Program Overview

Physics with Computer Science BSc

Overview

Study the theories of physics with the practical applications of computer science. This combination will help to ensure you graduate career-ready. You'll receive a comprehensive physics education taught by award-winning academics. Throughout the degree you'll gain skills in mathematical modelling and programming. You'll be able to use these as tools for problem-solving in later years of the course.

Why choose this course?

• Study two interdisciplinary topics to graduate career-ready
• Learn about modelling, programming, software engineering and AI
• 91% of our undergraduates are in full-time employment or further study within 15 months of graduation*
• 16th in the UK in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 (Computer Science and Information Systems)
• 15th in the UK in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 (Physics and Astronomy)
• Taught by award-winning academics and researchers from the School of Physics and Astronomy and School of Computer Science

Entry Requirements

• AAA
• 34 points overall or 666 in 3 HL certificates (IB score)
• IELTS: 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element)
• A level: AAA (including maths and physics)
• GCSEs: English language 4 (C)

Course Structure

• Year one: Consolidate your knowledge of physics from A-level, introduce you to topics at the forefront of the field, and develop your experimental technique.
• Year two: Study core theories of physics, develop your lab skills and experimental techniques, and explore topics in computer science.
• Year three: Go into depth on computer science, starting with a deep dive into computer programming using the Python language.
• Year four: Expand on your knowledge of core physics, study atomic, nuclear, particle and solid-state physics, and work on a research project.

Modules

• Year one:
  • Basic Mathematical Methods for Physics
  • Computing for Physical Science
  • From Newton to Einstein
  • Frontiers in Physics
  • Introductory Experimental Physics
  • Quantitative Physics
• Year two:
  • Classical Fields
  • Intermediate Experimental Physics
  • The Quantum World
  • Thermal and Statistical Physics
  • Wave Phenomena
  • Force and Function at the Nanoscale
  • Health Physics
  • Molecular Biophysics
  • Principles of Dynamics
  • The Structure of Galaxies
  • The Structure of Stars
  • Theory Toolbox
• Year three:
  • Databases, Interfaces and Software Design Principles
  • Programming
  • Systems and Networks
  • Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence
  • Introduction to Human Computer Interaction
  • Introduction to Image Processing
  • Introduction to Software Engineering
  • Software Specification
• Year four:
  • Atoms, Photons and Fundamental Particles
  • Introduction to Solid State Physics
  • Physics Project
  • Atmospheric and Planetary Physics
  • Enterprise for Scientists
  • Extreme Astrophysics
  • From Accelerators to Medical Imaging
  • Functional Medical Imaging
  • Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos
  • Quantum Dynamics
  • Scientific Computing
  • Semiconductor Physics
  • Soft Condensed Matter
  • Symmetry and Action Principles in Physics
  • Theoretical Elementary Particle Physics

Careers

• 91% of undergraduates from the School of Physics and Astronomy and the School of Computer Science secured employment or further study within 15 months of graduation.
• Average starting salary: £34,382.
• Top employers: Experian, Rolls Royce, Accenture, and BAE Systems.

Tuition Fees

• £9,535 (UK undergraduate students)
• £30,750 (International students)

Additional Costs

• All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
• Students may wish to purchase their own copies of books, which would cost around £40.
• Students studying abroad will need to consider the travel and living costs associated with their country of choice.

Scholarships and Bursaries

• International students: We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars.
• Home students: Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary, worth up to £1,000 a year.