Program Overview

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BSc Physics and Philosophy (FV35)

2026 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.

This course provides an exciting intellectual challenge from the outset. In year one, you will study physics, mathematics and philosophical topics such as metaphysics, the theory of knowledge and ethics.

Subsequent years allow you to study the overlap between physics and philosophy in depth. You will study the philosophy of science and the foundations and philosophy of physics, as well as optional units that allow you to pursue further philosophical interests.

This course allows you to develop a physicist's broad range of skills, including problem-solving, numeracy and communication. You will supplement these skills with a philosopher's ability to rigorously analyse complex texts and form coherent arguments regarding significant contemporary scientific and societal issues.

In your third year, you will undertake a major project or dissertation within Physics, conducting original investigations as part of one of our research themes; as well as having the opportunity to undertake an extended independent essay project in Philosophy on a topic of your choosing, supervised by a member of staff with relevant expertise.

Join our friendly department with a very active, award-winning student society. We support you to develop a broad range of experimental, theoretical and analytical skills, as well as to develop your understanding of how to apply your skills more widely. These are vital for a career in research or 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.

Think Big bursaries of £3,000 are available to support first-year international undergraduate students in this subject area.

Accreditations

Our Physics and Philosophy BSc is accredited by IOP.

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

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

Application method

• UCAS (Code: FV35)

Location

• Clifton campus

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 and Philosophy can be found in the Admissions Statement.