Physics BSc Hons

Program Overview

Physics BSc

Overview

Studying physics at Nottingham means diving into the excitement of learning about the way the physical universe works; from the smallest scales of elementary particles and quantum gravity to dark energy and the large-scale structure of the universe itself with all that lies in between. You’ll learn from award-winning academics who are recognised by the Institute of Physics. Many of our academics also feature on the Sixty Symbols YouTube channel.

Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and skills to innovate and lead in various fields, including AI and quantum technologies. We’ve consulted with employers and recruiters to design programmes fit for the future. You'll learn to apply fundamental laws to a broad range of situations, making you highly sought after by employers. Over the course of the degree, you’ll build skills like resilience and the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing job market alongside core physics skills. Hear from our previous students. Life after graduation: shaping a successful physics career

Course Structure

• Year 1: Mathematical Methods and Modelling for Physicists, Fundamentals of Classical and Modern Physics, Investigations in Physics I
• Year 2: Electromagnetism and Optics, Investigations in Physics II, Professional Skills for Physicists, Quantum and Statistical Physics
• Year 3: From Quarks to Crystals, Physics Group Project, Advanced Quantum Physics, Bioelectrical Processes and Measurements, Elementary Particle Physics, Astrophysics at the Extremes, Galaxies and Cosmology, Imaging with Non-Ionizing Radiation, Methods of Computational Physics, Methods of Experimental Physics, Phases of Matter, Spacetime and Gravity, The Physics of Semiconductors

Entry Requirements

• A levels: AAA, including A level maths and physics
• IB score: 34 points overall or 666 in 3 HL certificates, including HL6 in Physics and HL6 in Mathematics Analysis and Approaches
• GCSE English language: 4 (C)
• Excluded subjects: General studies, critical thinking, citizenship studies, leisure studies, functional skills, global perspectives
• Alternative qualifications: Access to HE Diploma (in combination with A level), Advanced Diploma, BTEC HND/HNC (in place of a third A level), BTEC Extended Diploma (in place of a third A level)

Tuition Fees

• UK undergraduate students: £9,535 per year (2026/27)
• International students: £30,750 per year (2026/27)

Additional Costs

• Equipment: All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus.
• Books: You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies. If you do these would cost around £40.
• Travel and living costs: If you study abroad, you need to consider the travel and living costs associated with your country of choice. This may include visa costs and medical insurance.

Scholarships and Bursaries

• International students: We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.
• Home students: Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary, worth up to £1,000 a year.

Careers

• Job prospects: 87.9% of undergraduates from the School of Physics and Astronomy secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation.
• Top graduate destinations: BAE Systems, Met Office, National Physical Laboratory, EDF Energy, Experian, Accenture
• Recent graduate roles: Quantum communications engineer, Software engineer, Analyst, Bank of England, NHS scientist training programme, Foundation scientist, Met Office, Government operational research service, BBC broadcast journalist, MSc, aeronautics & space engineering, PhD, theoretical cosmology

Teaching Methods

• Lectures: Our teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, hands-on laboratory sessions, and workshops for problem-solving and skills development.
• Tutorials and Project Supervision: You will take part in weekly small group tutorials (typically five students), where your tutor will provide support and guidance.
• Practical laboratory sessions: The practical modules involve working between three and six hours per week in laboratories.

Assessment

• Coursework: Modules will vary in terms of method and structure of assessment; you are provided with the school’s overall assessment strategy supplemented by specific details for each module.
• Group projects: You will receive a copy of the marking criteria which guides how we will assess your work for each module and element.
• Lab reports: Your work will be marked promptly, and you will receive feedback.
• Presentations: Assessments of your skills will be based on a portfolio which allows you to select the work that best demonstrates your capabilities in each year.
• Research projects: Your final degree classification will be based on marks gained in your second, third and fourth years of study.
• Written exams: You must pass each year to progress. This typically means that you will need to achieve marks of at least 40% in each module.