15Jun
UndergraduateUniversity of Southampton has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework.These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Open days
Course summary
The four-year MPhys Physics degree is the ideal choice for students who want to become professional physicists. From quantum mechanics to the evolution of the universe, you’ll explore the topics that interest you most at a profound level, learning from experts who share your passion. It's our most flexible degree and you'll be able to choose modules in all four years. All MPhys programmes build on the BSc Physics, allowing for extra specialisation and depth of study. This degree is also the pathway to three flagship programmes, which our top students can transfer to in their second year. On the MPhys Particle Physics with a Research Year Abroad flagship degree, students have a unique opportunity to relocate to CERN in Switzerland. The MPhys Physics with a Year of Experimental Research flagship degree enables students to spend their final year immersed in our world-class laboratories. And the MPhys Physics with Industrial Placement flagship degree gives students the opportunity to spend six months working on an original research project in an industrial laboratory. You’ll have access to exceptional research-grade facilities, including a rooftop observatory and specialist photonics labs. Your degree will open the door to a wide range of careers, with recent graduates employed in roles ranging from physicists and engineers, to actuaries and statisticians, scientific journalists and medical researchers. This course is accredited by the Institute of Physics.
Modules
Students undertake four years of study. Core modules include the study of classical mechanics, electromagnetism, special relativity, quantum physics, wave physics and atomic physics. Around a quarter of your study will involve modules chosen from a range of options, enabling you to tailor the degree to your interests and career aspirations. You'll have module choice in every year of study. The MPhys Physics degree gives you the most flexibility out of all our physics and astronomy degrees. Learn more about the optional modules available: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/physics-degree-mphys#modules Throughout your degree, you’ll also develop key transferable skills such as problem solving, data analysis and computing, which are sought after by a range employers. During year two, you’ll also have access to a programme of physics-focused career sessions, timetabled to fit in with your studies, which include application and interview workshops as well as talks from visiting professionals. Throughout your degree, you’ll also develop key transferable skills such as problem solving, data analysis and computing, which are sought after by a range employers. During year two, you’ll also have access to a programme of physics-focused career sessions, timetabled to fit in with your studies, which include application and interview workshops as well as talks from visiting professionals.
Assessment method
For MPhys programmes, assessment in the first and second year is a mixture of unseen written examinations, marked problem-based coursework and laboratory work. In the third year assessment is mainly by examination, although laboratory-based, computer-based and dissertation modules will use different assessment methods, as appropriate. In the fourth year of the MPhys programmes, laboratory work is replaced by a project which involves continuous assessment, written reports and an oral examination.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Physics, Institute of
How to apply
31Jan
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
- Course code:
- F303
- Institution code:
- S27
- Campus name:
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
Find out about equivalent entry requirements and qualifications for your country: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/international/your-country.page
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - A*AA - AAA
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - Not accepted
Access to HE Diploma - Not accepted
Scottish Higher
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D* - D
Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) - D
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 36 - 38 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) - A - B
Extended Project - A
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H1, H1, H1, H2, H2, H2 - H1, H1, H2, H2, H2, H2
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D2, D3, D3 - D3, D3, D3
GCSE/National 4/National 5
If you are not sure that your qualifications meet the requirements of this course please contact our Admissions Teams.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/study/subjects/physics-astronomy
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | with no component below 6.0 |
All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.
Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| EU | £27400 | Year 1 |
| International | £27400 | Year 1 |
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Please see our website for further details and updates : www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/fees-funding.page.
Provider information
University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