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Physics

Entry Year: 2024

7 study options

Physics BSc (Hons)

Key information

Degree
BSc (Hons)
Duration
3 years
Start
September 2024
UCAS code
F300
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 (including contextual admissions)
Home fees
£9,250
Overseas fees
£28,350
Funding information
Paying your fees

Physics with Foundation BSc (Hons)

Key information

Degree
BSc (Hons)
Duration
4 years
Start
September 2024
UCAS code
FFX0
Institution code
Q50
Home fees
£9,250
Overseas fees
£23,350
Funding information
Paying your fees

Physics with Professional Experience BSc (Hons)

Key information

Degree
BSc (Hons)
Duration
4 years
Start
September 2024
UCAS code
F306
Institution code
Q50
Home fees
£9,250
Overseas fees
£28,350
Funding information
Paying your fees

Physics with Year Abroad BSc (Hons)

Key information

Degree
BSc (Hons)
Duration
4 years
Start
September 2024
UCAS code
F302
Institution code
Q50
Home fees
£9,250
Overseas fees
£28,350
Funding information
Paying your fees

Year abroad cost

Finances for studying abroad on exchange

View details

Physics MSci (Hons)

Key information

Degree
MSci (Hons)
Duration
4 years
Start
September 2024
UCAS code
F303
Institution code
Q50
Home fees
£9,250
Overseas fees
£28,350
Funding information
Paying your fees

Physics with Professional Experience MSci (Hons)

Key information

Degree
MSci (Hons)
Duration
5 years
Start
September 2024
UCAS code
F307
Institution code
Q50
Home fees
£9,250
Overseas fees
£28,350
Funding information
Paying your fees

Physics with Year Abroad MSci (Hons)

Key information

Degree
MSci (Hons)
Duration
5 years
Start
September 2024
UCAS code
F301
Institution code
Q50
Home fees
£9,250
Overseas fees
£28,350
Funding information
Paying your fees

Year abroad cost

Finances for studying abroad on exchange

View details

Overview

Physics is the study of the universe - exploring the basic rules that dictate the behaviour of matter and energy, from subatomic particles to the evolution of galaxies.

Physics will shape many of the radical solutions needed to tackle global issues. Be part of the revolution with our thought-provoking course accredited by the UK Institute of Physics.  

Not many universities can say theyve been teaching physics since 1896. Or that theyre one of the birth places of string theory. Today were a hub for scientific excellence and home to academics leading the way in everything from materials for healthcare to the next generation of radiation detectors.  

Our courses are informed by our cutting-edge research. Not only will you hear about our work, but youll also have the chance to get involved with projects. 

In the first year you’ll build a solid foundation in both theoretical and experimental physics. Over subsequent years you’ll have access to the School’s full range of expertise in physics and astronomy, choosing from specialised modules including quantum mechanics, nuclear physics and astrophysics, spacetime and gravity, and statistical physics. You will develop practical skills in lab work and programming that can be applied in commerce, industry or research.

In your final year, you’ll further develop your own interests through your independent research project, supervised by one of the School’s academic specialists.

Professional recognition

This programme is accredited by the Institute of Physics.

Structure

You can complete your Physics degree in three, four or five years. If you are a BSc student and choose to study abroad, your time abroad will be during Year 3 and Year 3 modules will instead be studied in Year 4. If you are an MSci student and choose to study abroad, this will take place in Year 4 and Year 4 modules will be studied in Year 5.

Year 0

Foundation

Semester 1

Compulsory

  • Communication in Science and Technology 

Semester 2

Compulsory

  • Further Mathematics 

Year-long modules

Compulsory

  • Science and Engineering Success
  • Foundations of Chemical Science
  • Foundations of Physical Science
  • Foundations of Engineering
  • Mathematics B

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Year 1

Compulsory

  • Classical Physics
  • Electric and Magnetic Fields
  • Mathematical Techniques 1
  • Mathematical Techniques 2
  • Modern Physics
  • Professional Skills for Scientists (including introduction to programming)
  • Scientific Measurement

Option

  • Our Universe
  • Introduction to Data Science

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Year 2

Compulsory

  • Condensed Matter A
  • Electromagnetic Waves and Optics
  • Physics Laboratory
  • Quantum Mechanics A
  • Thermodynamics

Choose three from

  • Introduction to Scientific Computing
  • Mathematical Techniques 3
  • Nuclear Physics and Astrophysics
  • Physical Dynamics
  • Planetary Systems
  • Stars
  • Practical Techniques for Data Science

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Year 3

Compulsory

  • Extended Independent Project (BSc)
  • Quantum Mechanics and Symmetry (MSci)
  • Quantum Mechanics B (MSci)
  • Physics review project (MSci)
  • Statistical Physics (BSc & MSci)

Choose five (BSc) or four (MSci) from

  • Elementary Particle Physics 
  • Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence 
  • Mathematical Techniques 4 
  • Physical Cosmology 
  • Professional Skills for Data Science 
  • Quantum Mechanics and Symmetry
  • Quantum Mechanics B 
  • Spacetime and Gravity 
  • Statistical Data Analysis
  • The Physics of Galaxies 

