| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Course overview
Our four-year Physics degree includes an integrated year of master's-level study. It provides a strong understanding of the fundamental pillars of physics. Guided by our world-leading academics, you'll study cutting-edge physics modules such as quantum mechanics, fluid dynamics and photonics. You'll be prepared to contribute to the technological advances of modern society, whether through research and further study or in your future career.
Hands-on experience in our high-spec facilities will develop your practical skills for a wide range of physical science careers.
Your final year includes advanced research-driven modules to extend your knowledge of your subject, in applied, theoretical and computational physics. Topics include:
BSc or MPhys?
Physics is offered at two levels:
Our MPhys degree includes an additional year of advanced study at master’s level, where you will gain a deeper understanding of the subject to prepare you for a career in this challenging field.
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Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2022-23.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Program Outline
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability. Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May. To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 4
You'll cover topics in: classical dynamics; quantum mechanics including quantum tunnelling; astrophysics including exoplanets; mathematical methods and problem solving; electromagnetism; states of matter and materials; vibrations, waves and AC circuits; and laboratory physics.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Dynamics | 10 |
| Introductory Astrophysics | 10 |
| Introductory Electromagnetism | 10 |
| Introductory Quantum Mechanics | 10 |
| Multivariate Calculus and Differential Equations | 10 |
| Laboratory Physics 1 | 20 |
| Introduction to Calculus | 20 |
| Vibrations, Waves, AC Theory & Introduction to Solid State Materials | 20 |
| Introductory Algebra | 10 |
How you'll learn
How you'll be assessed
You'll build on your knowledge of core concepts, including quantum mechanics and electromagnetism, and study modules in: thermodynamics; semiconductor devices; optics; materials and solid-state physics; statistical mechanics; vector calculus; differential equations; and laboratory physics.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Principles of Quantum Mechanics | 10 |
| Principles of Materials and Solid-State Physics | 10 |
| Laboratory and Professional Skills in Physics | 20 |
| Introduction to Observational Astronomy | 10 |
| Vector Calculus & Differential Equations, Transforms & Waves | 20 |
| Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics | 20 |
| Optics & Principles of Electromagnetism | 20 |
| Scientific Computation with Python | 10 |
How you'll learn
How you'll be assessed
You'll study core subjects to an advanced level, including quantum mechanics; and materials and solid-state physics. Optional modules in topics such as advanced astrophysics, electromagnetism, and fluid dynamics allow you to specialise in areas of interest to you.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Relativity | 10 |
| Advanced Materials and Solid-State Physics | 10 |
| Group Project | 10 |
| Variational Methods and Lagrangian Dynamics | 10 |
| Advanced Electromagnetism | 10 |
| Advanced Quantum & Atoms, Molecules, Nuclei & Particles | 20 |
| Advanced Characterisation Methods | 10 |
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Geohazards and Deformation of the Earth | 10 |
| Fluid Dynamics | 10 |
| Advanced Astronomy | 10 |
| Partial Differential Equations | 10 |
| Photonics | 10 |
| Stellar Structure and Evolution | 10 |
| Cosmology | 10 |
| Radiative Transfer and High Energy Astrophysics | 10 |
| Mathematical Biology | 10 |
How you'll learn
How you'll be assessed
You'll gain a deeper understanding of physics, through advanced research-driven modules. This prepares you for a career in physical science or research, including study for higher degrees. You'll study applied, theoretical and computational physics and work with academics to plan and deliver an extended research project in an area of mutual interest.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Quantum Fluids | 20 |
| General Relativity | 20 |
| Quantum Information & Technology | 20 |
| Quantum Modelling of Molecules, Solids & Nanostructures | 20 |
| Extended Project - MPhys Physics | 40 |
How you'll learn
How you'll be assessed
Information about these graphs
We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They combine data on the planned delivery and assessments of our courses in 2021-22 with data on the modules chosen by our students in 2020-21.
Teaching time is made up of:
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
You'll be taught via a range of approaches, including:
You will have 45 hours of practical sessions per year for the first two years in our laboratories where you'll take part in experiments and project work.
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
Assessments
Examinations – practical or online
Projects
Reports
Skills and experience
Practical experience
This degree will equip you with skills that are in demand with employers across the globe.
Using our high-spec facilities, and working alongside our expert staff, you'll:
Business skills
In Stage 3 you'll take part in a group project, allowing you to build on your teamworking and practical skills. You'll also conduct an individual project in an area of interest under the tuition of our expert academic staff, developing research, practical and presentation skills.
Research skills
You'll benefit from our interdisciplinary approach and the diverse research strengths of our expert academic staff. We have research expertise in:
In Stage 4 you'll work with our academic staff on an extended project in an area of mutual interest. This will enhance your understanding of physics through the experience of a research project.