Physics & Philosophy BSc

Program Overview

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Physics & Philosophy BSc

Key Information

Course type: Joint honours Delivery mode: In person Study mode: Full time Required A-level: AAA Full entry requirements, including contextual requirements Duration: 3 years Application status: Open Start date: September 2025 Application deadline: 29 January 2025 Optional study abroad

Course Description

Our joint honours Physics & Philosophy BSc offers you the opportunity to study both subjects at degree level. The course is split equally between physics and philosophy modules, but you can specialise in one discipline in your final year if you choose. Ours is one of the few physics and philosophy joint honours courses that follows an integrated approach to the two subjects, with modules in the philosophy of physics and philosophy of science offering you a deeper understanding and alternative perspective on some of the conceptual puzzles that you will encounter in your physics courses.

Key Benefits

• Award-winning: six former staff and students in the Physics department have won Nobel Prizes.
• Internationally-renowned academic staff in the fields of cosmology, nanotechnology, and the interface between physics and biology.
• Central location gives you easy access to major libraries and many leading societies, including the Institute of Physics.
• One of the largest and most distinguished philosophy departments in the country.
• Exceptionally wide range of optional Philosophy modules, covering all areas of the history of philosophy and contemporary philosophy, without any gaps from pre-Socrates to the present day.
• Our emphasis on small-group teaching ensures you acquire critical thinking skills.
• Friendly and supportive learning environment.

Course Essentials

Base Campus

• Strand Campus: Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.

Special Features

• Optional study abroad: On this programme, you will have the opportunity to apply to study abroad, supported by the Study Abroad Tutor in your department and King’s Global Mobility Office.

Awarding Institutions

• King's College London and Affiliates

Regulating Bodies

• King's is regulated by the Office for Students

Entry Requirements

Subject Requirements

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

A-Levels

• Required grades: AAA
• Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels.
• Must include grade A in Mathematics and Physics.

Contextual A-Level Information

• AAC
• Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels.
• 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.

Contextual International Baccalaureate Information

• 33 points overall or an aggregate score of 16 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

International Applicants

Equivalent International Qualifications

• Course specific subject requirements are indicated in subject requirements above

English Language Requirements

• English language band: D
• Please note that nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries (as defined by UKVI) who have successfully completed high school in the respective country, are not required to complete an English language test.

Selection Process

Contextual Consideration

• We make contextual offers for this programme, which can be found in the entry requirements.
• As part of the assessment process, we take into account contextual information to gain a more complete picture of each application.

Deferrals

• Applications can be submitted for deferred entry by choosing the appropriate year of entry on the UCAS application.

Foundation Courses

• Applicants studying Foundation Year programmes in the UK are welcome to apply for this programme.

Graduates

• Our general entry requirements are based on A-level or equivalent.
• However, where an applicant is completing/has completed a degree, we are able to consider the degree study as part of the assessment of the application.

Personal Statement

• Your personal statement is one of the many factors in the overall assessment of your application.

Resits

• We are able to consider applicants who have retaken or are retaking their qualifications.

Transfers

• We are able to consider applications for transfer into Year 2 of this programme.

Teaching Methods

• Lectures
• Laboratory classes
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Project work

Assessment

• Coursework
• Written/Practical Examinations
• Essays
• Class tests
• Assignment Reports
• Oral Presentations

Structure

• Courses are divided into modules.
• You will normally take modules totalling 375 credits.

Required Modules

• In your first year you will take 75 credits in Physics and 45 credits in Philosophy.
• Physics:
  • Mathematics & Computation for Physics (30 credits)
  • Classical Physics (30 credits)
  • Introduction to Modern Physics (15 credits)
• Philosophy:
  • You are required to take 30 credits, one from each of the following groups:
    • Group A:
      • Elementary Logic (15 credits)
      • Methodology (15 credits)
    • Group B:
      • Metaphysics I (15 credits)
      • Epistemology I (15 credits)

Optional Modules

• There are no optional modules Physics modules in your first year.
• Philosophy:
  • In addition, you are required to take 15 credits from a range of optional modules, which may typically include:
    • Greek Philosophy I (15 credits)
    • Ethics I (15 credits)
    • Modern Philosophy I (15 credits)
    • Political Philosophy I (15 credits)
    • Any of the required philosophy modules listed above.

Employability

• Our physics and philosophy 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:
  • Actuarial Analyst, Willis
  • Project Engineer, Cryogenic Ltd
  • Risk Analyst, City Index
  • Data Engineer, ITV
  • Programme Designer, Octoply
  • Performance Manager, Bradford Commerce
  • Publishing Editor, Royal Society of Chemistry
  • Researcher, Cornell University

Tuition Fees

Full Time Tuition Fees UK

• The UK tuition fee for the academic year is currently £9,535 per year.
• This is based on the UK Government's cap.

Full Time Tuition Fees International

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

Additional Costs

• In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
  • books, if you choose to buy your own copies
  • clothing for optional course related events and competitions
  • library fees and fines
  • personal photocopies
  • printing course handouts
  • society membership fees
  • stationery
  • travel costs for travel around London and between campuses
  • graduation costs

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.

Program Outline

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Physics & Philosophy - King's College London

• The program is split equally between modules in both disciplines, with the option to specialize in one in the final year.

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Objectives:

• Students will gain a deep understanding of fundamental physical principles and philosophical inquiry.
• They will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Graduates will be prepared for further study or careers in various fields.

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Outline:

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Content:

• The physics section covers core theoretical aspects such as relativity, quantum mechanics, fields and waves, electromagnetism, and nuclear physics.
• The philosophy section focuses on questions about reality, knowledge, and values.
• Students will explore topics like logic, ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and the philosophy of physics.

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Structure:

• The course is divided into modules.
• Students take 75 Physics and 45 Philosophy credits in Year 1.
• The program includes optional study abroad in Year 3.

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Course Schedule & Modules:

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Year 1:

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Physics:

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

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Philosophy:

• Students choose 30 credits from one group in each category:
• Group A: Elementary Logic (15 credits) or Methodology (15 credits)

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Assessment:

• Assessment methods include coursework (30%) and written/practical examinations (70%).
• Specific assessments may involve essays, tests, assignments, reports, and oral presentations.
Please contact the department for more information.

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Teaching:

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Methods:

• The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods including lectures, laboratory classes, seminars, tutorials, and project work.
• Blended learning using technology is also integrated to provide a rich and engaging experience.

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Faculty:

The program benefits from the expertise of King's renowned academic staff, including Nobel Prize winners.

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Careers:

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Outcomes:

• Graduates are in high demand due to their strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Recent graduates hold positions at organizations such as Willis, Cryogenic Ltd, City Index, ITV, Octoply, Bradford Commerce, and the Royal Society of Chemistry.

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Study Abroad:

Students have the opportunity to study abroad for a semester at a King's partner university.

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Optional Final Year Specialism:

Students may opt to specialize in either Physics or Philosophy in their final year.

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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 £29,472 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.