This Physics Foundation Entry course is a one-year preparation for a degree programme that will equip you to work as a professional physicist.
During your Foundation Entry Year, you’ll study alongside peers from related courses, as you gain a broad introduction to the fundamentals of classical and quantum physics. You’ll also develop the mathematical ability to express those ideas, and the laboratory experience to perform real physics experiments.
As you evaluate the social, environmental and financial consequences of your actions as a scientist, it’s also your chance to make a positive and sustained contribution to the wider community. The course, which meets the requirements for professional physicists and is accredited by the Institute of Physics, also places an emphasis on workplace skills.
A Foundation Entry degree course such as this one is 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. It’s a great stepping stone to a full degree.
Successful completion of the Foundation Year can lead to any of the full BSc (Hons)/MPhys Physics or Astrophysics degrees.
Why study with us
- A strong understanding of these essentials means you can progress on to any of our BSc (Hons)/ MPhys Physics or Astrophysics degrees.
- 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.
- 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.
- During our BSc (Hons) / MPhys Physics or Astrophysics degree courses you’ll get to use our specialist physics laboratories, developing your skills to be able to experiment using research-level equipment.
- You’ll also have the opportunity to use the University’s Alston Observatory over the course of your degree.
Module overview
Compulsory 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
Optional modules
• AP3842: Nuclear and Particle Physics
• AP3844: Atomic Physics and Advanced Quantum Mechanics
• AP3845: Electrodynamics, Plasma and Solar Physics
• AP3950: Physics/Astronomy Project
• MA3831: Partial Differential Equations and Integral Transforms
Year 4
Compulsory modules
• AP4553: MPhys (Hons) Project
• AP4852: Advanced Laboratory
Optional modules
• AA4847: Plasma and Solar Physics 2
•
AA4848: General Relativity
• AP4614: Physics for Energy
• AP4870: Magnetism
• AP4872: Lasers and Modern Optics
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
Physics, and Astrophysics graduates are amongst the most employable around, particularly in technical and business sectors, where analytical and mathematical skills are at a premium.
You could also work in financial institutions, teach or become a scientific journalist.
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