Course summary

This course is ideal if you want to help answer the biggest questions in the universe as a physics researcher. You'll learn how particles are detected, study key theories such as relativity, and join a research team that works on major projects at CERN and leads searches for dark matter. Join the search for dark matter, learn from scientists who helped detect the Higgs boson and gravitational waves, and examine the laws of our universe as a physics researcher. Particle physics is central to some of the biggest recent discoveries in science. A Physics with Particle Physics MPhys from University of Sheffield is where you first start to make your own contribution. Like every physics student at Sheffield, your journey begins with heat, motion, quantum mechanics and the other fundamental theories behind everything. In year two, you’ll explore essential physics in even more depth, though you’ll also be starting to specialise in particle physics, with modules on the detection of fundamental particles and special relativity. And at Sheffield, you’ll also learn how practical, lab-based learning brings abstract lecture topics into the real world. Year three is where you can branch out into lots of different areas like nuclear physics and cosmology – all while completing your own research or industrial group project in an area which sparks your curiosity. In fact, because of our close connections with CERN, students often work on projects related to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) – the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator. A variety of optional modules are also available in fourth year, when you'll be working on a major research project. You’ll choose a research topic in particle physics and work closely with a member of academic staff who is an expert in the area you want to explore. The project takes up around half of your final year and can lead to a publication in a scientific journal. Why study this course?

• No. 1 physics department in the UK - 100% of our research and impact was rated world-leading or internationally excellent by REF 2021.

• The latest equipment - you’ll study in our newly refurbished teaching laboratories, and access loads of specialist technologies – from the telescopes on our roof to our state-of-the-art Quantum Information Laboratory.

• Research opportunities - physics students can access incredible research projects, including a summer research placement, work placements and field trips thanks to our links with organisations like CERN and the observatories on La Palma in the Canary Islands.

• Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) - our courses meet the educational requirement for you to become a Chartered Physicist.

• Graduate to a career - our graduates solve practical problems at major employers – they include data scientists at Channel 4 and Manchester United FC, researchers at CERN and the European Space Agency, and technology experts at IBM and Nissan.