Physics

Develop the skills for a career in physics research, whether you want to help decode the laws of the universe or contribute to new technological advances in industry. You’ll run your own research project and be trained by a member of staff who is an expert in the area you want to explore.

Study the laws that shape the universe, from the structure of galaxies to the resonance of a violin, and develop the skills for a career in physics research.

You’ll work alongside scientists who are leading international experiments to search for dark matter, finding ways to make solar energy systems more effective and studying the quantum nature of light to help build even more powerful computers.

And at Sheffield, you’ll also learn how practical, lab-based learning brings the theories learned in lectures into the real world. Your journey into physics begins with heat, motion, quantum mechanics and the other fundamental theories behind everything.

In year two, you’ll explore essential physics in even more depth, and tailor your degree as you choose from options where you can learn how stars and galaxies are structured, how particles are detected, or the physics of music. Programming classes will teach you skills that are valuable in many graduate careers, from data science to computer game design.

In your third year, you can branch out into multiple areas with modules on topics like particle physics, nuclear physics and semiconductor technologies. And of course you’ll have the chance to complete your own research project or industrial group project, giving you hands-on experience investigating a real-world physics problem.

A variety of optional modules are also available in the fourth year, when you’ll be working on a major research project. You’ll choose a research topic in physics and work closely with a member of academic staff who is an expert in the area you want to explore. The project takes up around half of your final year and can lead to a publication in a scientific journal.

Why study this course?

• No. 1 physics department in the UK - 100% of our research and impact was rated world-leading or internationally excellent by REF 2021.

• More astro content than most degrees - you can study 50% astrophysics content throughout your degree, more than most universities offer.

• The latest equipment - you’ll study in our newly refurbished teaching laboratories, and access loads of specialist technologies – including two telescopes on the roof of our building which you’ll be able to use from your first year.

• Research opportunities - physics students can access incredible research projects, including a summer research placement, work placements and field trips thanks to our links with organisations like CERN and the observatories on La Palma in the Canary Islands.

• Graduate to a career - our graduates solve practical problems at major employers – they include data scientists at Channel 4 and Manchester United FC, researchers at CERN and the European Space Agency, and technology experts at IBM and Nissan.