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Physics with Foundation Year at Sheffield Hallam University - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Sheffield Hallam University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Open days

4Dec
Sheffield Hallam University - undergraduate and degree apprenticeship open evening
Undergraduate
15Feb
Sheffield Hallam University - undergraduate applicant open day
Undergraduate
22Mar
Sheffield Hallam University - undergraduate applicant open day
Undergraduate

Course summary

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information. Course summary

  • Be a physicist from day one, using key principles to solve real-world problems.
  • Explore the universe, from black holes to the Higgs Boson.
  • Specialise in anything from astro to particle physics.
  • Use physics creatively to discover new things.
  • Apply theory to hands-on experiments, placements, projects and modelling.
Learning in small, close-knit and supportive groups, you’ll study a range of classical and modern physics, using mathematical and analytical tools to solve the problems you encounter. The skills you’ll develop are some of the most versatile of any subject, preparing you to excel in the world of physics and beyond. This foundation year course is for those who don't meet the entry requirements for our BSc Hon Physics, or would like extra preparation before starting degree-level study. How you learn Our dedicated teaching team has extensive knowledge and expertise in their respective fields, providing exceptional support and guidance throughout your academic journey. We offer student-centred and experiential learning – from active, creative engagement with physics to critical thinking and practical application of knowledge. We also connect teaching to ongoing research and industry practices, making sure you’re well prepared for physics-related careers. You learn through:
  • Diverse lectures emphasising peer collaboration.
  • Tutorials to practise and apply your knowledge ahead of assessments.
  • Hands-on lab experience in computational modelling and simulation.
  • Q&A and discussions for self-assessment and understanding.
  • Support sessions for receiving feedback and preparing for assessments.
  • Teamwork activities for collaboration in an innovative environment.
  • Project-based learning to apply knowledge, creativity, design, critical analysis and professional skills to real-world projects.
Key Topics During the course, you’ll jump into atomic, nuclear and particle physics – exploring the universe through astrophysics, the infinitesimal, quantum physics and the structure of matter. You’ll also hone your skills in python programming and research, collaborating with second and final-year students on a project from our research institute. We’ll then explore quantum tunnelling, dark matter and how to apply electromagnetism, special relativity and thermodynamics to real-world problems. You’ll work on a large project based in our research institute, taking a greater responsibility for driving the research. You’ll also be supported to find a paid industrial work placement in an area of your choosing, as well as an optional work placement year – both helping you to get a real sense of how your physics skills support you in work. In your final year you’ll complete a year-long research project, specialising in an area of physics you’re interested in. For example, you could examine the topology of black holes, explore how superfast magnetic switching materials can treat cancer, or gather data on nuclear transitions at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). Or even use material research techniques to find fraudulent artefacts in museum collections. You’ll also be able to choose from a selection of taught subjects – from the history of physics to learning how to use Scanning Electron Microscopes. Applied learning Work Placements You’ll have the opportunity to arrange a year-long work placement in between your second and third years. This allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV. Previous students have secured placements at businesses such as Rutherford Appleton laboratories, HSBC, Covance, the RAF and Babcock International.

Modules

Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page. You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information. Year 1 Compulsory modules Engineering And Mathematics In Practice Foundation Mathematics, Mechanics And Electronics 1 Foundation Mathematics, Mechanics And Electronics 2 Fundamentals Of Materials And Manufacturing Year 2 Compulsory modules Bridging The Gap From Classical To Quantum Physics Exploring The Building Blocks Of Matter - Particle, Nuclear, And Atomic Physics Physics In Practice - Skills For Real-World Applications The Physics Of Stars And Beyond - Exploring The Universe Year 3 Compulsory modules Exploring The Cosmos Through Mechanics, Relativity, And Astrophysics Harnessing Quantum And Computational Physics For Discovery How To Predict The Future - Thermodynamics And Statistical Physics Physics Unleashed - Mastering Real-World Applications Year 4 Optional modules Placement Year Final year Compulsory modules Developing Further Advanced Topics In Physics And Its Applications Discovering Advanced Topics In Physics And Its Applications Project: Implementation Project: Management And Scoping

Assessment method

Coursework | Practical | Exam

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Physics, Institute of

How to apply

29Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

We may also accept you, if you have no formal qualifications but can show evidence of ability and a genuine commitment to studying the subject.

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://www.shu.ac.uk/Courses/Physics/BSc-Honours-Physics-with-Foundation-Year/Full-time/

Additional entry requirements

Interview

Some applicants may be invited to attend an informal interview with the course leader to ensure that the programme is suitable for themselves and their aspirations.

Other

Please note that this information is subject to change without notice by Sheffield Hallam University.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent.

If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.

Please click the following link to find out more about English language requirements for this course

https://www.shu.ac.uk/Courses/Physics/BSc-Honours-Physics-with-Foundation-Year/Full-time/

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Channel Islands £9535 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9535 Year 1
England £9535 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9535 Year 1
Scotland £9535 Year 1
Wales £9535 Year 1
EU £17155 Year 1
International £17155 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Our tuition fee for UK students on full-time undergraduate degree courses in 2025/26 is £9,535 per year. These fees are regulated by the UK government and therefore subject to change in future years. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200. We are currently reviewing our tuition fees for the foundation year stage of this course following the Government announcement of fee changes for some foundation year courses and will confirm fees as soon as possible. If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found at https://www.shu.ac.uk/study-here/terms-and-conditions-and-student-regulations under student fees regulations. Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £17,155 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200. Please refer to our website for up-to-date information on costs and fees: https://www.shu.ac.uk/study-here/undergraduate/fees

Sponsorship information

Scholarships, discounts and bursaries may be available to students who study this course.

Physics with Foundation Year at Sheffield Hallam University - UCAS