Physics

This is a Connected Degree
Portsmouth is the only University in the UK with the flexibility to choose when to do an optional paid placement or self-employed year. Either take a placement in your third year, or finish your studies first and complete a placement in your fourth year. You can decide if and when to take a placement after you've started your course.

Overview
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 graduate with strong mathematical, analytical, problem-solving and computational abilities that are in high demand.

BSc or MPhys?
You can study this course as a 3-year Bachelor's degree (BSc) or a 4-year integrated Master's degree (MPhys).

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 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 in the top 10 nationally for quality of research outputs

• 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.

Careers and 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.

After the course you could also continue your studies to a PhD or other postgraduate qualification.

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

• physics researcher in defense sector

Whatever your career choice, our Careers and Employability service will help you to get where you want to be in your desired career. You'll get advice and support for up to 5 years after you leave the University, to ensure you get the most out of your burgeoning post-academic career.

This course has a subject classification which requires students whose nationality is outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland to have an ATAS certificate, irrespective of country of residence at the point of application.

Year 1

Core modules include:

• Classical Physics 1 (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 include:

• 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 include:

• Computational Physics (20 credits)
• Mechanics and Dynamics (20 credits)
• Universe: Planetary Systems, Stars and Galaxies (20 credits)

Year 3

Core modules include:

• Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Information (20 credits)
• Solid State Physics and Detectors (20 credits)

Optional modules include:

• 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 1 (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)

Year 4

Core modules in this year include:

• Advanced Physics Research Project (60 credits)

Optional modules in this year currently include:

• Advanced Computational Techniques (20 credits)
• Advanced Instrumentation (20 credits)
• Contemporary Theoretical Physics (20 credits)
• Modern Astrophysics 2 (20 credits)
• Observational Astronomy & Cosmology (20 credits)

Placement year

After your second or third year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry. Previous students have completed placements in well-known organisations such as BAE Systems, Airbus and QinetiQ. We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your aspirations. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.

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.

There is a variety ways in which you are assessed including coursework, practical work (both laboratory and field based), presentations, production of posters and portfolios and a research based final-year project.

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

• Physics, Institute of