Program Overview

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MSci Physics with Computing with Industrial Experience (F334)

2026 entry | view 2025 entry

Course summary

Join a University ranked in the UK top five for Physics research (analysis of REF 2021) with an excellent reputation for teaching and learning.

Do you enjoy both physics and computing? Combine the study of the building blocks and forces of nature with training in computing and data science skills. It includes a year of gaining hands-on, paid experience in industry. In this degree programme, state-of-the-art computational methods are taught through examples drawn from the physical sciences.

Computing skills are vital across many physics-related careers. This course offers a unique combination of units and projects blending programming, machine learning, data science and high-performance computing with fundamental concepts in physics. It aims to produce a new kind of scientist - one with a firm foundation in physics, a sound appreciation of scientific computing and an understanding of what can be achieved by combining them.

Year one gives you a comprehensive grounding in physics, mathematics and programming. Year two focuses on the principles of physics with further emphasis on scientific coding.

The third year is spent working on a computing project with an industrial partner. The industrial year can be a life-changing and rewarding experience providing valuable insights into the commercial pressures and real-world applications of physics and computing.

During the third year, you will study core physics via distance learning in readiness for your return and your final-year project. This will be a major research project, supervised by staff with expertise in physics and computing and addressing questions at the frontiers of our research fields. The most successful final-year research projects from related courses have been published in scientific journals.

MSci courses allow you to study advanced research-led material in your final year, developing originality in your application of knowledge and development of advanced techniques to solve problems.

You will join a friendly department with a very active, award-winning student society. We support you to develop a broad range of skills, including the experimental, theoretical and computational skills needed for a career in research and industry. Our graduates have an excellent record of employment across a range of industries. This is a testament to the value that employers place on these skills.

If you have a fascination for physics and an appetite for scientific computing, you will enjoy this programme.

Overview

Typical offer

• A-level standard offer: A*AA
• A-level contextual offer: AAB
• Go to entry requirements for the full entry criteria and contextual offer eligibility.

Programme duration

• 4 year(s) full-time.
• Part-time study is not available for this course

Application method

• UCAS (Code: F334)

Location

• Clifton campus, Placements

Fees

• £9,535 per year, home students
• £30400 per year, international students
• More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Fees quoted are for 2025 entry only. Fees for 2026 will be confirmed, subject to government approval, later in 2025.

Course structure

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

A-level standard offer

• A*AA including A*A (in any order) in Mathematics and Physics

A-level contextual offer

• AAB including AA in Mathematics and Physics

BTEC

• D*DD in Engineering BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in four specified Physics units and A in Mathematics at A-level (or equivalent)

International Baccalaureate Diploma

• 38 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 7, 6 (in any order) at Higher Level in Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) and Physics

International Baccalaureate Diploma contextual offer

• 34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level, including 6, 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) and Physics

European Baccalaureate

• 88% overall, with 9.0, 8.5 in Mathematics and Physics (in any order)

Scottish Qualifications Authority

• Advanced Higher: AA in Mathematics and Physics, and Standard Higher: AAAAA

Access to HE Diploma

• Access to HE Diploma in Engineering, Science, or Computing (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: at least 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or above; and at least 12 credits at Distinction from Mathematics units (including algebra, calculus and trigonometry); and at least 12 credits at Distinction from specified Physics units. plus successful completion of a University of Bristol test and interview (or A at A-Level or equivalent in Mathematics and Physics)

Welsh Baccalaureate

• Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.

Cambridge Pre-U

• Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.

International qualifications

• The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

GCSE profile requirements

• No specific subjects required.
• Further information about GCSE requirements and profile levels.

English language requirements

• If English is not your first language, you need to have one of the following:
  • IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all skills
• GCSE English Language grade C or 4
• an alternative qualification outlined in our Profile level E.

Selection process

• Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
• If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
• Full information about our selection processes for Physics with Computing with Industrial Experience can be found in the Admissions Statement.

Related courses

• BSc Physics with Computing
• MSci Physics with Computing
• Chemical Physics
• Computer Science