If you’re interested in solving problems and finding out how things work, then our Physics Foundation Entry degree is a stepping stone to our Physics degrees.
Foundation Entry degree courses are ideal if you’ve got the ability to study for a degree, but don’t have the necessary formal qualifications to directly join an honours programme.
The Foundation Year is the same for all physics and astrophysics students. Small classes are kept small, so you’ll benefit from lots of support.
Successful completion of the Foundation Year can lead to any of the full BSc (Hons)/MPhys Physics or Astrophysics degrees.
Why study with us
- In the 2022 National Student Survey, 92% of Physics and Astrophysics respondents were overall satisfied with their course, with a 90% rating for the teaching on the course.
- You’ll also gain the mathematical ability to express those ideas alongside laboratory experience to perform real physics experiments.
- Physics and Astronomy is ranked 2nd in the North West for research intensity (CUG, 2022). Research intensity is a measure of the amount of staff involved in high-quality research in the university.
What you’ll do
- Graduates of physics and astrophysics are amongst the most employable in the world, particularly in technical and business sectors.
- The staff who deliver the courses are members of the School’s Jeremiah Horrocks Institute and many hold PhDs and are active and renowned researchers.
- During our BSc (Hons)/MPhys Physics or Astrophysics degree courses you’ll get to use specialist physics laboratories, developing your skills to be able to experiment using research equipment, and you’ll have the opportunity to use the University’s Alston Observatory during your course.
Module overview
Year OCompulsory modules
• APC801: Foundations of Applied Physics
• APC802: Motion, Forces and Force Fields
• APC803: The Road to Quantum Mechanics
• MAC811: Pure Mathematics and Statistics
• MAC833: Mathematical Methods
Year 1
Compulsory modules
•
AA1003: Astrophysics 1 - The Structure of the Universe
• AP1043: Electromagnetic Radiation and Quantum Theory
• AP1842: Mechanics
• AP1852: Applied Physics and Linear Systems
• AP1860: Practical Physics 1- Programming and Experimental Physics
•
MA1831: Functions, Vectors and Calculus
Year 2
Compulsory modules
• AP2043: Electromagnetism and Waves
• AP2858: Thermal and Quantum Physics
• AP2859: Special Relativity and Solid State Physics
•
AP2860: Practical Physics2- Computing and Experimental Physics
•
MA2831: Ordinary Differential Equations
Optional modules
• AP2857: Measurement, Instrumentation, LabVIEW and Interfacing
• MA2841: Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics
Year 3
Compulsory modules
• AP3840: Condensed Matter and Surface Physics
• AP3860: Practical Physics 3- Experimental Physics and Problem Solving
• AP3950: Physics/Astronomy Project
Optional modules
• AP3842: Nuclear and Particle Physics
• AP3844: Atomic Physics and Advanced Quantum Mechanics
•
AP3845: Electrodynamics, Plasma and Solar Physics
• MA3831: Partial Differential Equations and Integral Transforms
Course delivery
This course is taught face-to-face at one of our UK campuses.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information. However, our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may cause alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies or revisions to subject benchmarks statements. As well as to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.
Future careers
Our Physics Foundation Entry course leads to employment in industry, government research institutes, overseas laboratories and observatories.
Many of our BSc (Hons) graduates go on to further study, such as MSc degrees in physics and engineering.
Some choose to train in teaching (PGCE), or to find work in industry or government laboratories. You could also work in financial institutions, or become a scientific journalist.
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