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Physics with Data Science

Entry Year: 2023

3 study options

Physics with Data Science BSc (Hons)

Key information

Degree
BSc (Hons)
Duration
3 years
Start
September 2023
UCAS code
F30S
Institution code
Q50
Typical A-Level offer
Grades ABB at A-Level. This must include grade A or above in at least one of Mathematics and Physics. Both subjects are required. Excludes General Studies.
Full entry requirements
Home fees
£9,250
Overseas fees
£26,250
Funding information
Paying your fees

Physics with Foundation BSc (Hons)

Key information

Degree
BSc (Hons)
Duration
4 years
Start
September 2023
UCAS code
FFX0
Institution code
Q50
Typical A-Level offer
Grades CCC at A-Level.
Full entry requirements
Home fees
£9,250
Overseas fees
£21,200
Funding information
Paying your fees

Physics with Data Science MSci (Hons)

Key information

Degree
MSci (Hons)
Duration
4 years
Start
September 2023
UCAS code
F30T
Institution code
Q50
Typical A-Level offer
Grades AAB at A-Level. This must include grade A or above in both A-Level Mathematics and Physics. Excludes General Studies.
Full entry requirements
Home fees
£9,250
Overseas fees
£26,250
Funding information
Paying your fees

Overview

Combine the skills and knowledge of a Physics degree with the tools you need to solve real-world problems with data science techniques.

Physicists study the fundamental forces of nature and how materials behave and are much sought-after for their range of mathematical, analytical, and computer programming skills. As companies, governments, non-profits, and research organisations are starting to adjust to the massive amounts of data that are becoming available with the advent of new technologies, data science skills are increasingly in demand.

This programme covers all of the core topics of the BSc/MSci Physics degree, including quantum mechanics, gravitation, condensed matter physics, astronomy, and laboratory experiments.

You will have the opportunity to develop your Python programming skills, learn how to apply advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques, and gain insight from any kind of data using a toolkit of practical data analysis methods.

Professional recognition

This programme is accredited by the Institute of Physics.Institute of Physics Logo

Structure

You can complete your Physics with Data Science degree in three or four years.

Year 0

Foundation

One Year-long double module allocated based on previous maths qualifications:

  • Mathematics A  or
  • Mathematics B

Semester 1

Compulsory

  • Physics - Mechanics and Materials
  • Essential Foundation Mathematics
  • Communication in Science and Technology

Semester 2

Compulsory

  • Physics - Fields and Waves
  • Physics - Electricity and Atomic Physics
  • Discrete Mathematics

 

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Year 1

Compulsory

  • Introduction to Data Science
  • Professional Skills for Scientists
  • Mathematical Techniques 1
  • Classical Physics
  • Scientific Measurement
  • Modern Physics
  • Electric and Magnetic Fields
  • Mathematical Techniques 2

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Year 2

Compulsory

  • Thermodynamics
  • Quantum Mechanics A
  • Introduction to Scientific Computing
  • Physics Laboratory
  • Condensed Matter A
  • Electromagnetic Waves and Optics
  • Practical Techniques for Data Science

Choose one from

  • Stars
  • Nuclear Physics and Astrophysics
  • Mathematical Techniques 3

 

 

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Year 3

Compulsory

  • Data Science Project Portfolio
  • Statistical Data Analysis
  • Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence

Choose five from

  • Spacetime and Gravity
  • Fluid Dynamics
  • Mathematical Techniques 4
  • Quantum Mechanics B
  • Elementary Particle Physics
  • Physical Cosmology
  • Professional Skills for Data Science
  • The Physics of Galaxies
  • Radiation Sensors
  • Quantum Mechanics and Symmetry
  • Statistical Physics
  • Group Project for Physicists

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Year 4

MSci only

Compulsory

  • Physics Research Project (30 credits)
  • Practical Machine Learning

Choose six from

  • Introduction to Computer Vision
  • Computer Graphics
  • Astrophysical Computing
  • Relativistic Waves & Quantum Fields
  • Relativity and Gravitation
  • Stellar Structure and Evolution
  • Solar System
  • Functional Methods in Quantum Field Theory
  • Differential Geometry in Theoretical Physics
  • Risk and Decision-Making for Data Science and AI
  • Machine Learning for Visual Data Analysis
  • Time Series
  • Applied Statistics
  • Astrophysical Computing
  • Extrasolar Planets and Astrophysical Discs
  • The Galaxy
  • Astrophysical Plasmas
  • Electromagnetic Radiation in Astrophysics
  • Advanced Quantum Field Theory
  • Electronic Structure Methods
  • Advanced Cosmology
  • Supersymmetric Methods in Theoretical Physics
  • An Introduction to Strings and Branes

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Study options

Apply for this degree with any of the following options. Take care to use the correct UCAS code - it may not be possible to change your selection later.

