The course draws on the school’s research strengths in areas such as astrophysics, cosmology, quantum and classical gravity, condensed matter, nanoscience, and quantum technology, with a growing emphasis on AI in scientific discovery. This course provides a good foundation in core physics and the mathematical methods essential for modelling physical systems. In the first two years, you will develop skills in experimental, mathematical, computational, and data analysis techniques, while building your professional and collaborative abilities. \ In year two, you will begin specialising with a theoretical module on analytical methods in classical dynamics and symmetry in physical systems. The final year focuses on advanced theoretical methods, specialist physics options, and research skills. You will carry out an individual project in mathematical or computational physics and complete a group project to apply your skills in a team setting. \ \ Research undertaken within the School of Physics and Astronomy, by Professor Sir Peter Mansfield, was recognised with a 2003 Nobel Prize for the invention of Magnetic Resonance Imaging body scanners. This technology has already helped more than half a billion people worldwide. More recently, our use of quantum technologies to understand how the brain works is changing the way that neurological conditions are detected and treated. Our courses offer a wide range of optional modules. You can study topics as diverse as cosmology, nanoscience, and medical imaging and learn from experts in those fields. There is flexibility to transfer between most physics courses after the first year. Some of our teaching staff share their love of physics worldwide through the popular Sixty Symbols YouTube channel. Our unique, student centred MSci course offers innovative teaching methods, with few to no exams in the final year. We encourage students to share their fascination with physics with the wider community through our outreach programme. This programme can help you further develop skills such as organisation, communication and team working. We also have an active student society, PhysSoc, which organises social events throughout the year. Our mentoring scheme gives new starters the opportunity to connect with more experienced physics students, helping you settle into university life.\ **Additional opportunities** * **Year in industry:** Our Physics with Year in Industry degree courses give you the opportunity to spend a year on placement with an industrial partner. These placements enable you to apply your learning to a practical setting within a physics-related industry. * **Summer research internships:** You may have the opportunity to undertake a paid summer research internships within the School of Physics and Astronomy. **Study abroad:** There is also the opportunity to broaden your experience by undertaking a placement year with an industrial or commercial organisation or studying at an overseas institution between your second and third year. Successful completion of this additional year will lead to the award of either BSc Physics with Theoretical Physics with a Placement Year or BSc Physics with Theoretical Physics with International Study. * 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. * Take advantage of our involvement in the White Rose Industrial Physics Academy to network with potential employers.\ **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 Higher grades AA including 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. https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/cele/presessional/index.aspx 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. 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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