Program Overview

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MSci Physics with Industrial Experience (F305)

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.

This course includes a year of gaining hands-on paid experience in industry.

A year spent in industry can be a life-changing and rewarding experience. It can help you hone your skills in project management, teamwork and communication. It can also provide invaluable insights into commercial pressures and real-world applied science.

Recently our students have worked for a wide range of employers, including the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy, the Government Statistical Service, Malvern Panalytical, Airbus, J. P. Morgan, Sharp, Rolls-Royce, and the Science and Technology Facilities Council.

Physics focuses on the fundamental building blocks and forces of nature. It explores how quantum physics and relativity help us to comprehend the world around us. Topics range from the infinitesimal scale of particle and nuclear physics to the cosmic scale of galaxies and the Universe.

Year one gives you a comprehensive grounding in physics and mathematics, as well as introduces you to the practical and computing skills essential for physics. In year two, you will develop a fundamental understanding of the principles of physics. This includes investigative work in the laboratory and further computational physics.

During your year in industry, you will continue to study core physics via distance learning. This will prepare you for your final year project or dissertation once you are back at the University.

In your final year, you will undertake a major project, working in a research group with a staff member. Our students' final year projects address questions at the frontier of our research fields. The most successful have been published in scientific journals.

Join our friendly department with an 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 physics graduates have an excellent record of employment. This is a testament to the value that employers place on the transferable skills that you will gain on this course.

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.

Accreditations

Our Physics with Industrial Experience MSci is accredited by IOP.

Overview

Typical offer

• A-level standard offer: A*AA
• A-level contextual offer: AAB

Programme duration

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

Application method

• UCAS (Code: F305)

Location

• Clifton campus, Placements

Fees

• £9,535 per year, home students
• £30400 per year, international students

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.

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 Industrial Experience can be found in the Admissions Statement.

Applicants must also meet these requirements

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.
• Further information about English language requirements and profile levels

Related courses

• MSci Physics
• BSc Physics
• MSci Physics with International Experience
• MSci Physics with Innovation
• MSci Physics with Study Abroad in a Modern Language
• Physics with Computing
• Chemical Physics