Integrated foundation year

Students who do not have the required high school qualifications for admission to this degree, and students who do not meet their UCAS Conditional offer may be considered for the 4 year degree (foundation year plus the 3 year degree). 

International students with a completed international high school certificate qualify for the one year foundation programme commonly known as the ISEFP.

The foundation programme offers a range of transferable skills and an opportunity to improve on your knowledge content in relevant Maths and Science subjects.

You will enrol on the BSc Physics with Foundation programme which will offer progression to a range of degrees in the School of Physics and Astronomy including BSc Physics with Data Science.   At the end of the foundation programme, students will be required to meet the progression requirements for admission to BSc Physics with Data Science.

MSci

Specialise further by applying for our intercollegiate MSci Physics with Data Science, which shares fourth-year modules with other Schools within Queen Mary University of London such as the School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science and the School of Mathematical Sciences.

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Testimonial

Studying physics gives you so many valuable skills. I recently got on to one of the placements organised by the School and my analysis and problem-solving skills came in really useful. I was working in a data science company, which was really interesting. The placement went so well I even got offered a job for when I graduate!

Sabrina Alam, BSc Theoretical Physics (2017)

Teaching

Teaching and learning

You’ll learn through a combination of lectures, laboratory sessions and tutorial classes. Your total teaching time will be around 20 hours per week, but you are expected to spend time on independent study and coursework or lab reports. Overall, you should be spending 30-40 hours on your studies each week.

The course is taught by leading researchers, who are involved in a range of "big data" projects and experiments such as the Large Hadron Collider, as well as working with commercial partners like IBM and the UK Atomic Energy Agency.

Assessment

You will be assessed by various methods depending on the nature of the work being carried out. For example, if the module involves practical work only, the assessment will be based on laboratory reports. For non-practical modules you will be assessed by weekly coursework, termly assignments and an end-of-year examination.

Resources and facilities

The School offers excellent on-campus resources to aid your studies, including:

  • teaching laboratories
  • a rooftop observatory
  • a dedicated study space for physics students
  • professional research facilities for use in final-year projects.

Entry requirements

A-LevelGrades ABB at A-Level. This must include grade A or above in at least one of Mathematics and Physics. Both subjects are required. Excludes General Studies.
IBInternational Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 32 points overall, including 6,5,5 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include 6 in Higher Level Mathematics or Physics, with both subjects being taken at Higher Level.
BTECSee our detailed subject and grade requirements
Access HEAccess qualifications are not considered for entry to this programme.
GCSEMinimum five GCSE passes including English and Maths at grade C or 4.
EPQ

Alternative offers may be made to applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification.

For further information please visit: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry/epq

Contextualised admissionsWe consider every application on its individual merits and will take into consideration your individual educational experiences and context. More information on how academic schools and programmes use this information as part of the admissions process, can be found on our designated webpages.
A-LevelGrades CCC at A-Level.
IBInternational Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 26 points overall, including 4,4,4 from three Higher Level subjects. Higher Level Mathematics or Physics is preferred.
BTECSee our detailed subject and grade requirements
Access HEWe consider applications from students with the Access to Higher Education Diploma in a science discipline e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. The minimum academic requirement is to achieve 60 credits overall, with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 15 credits must be at Distinction, 15 credits at Merit and 15 credits at Pass or higher. Applications are considered on a case by case basis.
GCSEMinimum five GCSE passes including English and Maths at grade C or 4.
Contextualised admissionsWe consider every application on its individual merits and will take into consideration your individual educational experiences and context. More information on how academic schools and programmes use this information as part of the admissions process, can be found on our contextualised admissions pages.

This programme requires ATAS clearance. Students who are not EEA or Swiss nationals may require ATAS clearance to undertake this course. The CAH3 code for this course is CAH07-01-01. Further information on ATAS can be found on our Advice and Counselling webpages.

A-LevelGrades AAB at A-Level. This must include grade A or above in both A-Level Mathematics and Physics. Excludes General Studies.
IBInternational Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 34 points overall, including 6,6,5 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include a minimum of 6 in both Higher Level Mathematics, and Higher Level Physics.
BTECBTEC qualifications are not considered for entry to this programme.
Access HEAccess qualifications are not considered for entry to this programme.
GCSEMinimum five GCSE passes including English and Maths at grade C or 4.
EPQAlternative offers may be made to applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification. For further information please visit: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry/epq
Contextualised admissionsWe consider every application on its individual merits and will take into consideration your individual educational experiences and context. More information on how academic schools and programmes use this information as part of the admissions process, can be found on our designated webpages.

Non-UK students

We accept a wide range of European and international qualifications in addition to A-levels, the International Baccalaureate and BTEC qualifications. Please visit International Admissions for full details.

