Course summary

Study the laws that shape the universe and apply your knowledge with our accredited course. Gain the fundamental knowledge that every physicist needs for a successful career and put your skills into practice through a work placement. This four-year accredited BSc Physics with an Industrial Placement Year course will give you the skills, knowledge and industry-level experience you’ll need for a successful career. Have the freedom to explore the extraordinary scale of the field of physics and apply your knowledge in industry with our Institute of Physics accredited course. In your first year, you’ll focus on fundamental theories, exploring topics such as heat, motion and quantum mechanics. From the start of your degree you’ll gain hands-on experience in our specialist teaching lab, developing lab skills and learning how theories can be applied in the real world. You’ll also take part in programming classes, which will teach you skills that are valuable in a variety of graduate careers ranging from data science to computer game design. In your second year, you’ll explore essential physics concepts in even more detail. You’ll also have the flexibility to tailor your degree to your interests and career goals through a range of optional modules across areas such as particle physics, advanced programming and astrophysics. The whole of your third year is spent working at a leading organisation in the science industry on a placement. Our students have secured placements in roles working on particle accelerators, to nuclear waste management, with organisations including CERN, Jaguar Land Rover, Sellafield, EDF Energy and the Civil Service. You’ll gain experience of applying your knowledge of physics in the real world, and have the opportunity to develop new skills and build up your CV. Some students even come back with the offer of a job when they graduate. When you return to Sheffield in your fourth year, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from a variety of more in-depth optional modules on topics like dark matter, nuclear physics and semiconductor technologies. You’ll also get the chance to complete a research project, a Quantum Information Laboratory project, a physics education and outreach project, or work with an external partner on an industrial group project. Through your project, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience in an area of your choosing, with the opportunity to investigate a real-world problem. Your final year is the perfect time to build on your placement experience to tailor your degree to your interests and career goals, equipping yourself with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed. Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist. Why study this course?

• 1st in the UK for the quality of physics research: Research Excellence Framework 2021

• Top 20 in the UK for physics and astronomy: Complete University Guide 2025

• Institute of Physics (IOP) accredited course: This course is accredited by the IOP for fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.

• Build connections and a career: Our students have secured placements with a range of organisations, including CERN, Jaguar Land Rover, Sellafield, EDF Energy and the Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes.