The laws of physics govern everything in our universe. From subatomic building blocks of matter to galaxies spanning light-years. Discover it all on our BSc Physics degree.
From theories of relativity to quantum mechanics. From nanophysics to lasers. Our Physics BSc (Hons) programme covers it all. This is your chance to develop an in-depth knowledge of the laws of physics and how they apply to real-life situations.
Study a range of physics modules, covering topics like electromagnetism, mechanics and relativity. Build your knowledge, improve your mathematical skills and gain laboratory experience. The course also offers the opportunity to spend a sandwich year working in industry or studying abroad. This experience will add career-boosting experience to your CV.
Along the way, you’ll become a seasoned problem-solver, able to tackle challenges with creative thinking. It's this ability, together with the practical skills that come with planning experiments and processing, analysing and interpreting data, that make Physics graduates so sought after. Opening up a wide range of career possibilities to you. After three years you can opt to complete a fourth year to gain an MPhys.We strongly recommend the MPhys qualification if you are planning a career in scientific research.
Why study with us
- 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.
- We have recently invested in our teaching laboratories. Providing a cutting-edge learning environment using equipment to develop your skills ready for industry.
- 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.
About our Physics degree
- This course begins with the same modules as our Physics with Astrophysics and Astrophysics courses. This means you can switch courses at the end of your first year.
- If you progress well on our BSc Physics course, you can step up to our MPhys route at the end of your second year.
- With a range of optional BSc physics modules, you can steer your studies toward your interests. In areas like Hamiltonian Mechanics or Solar Physics.
Module overview
Year 1Compulsory 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
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AP2043: Electromagnetism and Waves
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AP2858: Thermal and Quantum Physics
• AP2859: Special Relativity and Solid State Physics
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AP2860: Practical Physics2- Computing and Experimental Physics
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MA2831: Ordinary Differential Equations
Optional modules
• AP2857: Measurement, Instrumentation, LabVIEW and Interfacing
• MA2841: Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics
Year 3
Compulsory modules
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AP3840: Condensed Matter and Surface Physics
• AP3860: Practical Physics 3- Experimental Physics and Problem Solving
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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.
What can I do with a Physics degree?
A Physics BSc degree can pave the way for careers in research, technology, finance and more. You'll gain the analytical skills and mathematical knowledge that are in high demand across a range of industries.
BSc Physics graduates are among the most employable in the world. They are in particularly high demand across various technical and business sectors. Our graduates are working for scientific institutes, overseas laboratories, financial institutions, education and scientific journalism.
If you’re aiming for a career in scientific research, our four-year MPhys qualification offers an excellent route. It provides a greater depth of study and has a focus on research. As the first two years are the same as the BSc Physics course, you can enrol on the MPhys course first and then decide which path to take after your second year.
There is also a range of other postgraduate study options you could pursue. Covering a range of topics in physics and engineering and many graduates choose to train in teaching (PGCE).
The course comes with the chance to take a 48-week sandwich placement between your second and third years. You could choose to go abroad for a year, studying with one of our partner institutions. Or work on a project within a collaborating research group, in locations such as Germany, Italy, Spain, South Africa, or with NASA in the USA. Alternatively, you can arrange a placement in industry, gaining the kind of practical skills and experience that offer a competitive advantage in a busy jobs market.
My name is Kavisha Prince Anthony, and I always had a dream of studying abroad. Thankfully, that dream came to life since I applied to the Study Advisor. I was able to receive my visa within four days. I also had some visa refusals in the past; I had about six UK visa refusals in the past, but thankfully, it was not an issue since the Study Advisor was able to make things work this time. I highly recommend Study Advisor for your dreams of going abroad, whether it be the UK or any other European country there is.