English language

Find out more about our English language entry requirements, including the types of test we accept and the scores needed for entry to the programme.

You may also be able to meet the English language requirement for your programme by joining a summer pre-sessional programme before starting your degree.

Further information

See our general undergraduate entry requirements.

Funding

Loans and grants

UK students accepted onto this course are eligible to apply for tuition fee and maintenance loans from Student Finance England or other government bodies.

Scholarships and bursaries

Queen Mary offers a generous package of scholarships and bursaries, which currently benefits around 50 per cent of our undergraduates.

Scholarships are available for home, EU and international students. Specific funding is also available for students from the local area. International students may be eligible for a fee reduction. We offer means-tested funding, as well as subject-specific funding for many degrees.

Find out what scholarships and bursaries are available to you.

Support from Queen Mary

We offer specialist support on all financial and welfare issues through our Advice and Counselling Service, which you can access as soon as you have applied for a place at Queen Mary.

Take a look at our Student Advice Guides which cover ways to finance your degree, including:

  • additional sources of funding
  • planning your budget and cutting costs
  • part-time and vacation work
  • money for lone parents.

Careers

Whether you plan to become a research physicist, master financial data, or apply your skills to big problems at NGOs or in industry, Physics with Data Science will equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to succeed.

Skills developed through studying physics – such as numeracy, data analysis, coding and problem solving – are also highly transferable into other sectors, including energy, business, marketing, engineering, technology, IT and finance.

Many graduates continue their studies with a MSc or PhD, often as a precursor to a career in research. The flexibility of the programme can prepare you for careers in specialist areas of physics and science more widely, if you have a particular area of interest.

Recent graduates of the school of Physics and Astronomy have been hired by:

  • UK Space Agency
  • JP Morgan Chase & Co. (financial services)
  • European Astronaut Centre
  • Airbus (aeronautical)
  • KPMG (financial services)
  • CGI (IT consultancy)
  • Toad A.I.
  • Goldman Sachs (investment banking)
  • IBM (technology)
  • Bank of England (banking)
  • Baclays Corporate (banking)
  • UK Government Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy
  • Tata Consultancy Services
  • Fidessa (financial services)
  • Jacobs (engineering and construction)
  • Kubick (data consultancy)
  • MediaCom (marketing)
  • Yobota (banking software)

Career support

The School organises specialist industrial placements for physics and astronomy students. Typically around 20 School of Physics and Astronomy students take advantage of the exclusive work placements. These placements are coordinated by a placement coordinator, who also provides support to students in applying.

Participating companies include small-medium enterprises operating in industries such as technology, energy and defence. Larger companies operating in industries such as aerospace, engineering and research also offer internships as part of the scheme.

We run dedicated weekly advice sessions and events such as software bootcamps and careers focus sessions.

The Queen Mary careers team can also offer:

  • specialist advice on choosing a career path
  • support with finding work experience, internships and graduate jobs
  • feedback on CVs, cover letters and application forms
  • interview coaching.

 

Data for these courses

Physics with Data Science - BSc (Hons)

Physics with Foundation - BSc (Hons)

Physics with Data Science - MSci (Hons)

The Discover Uni dataset (formerly Unistats)

About the School

The School of Physical and Chemical Sciences (SPCS) at Queen Mary combines the academic rigour of a Russell Group institution with a friendly and supportive atmosphere.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy’s teaching academics work on high-profile international collaborations, including experiments at CERN. Our researchers are searching for new planets around distant stars, developing and applying quantum technologies and theoretical concepts. Our PsiStar Physics and Astronomy Society is extremely active with around 200 members. Our academics use cutting edge experimental and theoretical techniques, alongside modern data science, to push the boundaries of their research areas.

The Department is proud to have played a role in some of the most exciting discoveries of the past 100 years, including the discovery of the W, Z, and Higgs bosons, the discovery of the closest Earth-like exoplanet to us, Proxima B, and the first ‘superstring revolution’.

We have recently recruited new staff in key areas such as particle physics, quantum technology, and space weather. We have state of the art laboratories, computing facilities, and a rooftop observatory, offering high-quality support for Physics and Astronomy teaching and research.

The Department of Chemistry enjoys an outstanding research and teaching quality reputation. We are a vibrant department, carrying out internationally leading research in fields such as Functional Materials and Nano Science, Synthesis, Catalysis, and Physical and Computational Chemistry. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, Chemistry ranked 8th in the United Kingdom for Research Impact and 9th in the UK for Research Output.

We have recently recruited new staff in key areas such as Carbon Nanotechnology, Organic Electronics, and Catalysis. The £5.2m refurbishment and modernisation of our Chemistry Lab facilities have secured the highest quality standard for Chemistry teaching and research.

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