Program Overview

Physics with French

Overview

Physics studies how our Universe works. It includes areas such as quantum theory, relativity and particle physics, and lies at the heart of most modern technology - for example the computer and the laser. Most forefront science takes place in international collaborations, and this degree includes a year studying abroad. It is aimed at students who wish to continue French beyond school.

Physics with French highlights

• Global Opportunities: Students undertaking the Physics with French degree will spend a year studying physics in a university on mainland Europe. Support for this international placement can be sought during the degree through an application to the Turing programme.
• Professional Accreditations: Accredited by the Institute of Physics for the purpose of exemptions from some professional examinations.
• Professional Exemptions: You will have partially fulfilled the requirements to obtain the status of Chartered Physicist (CPhys) with the Institute of Physics.
• World Class Facilities: You will be taught in our new state-of-the-art teaching centre, containing specialist laboratory equipment and computer facilities.
• Internationally Renowned Experts: All of our faculty staff are research scientists in their own right; in the 2021 REF peer-review exercise, Physics Research Power was in the top 20 in the UK.
• Student Experience: In the 2023 National Student Survey physics scored above the benchmark in 6 out of 7 themes with a 94.9% positivity score on how well staff explained things.
• Further Study Opportunities: You can join the Physics and Mathematics Society (PAMSOC) which organises events and trips throughout the year. You can also take advantage of the many events held within the Northern Ireland Science Festival each February, which School staff and postgraduate students heavily support.
• Career Development: The most recent HESA data shows that over 95% of QUB physics graduates are in employment or further study 15 months after graduation.

Student Testimonials

• "To learn to use and appreciate the two in unison (Maths and Physics) begins a truly breathtaking and elucidating journey, which gives one the opportunity to view the world and its phenomena with both new understanding and new confusion, which leads always to delightful fascination."
• "I suppose what I enjoyed about both the first year and the degree overall was the richness of abundance of new experiences, it seemed as though that one could turn any corner, open any book or talk to anyone and there you'd find something you'd never seen before."

Course Structure

• Year 1: Students cover all subjects in stage 1 and stage 2 and may choose from a large range of subject areas in stage 3.
• Year 2: At Stage 2, students take all compulsory modules.
• Year 3: Students will take an approved Turing programme of study at a French speaking university or alternatively, an approved placement in a French speaking country.
• Year 4: At Stage 4, students take a selection of compulsory and optional modules.

Modules

• Mathematics for Scientists and Engineers (40 credits)
• Foundation Physics (40 credits)
• French 1 (40 credits)
• Mathematical Physics (20 credits)
• Electricity, Magnetism and Optics (20 credits)
• Physics of the Solid State (20 credits)
• French 2 (40 credits)
• Quantum & Statistical Physics (20 credits)
• Employability for Physics (0 credits)
• International Placement – Year Abroad (120 credits)
• French 3 (40 credits)
• Physics Single Project (20 credits)
• Professional Skills (20 credits)
• Computational Projects (20 credits)
• Physics in Medicine (20 credits)
• Advanced Electromagnetism and Optics (20 credits)
• Quantum Mechanics and Relativity (20 credits)
• Advanced Solid State Physics (20 credits)
• Astrophysics II (20 credits)
• Nuclear and Particle Physics (20 credits)

Entrance Requirements

• A-level: ABB including Mathematics, Physics and French
• Irish Leaving Certificate: H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H3 in Mathematics, Physics and French
• Access Course: Not normally considered as Access Course would not satisfy language requirements
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: 33 points overall including 6 5 5 at Higher Level including Mathematics, Physics and French
• Graduate: A minimum of a 2:2 Honours Degree, provided any subject requirements are also met

How We Choose Our Students

• Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by the School of Mathematics and Physics.
• Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form.
• Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS.

International Students

Tuition Fees

• Northern Ireland: £4,855
• Republic of Ireland: £4,855
• England, Scotland or Wales: £9,535
• EU Other: £25,300
• International: £25,300

Additional Course Costs

• All essential software will be provided by the University, for use on University facilities, however for some software, students may choose to buy a version for home use.
• Students have a compulsory year abroad in year 3 of their degree. Students who undertake a period of study or work abroad are responsible for funding travel, accommodation and subsistence costs.

Career Prospects

• Introduction: According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, 5 years after graduation, Physics graduates earn 15 per cent more on average than other graduates (IFS 2018) with female graduates the 4th highest earners compared to all other subjects (5th for males).
• Employment after the Course: About half of our students go on to further study after graduation. Some physics graduates take up careers in education, while a number are accepted for a PhD programme in Physics, which can enhance employment prospects or provide a path to a research physicist position. Most of the rest of our graduates move rapidly into full-time employment, most in careers that require a degree.
• Employment Links: Graduate employers include: BT; Seagate; Allstate; Andor; Civil Service; Randox; AquaQ; First Derivatives; NHS.

Prizes and Awards

• Top performing students are eligible for a number of prizes within the School.

Degree Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

• In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.