This joint degree programme introduces fundamental and applied physics while developing a philosophical understanding of the world we live in and the place we occupy within it.
Combining physics with philosophy offers students the chance to study, reflect on, and understand scientific material. Students can apply philosophical theory and ask the fundamental questions designed to investigate, enhance, and expand knowledge.
Students have the opportunity to learn from and work alongside, our team of academics who can support and encourage them to apply imagination, creativity, and rigour to the solution of real-world problems. Individual and group projects during the course are designed to develop transferable skills.
How You Study
The course is designed to provide a thorough grounding in experimental and theoretical physics, alongside the study of philosophy. It is structured to enable students to engage with the core physics curriculum and to examine it from different perspectives more deeply.
Students can develop critical thinking and reflective skills alongside numerical and analytical methods of physics and mathematics, and practical scientific and research techniques. The course also aims to develop a wide range of transferable skills, including logical reasoning, critical analysis, communication, and teamwork.
In the first year, modules include Geometrical Optics, Waves and Mechanics; Calculus; and Introduction to Philosophical Logic. Progressing into the second year students can study modules including Differential Equations, Condensed Matter Physics, and Philosophy of Science. The third year offers modules such as Physics of the Universe, Quantum Mechanics, and Contemporary Problems in Philosophy, in addition to a range of optional modules including Methods of Mathematical Physics, Newton's Revolution, and Fluid Dynamics.
The course is taught via lectures, problem-solving classes, computer-based classes and seminars.
Modules
First Year
Calculus (Core)
Computer Algebra and Technical Computing (Core)
Electricity, Magnetism, Thermal and Quantum Physics (Core)
Geometrical Optics, Waves and Mechanics (Core)
Introduction to Moral Philosophy (Core)
Introduction to Philosophical Logic (Core)
Laboratory 1 (Core)
Linear Algebra (Core)
Second Year
Condensed Matter Physics (Core)
Differential Equations (Core)
Electrodynamics (Core)
Existentialism and Phenomenology (Core)
Group Project (Core)
Industrial and Econo-Physics (Core)
Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics (Core)
Philosophy of Science (Core)
Third Year
Contemporary Problems in Philosophy (Core)
Physics of the Universe (Core)
Physics Project (Core)
Quantum Mechanics (Core)
Statistical Mechanics (Core)
Fluid Dynamics (Option)†
Methods of Mathematical Physics (Option)†
Newton's Revolution (Option)†
Physics Pedagogy (Option)†
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
"The course complements the key aspects of each subject, providing the ideal balance between Physics and Philosophy. The support of the lecturers is unrivalled, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere from both subjects’ respective schools."
Jodie Renaud, third year BSc (Hons) Physics with Philosophy student
Features
Research Informed
Teaching on this course is conducted by academic members of staff who are active researchers in their fields. This research informs teaching at all levels of the programme. Staff conduct cutting-edge research in fundamental and applied mathematics and physics, ranging from pure mathematics to applied nano-science at the interface between biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. The School collaborates with top research institutions in Germany, Japan, Norway, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, and the USA.
Visiting Speakers
The School of Mathematics and Physics regularly welcomes guest speakers from around the world. Recent visitors to the University of Lincoln have included former vice president of the Royal Astronomical Society Professor Don Kurtz, mathematician and author Professor Marcus du Sautoy OBE, and operations research specialist Ruth Kaufman OBE.
Placements
Students in this course are encouraged to obtain and undertake work placements independently in the UK or overseas during their studies, providing hands-on experience in the industry. These can range from a few weeks to a full year if students choose the sandwich year option. Placements may be conducted with external research institutions (which can be overseas). The option is subject to availability and selection criteria set by the industry or external institution. When undertaking optional placements, students will be required to cover their transport, accommodation, and general living costs.
How You Are Assessed
The course is assessed through a variety of methods including coursework, examinations, written reports, and oral presentations.
Scholarships
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships.
Entry Requirements 2023-24
United Kingdom
A Level: BBC, to include a grade B from both A Level Maths and Physics (112 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 3 A Levels or equivalent qualifications).
International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall, with Higher Level Grade 5 in Maths and Physics.
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points, including 40 points from 15 credits in Maths and 15 credits in Physics.
BTEC qualifications may be considered with a grade B in A Level Maths and Physics. Please contact our Admissions team for further information (admissions@lincoln.ac.uk).
A combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTEC, EPQ, etc.
Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, which must include English Maths and Science. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry. We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
International
Non-UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
Career Opportunities
Graduates may pursue careers in the fields of science, education, finance, business, consultancy, and research and development. This degree promotes skills in creative, critical, and independent thinking. It may prove beneficial in careers requiring flexibility and the ability to formulate a persuasive case. This could include careers in politics and the media, as well as the civil service, among other areas. Some graduates may choose to continue their studies at the postgraduate level.
