Studying physics at Nottingham means diving into the excitement of learning about the way the physical universe works; from the smallest scales of elementary particles and quantum gravity to dark energy and the large-scale structure of the universe itself with all that lies in between. You’ll learn from award-winning academics who are recognised by the Institute of Physics. Many of our academics also feature on the Sixty Symbols YouTube channel. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and skills to innovate and lead in various fields, including AI and quantum technologies. We’ve consulted with employers and recruiters to design programmes fit for the future. You'll learn to apply fundamental laws to a broad range of situations, making you highly sought after by employers. Over the course of the degree, you’ll build skills like resilience and the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing job market alongside core physics skills. Hear from our previous students: Life after graduation: shaping a successful physics career. We are one of the largest physics departments in the UK and offer a wide range of modules. Learn new areas of physics and specialise in ones that interest you most. Physics is built on a core set of fundamental ideas that all physicists need to understand. You'll take core modules that cover: * classical mechanics and special relativity * thermal physics and statistical mechanics * quantum mechanics * vibrations and waves * electromagnetism and optics * the properties of matter You'll also study mathematical methods to describe physical systems and predict their behaviour. These foundational blocks are established early in the degree, allowing you to build on them in specialised areas and develop professional skills.\ \ **Why choose this course?**\ \ **Course highlights** * You could work with our award-winning academics on your research project . * Learn from award-winning academics who are recognised by the Institute of Physics. You could work with them on your research project. * Benefit from our cutting-edge research activities that inform your learning. Experts in dark energy, medical imaging and quantum sensing teach on modules.\ \ **Proven results** * We’re ranked top 20 for physics and astronomy in the Complete University Guide and The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026. * 90.6% of physics and astronomy graduates were in sustained employment, further study or both three years after graduation (LEO data from 2022/23 tax year, published in 2025).
A Level: AAA | Including Mathematics and Physics, plus one other academic subject at A level, or equivalent, excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking and Citizenship Studies. A pass in the practical element is required for this qualification if assessed separately. | Scottish Higher: AAABB | This qualification is only acceptable when combined with Advanced Highers of AA in Maths and Physics. | Access to HE Diploma | Access to HE Diploma | Access to HE Diploma | Contact the school directly – considered on an individual basis, when combined with A Level Mathematics | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016): DD | This qualification is only acceptable when combined with A level grades AA including Maths and Physics. A pass in the practical element is required for this qualification if assessed separately. | International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme: 34 UCAS points | including Higher Level 6 in Physics and Higher Level 6 in Mathematics Analysis and Approaches. Alternatively, 6,6,6 from 3 Higher Level certificates including Higher Level Physics and Mathematics Analysis and Approaches. | WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales: A | This qualification is only acceptable when combined with A level grades AA including Maths and Physics. A pass in the practical element is required for this qualification if assessed separately. | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) | Contact the school directly – considered on an individual basis. | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016): D | This qualification is only acceptable when combined with A level grades AA in Maths and Physics in any order. A pass in the practical element is required for this qualification if assessed separately.
6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element) English language requirements As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details. https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/international-applicants/english-language.aspx For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK. https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/cele/presessional/index.aspx If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.
For detailed information about the modules you will study, please visit the course page
View undergraduate tuition fees for UK and international students: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/fees/tuitionfees/202627/index.aspx — Faculty of Science (excluding Mathematical Sciences)
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