Course summary

Study the laws that shape the universe with our accredited MPhys Physics course. Gain the fundamental knowledge and skills that every physicist needs for a successful career and spend most of your final year working on your own research project. This four-year accredited MPhys Physics course will give you the skills, knowledge and research experience you’ll need for a successful career. Have the freedom to explore the extraordinary scale of the field of physics and work on a major research project 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. In your third year, you’ll have the opportunity to branch out into a variety of areas with 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. In your fourth year, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your research skills through advanced study and a year-long research project. You’ll work with academic researchers who are experts in their field to investigate a real scientific question. Alongside research experience, you’ll also gain time management, project planning and analysis skills, which are valuable for careers in research or industry. 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: Opt to spend a full year on a work placement. 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.