Physics BSc

Program Overview

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Physics BSc

Key Information

Course type: Single honours Delivery mode: In person Study mode: Full time Required A-level: AAA Duration: Three years Application status: Open Start date: September 2025 Application deadline: 29 January 2025 Optional study abroad

Course Description

You'll gain a broad knowledge of all of the fundamental aspects of physics. You will study subjects such as relativity, quantum mechanics, fields and waves, electromagnetism, nuclear and particle physics. At first you will follow a set programme, but later in the course there is scope for you to pursue your own interests in greater depth. Problem solving and project work is an important part of this course and you’ll learn about team work, group organisation and the skills of oral and poster presentations.

Teaching Methods

We will teach you through a combination of lectures and laboratory classes, tutorials and project work. Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work, e.g. 150 hours work for a 15 credit module. These hours cover every aspect of the module, including independent study.

Assessment

Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include exams, quizzes, weekly problem sheets, project work, laboratory work and presentations.

Structure

Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 360 credits.

Required Modules

• Physics Skills & Techniques (30 credits)
• Mathematics & Computation for Physics (30 credits)
• Classical Physics (30 credits)
• Introduction to Modern Physics (15 credits)

Optional Modules

In addition, you are required to take 15 credits from a range of optional modules, which may typically include:

• Introduction to Biophysics (15 credits)
• Introduction to Astrophysics (15 credits)

Entry Requirements

Subject Requirements

• Required subjects: A-level (or equivalent) grade A in Mathematics and Physics
• Preferred subjects: None

A-Levels

• Required grades: AAA
• Must include grade A in Mathematics and Physics.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

• 36 points overall or an aggregate score of 18 from three Higher Levels.
• Must include grade 6 in Higher Level Mathematics and Physics.

Alternative Accepted Qualifications

• Access to HE Diploma
• BTEC Nationals/CTECs
• Cambridge Pre-U
• European Baccalaureate
• Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

Tuition Fees

Full Time Tuition Fees UK

• The UK tuition fee for the academic year is currently £9,535 per year.

Full Time Tuition Fees International

• The International tuition fee for the academic year is £35,800 per year.

Funding

To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.

Employability

Our Physics graduates are in high demand because employers recognise the wide range of skills that they possess. We train physicists to be good problem solvers, to think logically and to apply mathematical and computational techniques to real problems.

Destinations

Recent graduates have found employment within the following job roles and companies:

• Investment Manager, Manthan Capital
• Project Engineer, Cryogenic Ltd
• Researcher, Institute of Scientific Instruments
• Risk Analyst, City Index
• Maths Part III, Cambridge
• Software Engineer, IBM
• Physics Teacher, London

Related Departments

• Department of Physics
• Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences

Related Courses

• Physics with Astrophysics and Cosmology BSc
• Physics & Philosophy BSc
• Physics with Theoretical Physics BSc
• Natural Sciences BSc

Open Days and Events

Chat with current students and King's staff to find out about the courses we offer, life at King's and ask any questions you may have.

Program Outline

The program emphasizes extensive project work in the third year, allowing students to gain insights into the skills and behaviors of scientific research.

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Objectives:

• Equip students with a broad knowledge of all fundamental aspects of physics.
• Develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills through extensive project work.
• Foster independent research skills and scientific communication abilities.
• Provide opportunities to study abroad and gain international experience.

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Program Description:

The Physics BSc program at King's College London is a three-year, full-time program that offers a rigorous and comprehensive education in physics. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of physics, as well as the opportunity to explore their own interests in greater depth. In the first two years of the program, students will take a set of core modules covering topics such as classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, waves, and quantum mechanics. They will also have the opportunity to take elective modules in areas such as astrophysics, biophysics, and cosmology. In the third year, students will undertake a major project, which will allow them to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world problem. They will also have the opportunity to study abroad at one of King's partner institutions.

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Program Features:

• Optional Study Abroad: Students have the opportunity to study abroad in their third year at one of King's partner institutions.
• Internationally Renowned Academic Staff: The program is taught by internationally renowned academic staff in the fields of cosmology, nanotechnology, and the interface between physics and biology.
• Diverse Student Cohort: King's College London is one of the leading Russell Group universities by proportion of female undergraduates on its Physics courses.
• 90% of Research Classed as World-Leading or Internationally Excellent: The program benefits from King's College London's research excellence, with 90% of research classed as world-leading or internationally excellent in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework.
• Personal Tutors: All students are allocated a personal tutor to provide support and guidance throughout their studies.

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Outline:

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Year 1:

• Physics Skills & Techniques (30 credits)
• Mathematics & Computation for Physics (30 credits)
• Classical Physics (30 credits)
• Introduction to Modern Physics (15 credits)

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Year 2:

• Electricity & Magnetism (30 credits)
• Waves & Optics (30 credits)
• Quantum Mechanics (30 credits)
• Thermal & Statistical Physics (30 credits)

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Year 3:

• Project (60 credits)
• 15 credits from a range of optional modules

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Optional Modules:

• Introduction to Biophysics
• Introduction to Astrophysics

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Module Descriptions:

• Physics Skills & Techniques: This module introduces students to the essential skills and techniques used in physics research.
• Electricity & Magnetism: This module covers the principles of electricity and magnetism, including circuits, electrostatics, and magnetostatics.
• Waves & Optics: This module covers the principles of waves and optics, including wave phenomena, reflection, refraction, and interference.
• Thermal & Statistical Physics: This module covers the principles of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, including heat, entropy, and the kinetic theory of gases.
• Project: This module allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world problem.

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Assessment:

Students' performance in the program is assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include exams, quizzes, weekly problem sheets, project work, laboratory work, and presentations. Coursework contributes approximately 25% and examinations approximately 75% to the final mark.

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Teaching:

The program is taught through a combination of lectures, laboratory classes, tutorials, and project work. The teaching methods are designed to ensure that students have a rich and exciting experience from the start. Face-to-face teaching is complemented and supported with innovative technology.

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Careers:

Graduates of the Physics BSc program are in high demand, as they possess a wide range of skills that are valuable to employers. These skills include problem-solving, critical thinking, and the ability to apply mathematical and computational techniques to real problems. Recent graduates have found employment in a variety of industries, including:

• Research
• Technology
• Finance
• Education

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Other:

• The program is based at King's College London's Strand Campus, which is located in central London.
• The program is taught by internationally renowned academic staff.
• The program is offered as a single honours degree.
• The program is open to students from all backgrounds.

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Full time tuition fees UK: The UK tuition fee for the 2024-25 academic year is currently £9,250 per year. This is based on the UK Government's cap. Full time tuition fees International The International tuition fee for the 2024-2025 academic year is £33,450 per year. Please note that the International tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions. All International applicants to Undergraduate programmes are required to pay a deposit of £2000 against their first year's tuition fee. King’s will continue to invoice for a proportion of King's tuition fees. At present these are as follows:

• Overseas students studying for a semester abroad will receive an invoice for two thirds of the King's tuition fees for the year.
The OFS cap for compulsory or optional year abroad it is £1385 NB: EU students will be liable for the same study abroad tuition fees as overseas students in 2024/25 You should also budget to pay for the associated subsistence costs, such as travel, visas, accommodation and food as well as any vaccination/immunisations required by the country to which you are travelling.