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Year 4

MSci only

Choose from 

  • Physics Investigative Project (30 credit module)

Choose six electives from

  • Advanced Cosmology 
  • Advanced Quantum Field Theory 
  • Astrophysical Plasmas 
  • Differential Geometry in Theoretical Physics 
  • Extrasolar Planets and Astrophysical Disks 
  • Functional Methods in Quantum Field Theory 
  • Introduction to Strings and Branes 
  • Practical Machine Learning 
  • Radiative Transfer and Astrochemistry 
  • Relativistic Waves and Quantum Fields 
  • Relativity and Gravitation 
  • Solar System 
  • Stellar Structure and Evolution 
  • Supersymmetric Methods in Theoretical Physics 
  • The Galaxy 

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 Year 12 or 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 a Physics BSc with Foundation which will offer progression to a range of degrees in the School of Physics and Astronomy including BSc Physics. At the end of the foundation programme, students will be required to meet the progression requirements for admission to BSc Physics.

MSci

Specialise further in the subject by applying for our Physics MSci. You will take advanced optional modules taught by leading experts in their field of research, and undertake a research project.

It is possible to transfer to the four-year MSci programme after starting your BSc degree, if you decide you would like to stay on to gain a Masters degree.

Professional Placement

Students studying BSc or MSci Physics with Professional Experience have the option to include a one-year paid Professional Experience internship within their degree programme.

The Professional Experience degree programmes are identical to the BSc and MSci Physics routes except for the addition of the internship year.

You will complete your paid internship during the third year of your degree programme (or fourth for MSci), returning to Queen Mary for your final year of study.

Year abroad

If you choose to undertake a Year Abroad, this will take place in your third or fourth year of study. You'll then return to Queen Mary for your final year or years of study.

We have partner institutions in Australia, Canada, Malayisa, Singapore, New Zealand, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan and the USA. For more detail on where you can study on your Year Abroad and things to consider before applying, visit our Study Abroad pages.

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Testimonial

The School has a really friendly and supportive atmosphere. We have a student support officer and each student also has an Academic Adviser. There are also lots of opportunities to work together with other students or discuss work informally with lecturers.

Kathryn Coldham, 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 around 40 hours on your studies each week.

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 admissions

Our standard contextual offer: Grades BBC including BB in Maths and Physics at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

Our enhanced contextual offer (for care experienced students, refugee/asylum seekers or students who have completed Realising Opportunities or Access to Queen Mary): Grades BCC including BC in Maths and Physics at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

More information on how this information is used for a contextual offer can be found on our contextualised admissions page.

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.
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.
EPQAlternative offers may be made to applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification. For further information please visit: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry/epq
Contextualised admissionsOur standard contextual offer: Grades BBC including BB in Maths and Physics at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

Our enhanced contextual offer (for care experienced students, refugee/asylum seekers or students who have completed Realising Opportunities or Access to Queen Mary): Grades BCC including BC in Maths and Physics at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

More information on how this information is used for a contextual offer can be found on our contextualised admissions page.
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.
EPQAlternative offers may be made to applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification. For further information please visit: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry/epq
Contextualised admissionsOur standard contextual offer: Grades BBC including BB in Maths and Physics at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

Our enhanced contextual offer (for care experienced students, refugee/asylum seekers or students who have completed Realising Opportunities or Access to Queen Mary): Grades BCC including BC in Maths and Physics at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

More information on how this information is used for a contextual offer can be found on our contextualised admissions page.

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 admissionsOur standard contextual offer: Grades BBB including BB in any order in Maths and Physics at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

Our enhanced contextual offer (for care experienced students, refugee/asylum seekers or students who have completed Realising Opportunities or Access to Queen Mary): Grades BBC including BB in Maths and Physics at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

More information on how this information is used for a contextual offer can be found on our contextualised admissions page.

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 admissionsOur standard contextual offer: Grades BBB including BB in any order in Maths and Physics at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

Our enhanced contextual offer (for care experienced students, refugee/asylum seekers or students who have completed Realising Opportunities or Access to Queen Mary): Grades BBC including BB in Maths and Physics at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

More information on how this information is used for a contextual offer can be found on our contextualised admissions page.

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. Minimum five GCSE passes including English and Maths at grade C or 4. 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 6,5,5 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.
Contextualised admissionsOur standard contextual offer: Grades BBB including BB in any order in Maths and Physics at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

Our enhanced contextual offer (for care experienced students, refugee/asylum seekers or students who have completed Realising Opportunities or Access to Queen Mary): Grades BBC including BB in Maths and Physics at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

More information on how this information is used for a contextual offer can be found on our contextualised admissions page.

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

Many graduates continue their studies with a PhD or MSc, 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.

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.

Recent graduates of the school of Physical and Chemical Sciences 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 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 - BSc (Hons)

Physics with Foundation - BSc (Hons)

Physics with Professional Experience - BSc (Hons)

Physics with Year Abroad - BSc (Hons)

Physics - MSci (Hons)

Physics with Professional Experience - MSci (Hons)

Physics with Year Abroad - 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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