Physics, MPhys (Hons)

The Physics, MPhys (Hons) program at Swansea University is a four-year undergraduate degree that combines analytical reasoning and problem-solving using the language of mathematics to understand the universe. The program is designed for students who have a deep desire to understand how everything works, from the subatomic quantum world to the vastness of the cosmos, and are motivated to become professional physicists.

Key Course Details

• UK and International Fees: ｣9,535 (UK), ｣25,200 (International) for the 2026-2027 academic year
• Duration: 4 years full-time, with options for a 5-year program with a year abroad or a year in industry
• UCAS Code: F303 (4-year full-time), F304 (5-year full-time with a year abroad), F30Y (5-year full-time with a year in industry)
• Mode of Study: Campus-based
• Location: Singleton Park Campus

Course Overview

The program covers a wide range of topics, including classical mechanics, astronomy and cosmology, mathematics for physicists, quantum mechanics, special relativity, and thermal and statistical physics. Students will also have the opportunity to study advanced topics such as quantum field theory, atomic and quantum optics, machine learning for physicists, and medical imaging and spectroscopy.

Modules

The program consists of a combination of compulsory and optional modules, including:

• Classical Mechanics
• Astronomy and Cosmology
• Mathematics for Physicists I
• Quantum Mechanics I
• Special Relativity
• Mathematics for Physicists II
• Electromagnetism
• Practical Physics III
• Mathematics for Physicists III
• Thermal and Statistical Physics
• Quantum Mechanics II
• Experimental Physics
• Nuclear and Particle Physics
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Atomic Physics
• Research Project

Entry Requirements

• A-level: A*AB-AAB, including A-level Maths or Physics
• BTEC: Not applicable
• UK Access: Not applicable
• T Levels: Not applicable
• Mixed Qualifications: 136 UCAS points from 3 highest qualifications, to include 40 UCAS tariff points in A-levels Maths and Physics
• International Baccalaureate: 34 to include 5 at Higher Level or 6 at Standard Level Physics and "Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches" or 34 overall with 5 at Higher Level or 6 at Standard Level in Physics and 5 at Higher Level or 7 at Standard Level "Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation"

How You're Taught

The program is taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical sessions, including laboratory work and skills training. Students will also have access to digital learning tools, including recorded lectures, virtual labs, and online resources.

Welsh Provision

There are opportunities for Welsh speakers to study some elements of this course through the medium of Welsh, but there is not yet enough provision to reach 40 credits in each year. Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually.

Professional Body Accreditation

The program is accredited by the Institute of Physics.

Meet Your Lecturers

The program is taught by lecturers who are actively engaged in world-class research, including Professor Prem Kumar and Dr. Dan Thompson, Co-Heads of Department, and Professor David Dunbar, Programme Director.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for the program are ｣9,535 (UK) and ｣25,200 (International) for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Funding and Scholarships

Students may be eligible for funding to help support their study, including scholarships, bursaries, and other funding opportunities.

Additional Costs

Students may face additional costs while at university, including travel to and from campus, printing, photocopying, binding, stationery, and equipment costs.

Careers and Employability

Physics graduates are set for rewarding employment opportunities in a wide range of fields, including nuclear science, meteorology, research science, aerospace and defense, medical physics, financial modeling, systems engineering, IT and software engineering, and education and science communication.

Academic Support

The Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops, and one-to-one support in areas such as academic writing, maths and statistics, critical thinking, time management, digital skills, presentation skills, note-taking, revision, memory, and exam techniques. The Centre also offers specialist support for students with specific learning difficulties, disabilities, mental health, or medical conditions.

Study Abroad and Global Opportunities

Students have the opportunity to undertake a semester or year abroad as part of their degree, with destinations including Europe, North America, Australia, and Asia. The university also offers a range of international summer programs and scholarships to support students in their studies abroad.

Degree Overview:

Physics combines analytical reasoning and problem solving using the language of mathematics to understand the universe. If you have a deep desire to understand how everything works, from the subatomic quantum world to the vastness of the cosmos, and are motivated to become a professional physicist, then our four-year MPhys Physics degree is ideally suited for you. You will learn physical concepts and mathematical techniques and apply them to understand advances in quantum information, cosmology, semiconductors, lasers, nuclear & particle physics. In the final year of this programme you will study from a selection of advanced modules on topics including machine learning, quantum information, and quantum field theory and black hole physics. You will work on a year long advanced MPhys project and learn how to do research at the cutting edge in these fields, under the supervision of internationally recognised academics.

