Program Overview

Physics (BSc)

Subject Area

The subject area of this course is Physics and Astronomy.

Why Study This Course

This three-year course explores the fundamental laws underpinning the Universe from the subatomic level to entire galaxies. The course is ranked 8th in the UK for physics and is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP). 95% of graduates are employed, in further study, or doing other activities such as travelling, 15 months after the end of their course.

Entry Requirements

• A combination of A-levels and other qualifications, as well as equivalent international qualifications, are accepted.
• Typical offers are:
  • AAB-BBB, including Maths and Physics.
  • Applicants taking Maths without Physics will also be considered, normally subject to achieving a grade A in Maths.
  • Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard offer.
• International Baccalaureate: 34-31 overall or 666-665 in 3 HL subjects, including HL Maths and HL Physics.
• Baccalaureate Wales: Accepted in lieu of one A-Level, excluding any specified subjects.
• GCSE and other essential requirements:
  • English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade C/4 or an equivalent.
  • We do not accept Critical Thinking, General Studies, Citizenship Studies, or other similar equivalent subjects.
• English language requirements:
  • GCSE: Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.
  • IELTS (academic): At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.
  • TOEFL iBT: At least 90 overall with a minimum of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading, and 20 for speaking.
  • PTE Academic: At least 69 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.
  • Trinity ISE II/III: II - at least two Distinctions and two Merits, III - at least a Pass in all components.
• Other accepted qualifications: Please visit our English Language requirements page for more information.

Tuition Fees for 2026 Entry

• Fees for home status:
  • Year one: Ł9,535
  • Year two: Ł9,535
  • Year three: Ł9,535
• Fees for overseas status:
  • Year one: Ł30,700
  • Year two: Ł30,700
  • Year three: Ł30,700

Additional Costs

• All suggested textbooks are available through the University libraries.
• Course-specific equipment: The University will provide all essential equipment.
• Accommodation: We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget.
• Living costs: We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities.

Course Structure

This is a three-year full-time degree, including a carefully chosen balance of core modules and some optional modules. Modules are worth 10, 20, or 30 credits, and you need to earn 120 credits a year.

Year One

• Core modules:
  • Mathematical Methods for Physicists 1 (20 credits)
  • Mechanics and Matter (20 credits)
  • Planet Earth (10 credits)
  • Experimental Physics (20 credits)
  • Electricity, Magnetism and Waves (20 credits)
  • Computational Skills for Problem Solving (10 credits)
  • Mathematical Methods for Physicists 2 (10 credits)
• Optional modules:
  • Introduction to Astrophysics (10 credits)
  • Introduction to Medical Physics (10 credits)

Year Two

• Core modules:
  • The Physics of Fields and Flows (20 credits)
  • Introductory Quantum Mechanics (10 credits)
  • Scientific Programming (10 credits)
  • Intermediate Practical Physics (20 credits)
  • Thermal and Statistical Physics (20 credits)
  • Optics (10 credits)
  • Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics (10 credits)
  • Physics in Action: Real-World Problem Solving (10 credits)
• Optional modules:
  • The Stars and their Planets (10 credits)
  • Pathways to Success in the Physics Workplace (10 credits)
  • Biophysics (10 credits)

Year Three

• Core modules:
  • Solid State Physics (10 credits)
  • Atomic and Nuclear Physics (20 credits)
  • Particle Physics and Special Relativity (20 credits)
  • Physics Project (30 credits)
• Optional modules:
  • Computational Physics (10 credits)
  • Formation and Evolution of Stars (10 credits)
  • Environmental Physics (10 credits)
  • Introduction to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (10 credits)
  • Galaxies and Galaxy Evolution (10 credits)
  • Theoretical Physics (10 credits)
  • Science Communication (10 credits)
  • Radiation Protection and Diagnostic Radiology Physics (10 credits)
  • Semiconductor Devices and Applications (10 credits)
  • Laser Physics and Non-Linear Optics (10 credits)
  • High-Energy Astrophysics (10 credits)
  • Commercialising Innovation (10 credits)
  • Cosmology (10 credits)
  • Non-Ionising Radiation in Medicine (10 credits)
  • Radiotherapy (10 credits)

Learning and Assessment

You will be taught through lectures, tutorials, labs, and a range of computer-based, project-based, and skills-based exercises. Exercises are an integral part of all lecture-based modules, giving you the opportunity to apply your knowledge, increase your critical awareness, and enhance your problem-solving skills.

Assessment

Assessment is designed to support, engage, and challenge students through three key types of assessment: assessment for learning, assessment as learning, and assessment of learning. Examples of assessment for and as learning include weekly quizzes, laboratory diaries, and creative assignments. Examples of assessment of learning include final reports, timed assessments, and oral presentations.

Careers

Physics graduates are highly valued by employers and go on to work in a wide range of fields, including scientific research, data science, technology, finance, business, and education. Recent graduate destinations include Rolls-Royce, KLA, the European Space Agency, the NHS, Hargreaves Lansdown, and other financial institutions.

Graduate Careers

• Research scientist
• Statistician
• Airline pilot
• Data Analyst
• Science communicator
• Teacher
• Software engineer

Discover More

For more information about the course, please refer to the official university resources.