutorials and problem-solving workshops are another crucial element in the learning process.
• Practical work is an integral part of the program, ranging from training in basic laboratory skills in the first two years to a research project in the third or fourth year.
• The main modes of assessment are coursework and examination, with project work, presentations, and specific tests or tasks focused on solidifying learning outcomes.

Course Options

• Global opportunities: University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide.
• Year in China: Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
• Year abroad: Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
• Summer abroad: Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
• Language study: Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree.

Your Experience

• You will attend lectures, as well as working in tutorials and problem-solving workshops.
• Practical work is carried out in our award-winning Central Teaching Laboratories, starting with basic skills and progressing to a research project.
• Your course will be delivered by the Department of Physics.

Careers and Employability

• A physics degree is a great starting point for a physics-related career, engineering, and computing careers.
• Physicists are trained to solve a wide range of problems, making them suitable for careers in diverse areas such as telecommunications, microelectronics, nuclear power and instrumentation, cryogenics, astronomy, geophysics, medical physics, materials science, computing, teaching, business, finance, and management.

Fees and Funding

• Tuition fees:
  • UK fees: ｣9,790 per year, with a year in industry fee of ｣1,955 and a year abroad fee of ｣1,465.
  • International fees: ｣32,000 per year, with a year in industry fee of ｣1,955 and a year abroad fee of ｣16,000.
• Additional costs: We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee.
• Scholarships and bursaries: We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

Entry Requirements

• Qualification: ABB including Physics and Mathematics at A level.
• Alternative qualifications:
  • T levels are not currently accepted.
  • GCSE: 4/C in English and 4/C in Mathematics.
  • Subject requirements: For applicants from England, a "Pass" is required in the separately graded practical endorsement for science A levels.
  • BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: Applications considered alongside A levels.
  • International Baccalaureate: 32 points overall, with no score less than 4, and including a minimum of 5 in HL Mathematics and 5 in HL Physics.
  • Irish Leaving Certificate: H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, including Physics and Mathematics at H2 or above.
  • Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher: Advanced Highers accepted at grades ABB, including Physics and Mathematics.
  • Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced: B in the Welsh Baccalaureate, plus AB in A level Mathematics and A level Physics.
  • Access: Pass Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 Level 3 credits with 33 at Distinction and 12 at Merit.
• English language requirements:
  • IELTS: 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5.
  • TOEFL iBT: 78 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17, and speaking 19.
  • Duolingo English Test: 115 overall, with speaking, reading, and writing not less than 105, and listening not below 100.
  • Pearson PTE Academic: 59 overall, with no component below 59.
  • LanguageCert Academic: 65 overall, with no skill below 60.
  • Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500: Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening.
  • Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990: Grade 4 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening.
  • Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511: 0510: Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. 0511: Grade C overall.
  • Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991: 0993: Grade 5 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. 0991: Grade 5 overall.
  • Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced: 169 overall, with no paper below 162.
  • International Baccalaureate English A: Literature or Language & Literature: Grade 4 at Standard Level or grade 4 at Higher Level.
  • International Baccalaureate English B: Grade 6 at Standard Level or grade 5 at Higher Level.