Program Overview

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Physics BSc

The Physics BSc course is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) and is designed to give students the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in physics. The course explores the laws that shape the universe and covers topics behind major technological advancements.

Course Description

The course is a three-year accredited BSc Physics program that provides students with the fundamental knowledge and skills required for a successful career in physics. Students will have the freedom to explore the extraordinary scale of the field of physics, with a focus on fundamental theories and hands-on experience in specialist teaching labs.

Modules

The course structure includes:

• First year:
  • Core modules:
    • Fundamental Physics and Mathematics I: Mechanics, Oscillations, Waves and Thermal Physics
    • Fundamental Physics and Mathematics II: Electricity, Magnetism and Quantum Physics
    • Investigating Nature: the Physicist's Toolbox
  • Optional modules:
    • Frontiers of Physics
    • Introduction to Astrophysics
    • Introduction to Electric and Electronic Circuits
• Second year:
  • Example core modules:
    • Fundamental Physics and Mathematics III: Thermal Physics, Special Relativity and Mathematical Methods
    • Fundamental Physics and Mathematics IV: Quantum Physics, Solids and Electromagnetism
    • Instrumentation, Data Processing and Python
  • Optional modules:
    • Introduction to Modern Physics
    • Stars and Galaxies
    • Differential Equations
• Third year:
  • Example pathways:
    • Particle and Nuclear Physics
    • Quantum Technologies
    • Biophysics, Materials and Devices
    • Computational Physics
  • Optional modules:
    • Atomic Physics
    • Semiconductor Photonics
    • Dark Matter and Cosmology
    • Statistical Mechanics
    • Quantum Mechanics
    • Biophysics

Learning and Assessment

The course uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, small group tutorials, programming classes, practical sessions in the lab, and research projects. Assessment methods include a portfolio of problem sets and lab work, exams, essays, lab reports, and presentations.

Entry Requirements

The standard entry requirements for the course are:

• A Levels: AAB, including Maths and Physics + pass in the practical element of any science A Levels taken
• International Baccalaureate: 34, with 6, 5 (in any order) in Higher Level Maths and Physics; 33, with 5 in Higher Level Maths and Physics, and B in a physics-based extended essay
• BTEC Extended Diploma: Not accepted
• BTEC Diploma: Not accepted
• Scottish Highers + Advanced Higher/s: AABBB + AB in Maths and Physics
• Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels: B + AA in Maths and Physics
• Access to HE Diploma: Award of the Access to HE Diploma in Science, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 36 at Distinction (all in Maths/Physics units) and 9 at Merit
• English language requirements: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification

Graduate Careers

Graduates with a degree in physics from the University of Sheffield have a wide range of career options. The course is designed to give students the skills that will help them succeed in their chosen career, including the ability to plan projects, work to deadlines, analyze data, and solve complex problems, both independently and as part of a team.

Department

The School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences is leading the way with groundbreaking research and innovative teaching. The school's physics and astronomy researchers are focusing on some of the biggest questions in science, such as how to build a quantum computer, how to detect dark matter, and how to distribute clean energy.

University Rankings

The University of Sheffield is a world top-100 university, ranked 92nd in the QS World University Rankings 2026. The university is also ranked number one in the Russell Group for student experience, based on aggregate responses in the National Student Survey 2025.

Student Profiles

The university has a range of student profiles that showcase the experiences of students and graduates from the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. These profiles provide an insight into what it's like to study at the university and the types of careers that graduates can pursue.

Fees and Funding

The tuition fees for the course are:

• Home students: £9,535 (2025 annual tuition fee)
• Overseas students: £30,570 (2025 annual tuition fee) The university also offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to help fund student study, including automatic scholarships worth up to £10,000 for overseas fee-paying students starting their studies in September 2026.

Placements and Study Abroad

The course offers students the opportunity to add an optional industrial placement year, which can help them gain an insight into possible careers, develop transferable skills, and build a professional network. The university also has partnerships with over 250 universities worldwide, providing students with the opportunity to study abroad for a year.