Overview
Gain a solid foundation in modern physics, covering essential topics such as classical physics, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, relativity and solid-state physics
Youll focus on modern theoretical physics methods and applications, equipping you with the knowledge and skills for addressing contemporary challenges in the field
Engage in two extended projects in your final year tackling real-world problems. Experience working as a team and communicating your results to a variety of audiences in different ways
Benefit from access to advanced research facilities including clean rooms, a helium liquefier, a water tank, amplified ultra-fast laser systems, and a suite of instruments for imaging biological materials
From day one, you will develop skills that are highly valued by employers such as data analysis, critical thinking, problem-solving, scientific programming and science communication.

Course content
Our programme is carefully designed around a skills development roadmap that starts on day one, and continues across your whole degree.

Your first year introduces you to the physics of everyday life and experimental physics as well as supporting you to advance your mathematical and computational data analysis skills. Alongside your physics studies, we start preparing you for your future career as a physicist by developing your professional skills.

As you continue through year 2 you will continue to develop your understanding of classical physics, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, relativity, solid-state physics, and many other aspects of modern Physics.

Since Physics is an inherently collaborative discipline, the final year of the programme also involves substantial open-ended project work. These theoretical or experimental projects will give you the opportunity to undertake team-based work tackling real-world problems and to develop your ability to communicate the results of complex investigations to a variety of audiences in different ways.

Your future
Students in Physics lab
Employability skills are an integral part of the physics curriculum. The flexibility and adaptability of a well-trained physicist is appreciated by employers: they acknowledge the benefits of excellent problem solving skills, an educated scientific intuition, and the confidence to be able to grasp new concepts quickly.

Our degree programmes include:
A continuous Skills Development programme that will lead to the creation of a professional portfolio
Extensive problem-solving skills training
Development of group working skills
Training in scientific communication
Scientific data analysis training.

Career paths
The largest proportion of our graduates enter science-based industries in positions involving research and development, production and management. Other careers include scientific work in government establishments (e.g., QinetiQ or Harwell Laboratories), hospital physics in the NHS, and technical management in broadcasting and the communications sector. Some work in high-tech start-up companies.

The broad-based skills acquired during your degree will give you an excellent grounding for a wide variety of careers, not only those related to Physics but also in wider fields. Examples of roles recent graduates are now working as include:

Academic Researcher
Actuary Astronomer
Chartered and Certified Accountant
Cyber Security Professional
Engineer
Financial Accounts Manager
IT Business Analyst and Systems Architect
Programmer
Software Developer
Teacher.