BSc (Hons) Physics
Southsea, United Kingdom
DURATION
3 up to 4 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Request earliest startdate
TUITION FEES
GBP 9,250 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students/EU residents | £18,300/year: international students
Scholarships
Explore scholarship opportunities to help fund your studies
Introduction
Advances in physics lead to new technologies that change our world and forge a path to a brighter future.
Quantum theory (the study of the subatomic) and the theory of relativity (that space and time are connected) challenge our imaginations. On this physics degree course, you'll uncover an amazing world that lies beyond what we can see. You'll learn to question the impossible and develop the confidence to push against the boundaries of what we think we know.
You'll have the opportunity to study topics including health physics, the fabrication of new bulk and nano-materials, and the application of fundamental quantum effects in the development of quantum information processes. You’ll graduate with strong mathematical, analytical, problem-solving and computational abilities that are in high demand.
Course highlights
- See physics theory in practice through visits to companies such as BAE Systems, Airbus, QinetiQ, Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust and others
- Benefit from our links to industry through the Portsmouth Physics Industry Advisory Board, a collection of professionals in relevant industries who help shape our course content, identify the skills employers want, teach on modules and offer placements
- Have the chance to do an industrial-based research project under the supervision of a leading physicist, such as researching physics for a defence company, working in radar for BAE Systems, or data engineering within the finance sector
- Attend a programme of guest lectures on topics such as material sciences and quantum technology hosted by industry experts, including speakers from the medical physics department at Queen Alexandra Hospital
- Investigate new technologies and theories alongside the University's physics research teams (and contribute to their work in your final project), whose research was ranked 6th in the UK for quality
- Use advanced technical equipment with the help of expert technical staff, including x-ray diffraction, x-ray fluorescence, electron and atomic force microscopes, various types of spectroscopy and the SCIAMA supercomputer
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Institute of Physics.
As a supporter of the Institute of Physics Project Juno, we're committed to addressing the under-representation of women in physics and gender equality in higher education and research.
Gallery
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Curriculum
Modules
Year 1
Core modules
- Electricity and Magnetism – 20 credits
- Introduction to Computational Physics – 20 credits
- Introduction to Laboratory and Field Physics – 20 credits
- Introduction to Mathematical Physics 1 – 20 credits
- Introduction to Mathematical Physics 2 – 20 credits
- Space Science and Applications of Physics - 20 credits
Year 2
Core modules
- Introduction to Modern Physics – 20 credits
- Mathematical Physics – 20 credits
- Practical Laboratory And Field Physics – 20 credits
- Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics - 20 credits
- Waves and Optics - 20 credits
Optional modules
- Computational Physics – 20 credits
- Mechanics and Dynamics – 20 credits
- Universe: Planetary Systems, Stars and Galaxies - 20 credits
- Modern Foreign Language (IWLP) – 20 credits
Year 3
Core modules
- Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Information – 20 credits
- Solid State Physics and Detectors - 20 credits
Optional modules
- Group Project – 20 credits
- Health Physics – 20 credits
- Introduction to General Relativity and Cosmology – 20 credits
- Introduction to Multiferroic Materials and their Applications – 20 credits
- Mathematical Methods for Physics – 20 credits
- Modern Astrophysics – 20 credits
- Nanoscale Surface Physics – 20 credits
- Particle Physics – 20 credits
- Physical Cosmology – 20 credits
- Project – 20 credits
- Statistical Learning - 20 credits
- Undergraduate Ambassador – 20 credits
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry, and some optional modules may not run every year. If a module doesn’t run, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Placement year (optional)
Taking an optional placement year will give you the experience you need to increase your chances of landing your perfect role after graduation.
We'll give you all the support you need to find a placement that prepares you for your career, and we'll continue to mentor you throughout your placement.
Potential roles
Previous students have taken placement roles such as:
- science technician and classroom assistant
- industrial placement estimating
- technical industrial placement
Potential destinations
They've completed placements at organisations including:
- CGI
- Sandhurst School
- BAE Systems
You may be able to do a placement through the South East Physics Network (SEPnet) Bursary Scheme. This 8-week placement includes a £2000 bursary.
Rankings
Physics at the University of Portsmouth is ranked 6th of all UK universities and the top modern university for research quality
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
Career Opportunities
This physics degree will give you strong mathematical, analytical, problem-solving and computational abilities that are in high demand in sectors like financial services, aerospace development and publishing. Physics graduates earn an average of £33,500 5 years after graduation, while the UK government puts your earning potential as high as £50,000.
After the course, you could also continue your studies for a PhD or other postgraduate qualification. Discover our world-leading physics research and Andrew's journey to a PhD in Physics.
Graduate destinations
Our graduates have worked for companies such as:
- Burohappold Engineering
- Tesla Engineering Ltd
- British Telecom
What jobs can you do with a physics degree?
Our graduates now work in roles including:
- data analyst
- software engineer
- project engineer
- health physicist
- physic researcher in defence sector
What areas can you work in with a physics degree?
You could apply your skills and knowledge in areas such as:
- energy
- medical instrumentation
- defence
- IT
- scientific journalism
- finance
- aerospace
- data science
- data engineering
- education
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities and work experience. Towards the end of your degree and after graduation, you'll get 1-to-1 support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to find your perfect role.
Facilities
Student Testimonials
Program Admission Requirements
Show your commitment and readiness for Grad school by taking the GRE - the most broadly accepted exam for graduate programs internationally.