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Outline:

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Year 1 (Level 4) Modules

• Classical Mechanics (20PH-100) • Astronomy and Cosmology (10PH-104) • Mathematics for Physicists I (20PH-132) • Quantum Mechanics I (20PH-115) • Special Relativity (10PH-116) • Mathematics for Physicists II (20PH-133)

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Year 2 (Level 5) Modules

• Physics Simulation (10PH-204) • Electromagnetism (20PH-223) • Mathematics for Physicists III (20PH-232) • Statistical and Thermal Physics (20PH-224) • Quantum Mechanics II (20PH-225) • Practical Physics 2 and Group Projects (10PH-210)

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Year 3 (Level 6) Modules

• Quantum World III (10PH-302) • Atomic Physics I (10PH-306) • Condensed Matter Physics II (10PH-307) • Gravity (10PH-321) • Frontiers of Nuclear Physics (10PH-338) • Atomic Physics and Quantum Optics II (10PH-333) • Particle Physics II (10PH-335) • Computational Physics (10PH-353) • Mathematical Methods in Physics III (10PH-355)

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Year 4 (Level 7) Modules

• Quantum Field Theory (10PH-M03) • Advanced Particle Physics (10PH-M04) • Atomic and Quantum Optics III (10PH-M10) • Machine Learning for Physicists (10PH-M28) • Modern Laser Systems (10PH-M08) • Quantum Gravity (10PH-M29) • Quantum Information Processing (10PH-M32)

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Teaching:

You will be taught by lecturers actively engaged in world class research. Their research activities in pure and applied areas such as particle theory, advanced computing, applied materials, and non-invasive diagnosis of bowel cancer, help to change the world for the better.

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Careers:

Our graduates have become data scientists, AI engineers, demand forecasters, quantitative finance analysts, electromagnetic signature analysts, cost draftsmen, patent examiners and software engineers in sectors which include government research, the private sector, aerospace, defence, energy, engineering and space exploration. A significant percentage of our graduates go on to pursue postgraduate studies and research with a wide variety of specialisations.

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4 Year Full Time Start Date UK International September 2023 £ 9,000 £ 21,750 September 2024 £ 9,000 £ 22,850 5 Year Full Time With a Year Abroad Start Date UK International September 2023 £ 9,000 £ 21,750 September 2024 £ 9,000 £ 22,850 5 Year Full Time With a Year In Industry Start Date UK International September 2023 £ 9,000 £ 21,750 September 2024 £ 9,000 £ 22,850 Fees for full time Undergraduate UK students may be increased in subsequent years of study by an inflationary amount determined by Welsh Government. Fees for full time Undergraduate EU/International students will increase by 3% for each subsequent year of study. During a sandwich year (e.g. year in industry, year abroad or placement year) a lower fee will apply. For more information visit our tuition fees page.

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Overview:

• Founded in 1920 as University College of Swansea
• Received its Royal Charter in 1948, becoming Swansea University
• Consistently ranked among the top 30 universities in the UK
• Home to over 20,000 students from over 140 countries
• Notable achievements include:
  • 2019 Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for its work in developing and delivering innovative teaching methods
  • 2018 Times Higher Education Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community
  • 2017 Research Excellence Framework (REF) results showed that 90% of Swansea University's research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent

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Student Life:

• Over 150 student clubs and societies
• Sports teams in a variety of disciplines, including rugby, football, and basketball
• Student support services include:
  • Counseling and mental health support
  • Disability support
  • Financial advice
  • International student support
• Campus facilities include:
  • Bay Campus: Modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities, including a library, sports center, and student union
  • Singleton Campus: Historic campus with a mix of traditional and modern buildings, including the iconic Singleton Abbey
  • Tycoch Campus: Home to the College of Engineering and the School of Management

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Academics:

• Academic resources include:
  • Over 400 undergraduate and postgraduate programs
  • World-class research facilities
  • Extensive library resources
• Faculty:
  • Over 1,000 academic staff, including internationally renowned researchers and industry experts
• Teaching methodologies:
  • Focus on student-centered learning
  • Use of innovative teaching methods, such as problem-based learning and flipped classrooms
• Academic support services:
  • Academic skills workshops
  • Writing center
  • Math and statistics support
• Unique academic programs or initiatives:
  • Swansea Employability Academy: Provides students with opportunities to develop employability skills
  • Swansea University Global: Offers international study and research opportunities

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Top Reasons to Study Here:

• Top 30 UK university
• Excellent teaching and research
• World-class facilities
• Strong industry connections
• Vibrant student life
• Notable alumni include:
  • Michael Sheen, actor
  • Catherine Zeta-Jones, actress
  • Sir Terry Matthews, entrepreneur

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Services:

• Counseling and mental health support
• Health center
• Housing services
• Library resources:
  • Over 1 million books and journals
  • Access to online databases and e-resources
• Technology support:
  • Free Wi-Fi across campus
  • Computer labs and printing facilities
• Career development services:
  • Career counseling
  • Job search assistance
  • Employer networking events