Physics with Particle Physics & Cosmology

High energy particle physics and cosmology grapple with the most fundamental of physical questions about the building blocks of matter and the origin of the cosmos.

Over the course of our three-year BSc Physics with Particle Physics and Cosmology degree, you will delve into fundamental physical concepts and mathematical techniques to learn about the quantum world and its relation to the cosmos.

You will study from a selection of diverse modules including astronomy & astrophysics, quantum information, gravitation & cosmology, nuclear and particle physics.

You will have the opportunity to work on advanced projects, under the supervision of internationally recognised high energy particle physicists and cosmologists in Swansea.

Why Physics with Particle Physics and Cosmology at Swansea?

• 11th in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2025)

• 3rd in the UK for Teaching Quality (Guardian University Guide 2025)

• 5th in the UK for Teaching on my Course* (NSS 2024) * Based on the average positivity score across questions 1 to 4 in the NSS 2024 when ranked against universities featured in the Times Good University Guide.

• Top 201-250 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025)

Physics at Swansea University is a widely admired degree that attracts students from across the world.

Your learning will be shaped by the large Particle Physics & Cosmology Theory group with inspirational academics such as Professors Carlos Nunez, Tim Hollowood and Maurizio Piai, internationally recognised for their research contributions to string theory, quantum field theory and particle physics.

The Particle Physics & Cosmology Theory group in Swansea is one of the largest in the UK, with 12 academic staff engaged in research in a wide range of topics in Theoretical Physics.

Your Physics with Particle Physics and Cosmology Experience

• A flexibly structured degree path means you have the opportunity to study abroad for a year or work in industry for a year, either locally, nationally or overseas.

• Our common student & staff space (the Event Horizon) overlooking spectacular views of Swansea Bay, provides an ideal location for quiet study, informal discussions and lunches.

• The Physics department and the Swansea University Physics Society sponsor frequent social, and academic events such as departmental colloquia and distinguished lectures to bring students and staff together.

• Elected student reps for each year and for the Swansea University Physics Society (PhySoc) ensure that every student voice is heard through regular meetings with HoDs.

• Our groups in Particle Physics and Cosmology Theory, Applied Materials, and the ALPHA anti-matter collaboration with close ties to CERN, ensure that our teaching is informed by the latest research. Students have the opportunity to do a summer internship at CERN and undertake final year projects with any of our major research groups.

In Year 1, you will typically study areas including: Classical Mechanics; Astronomy and Cosmology; Mathematics for Physicists; Physics of Fields and Matter; Quantum World; and Practical Physics which can be studied in English or Welsh.

In Year 2, you will typically study areas including: Electromagnetism; Practical Physics; Mathematics for Physicists; Thermal and statistical physics; Quantum Mechanics; Particle experiments and astrophysics and Professional Development and Career Planning

In Year 3, you will typically study areas including: Nuclear and Particle Physics; Condensed Matter Physics; Gravity and Cosmology; Advanced Particle Physics; Atomic Physics; Science Communication with Placement; and a Particle Physics and Cosmology project.

We are proud to provide an outstanding educational experience, using the most effective learning and teaching approaches, carefully tailored to suit the specific needs of your course. Our programme consists of in-person, on-campus teaching, enabling full engagement with your lecturers and fellow students.

We believe in fostering a learning environment where students actively engage with physics concepts through experimentation, data analysis, and problem-solving. We offer informal weekly Maths drop-in support sessions to assist with developing and enhancing problem solving skills. These are mentored by postgraduate students.

We use inquiry-based learning, labs and practical work and diverse assessment types throughout the programme. The labs and practical work promote active engagement, hands-on learning, diverse skills development and real-world experience. The research project modules gives you the opportunity to participate in real-life research, working on real-world problems/questions. Lectures take place in larger group sessions, in a lecture theatre setting. The course content is explored in further detail in workshops, allowing for further collaborative working with your peers.

Lecture recordings allow for more flexibility to revisit material, to revise for assessments and to enhance learning outside of the classroom. Some modules have extra resources in Canvas, our virtual learning environment, such as videos, slides and quizzes enabling further flexible study.

This course may offer some modules taught through the medium of Welsh or bilingually for students who consider themselves to be fluent Welsh speakers. For more details on the provision available see the Welsh Provision expander below.

This course may offer some modules taught through the medium of Welsh or bilingually for students who consider themselves to be fluent Welsh speakers. For more details on the provision available see the Welsh Provision expander below.

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

• Physics, Institute of