About this course
On this BSc Physics degree you'll study time and space as you explore the physical theories that help us understand our universe. You'll also gain advanced analytical, mathematical and computing skills, valued by recruiters in a wide range of professions.
You’ll immerse yourself in fascinating topics such as quantum mechanics, special relativity and the evolution of galaxies.
You'll develop the skills to become a physicist as you choose from a range of optional modules in every year of study. You'll carry out real research projects. Recent examples have involved making high-temperature superconductors, building a laser and determining the mass of cluster galaxies.
General Relativity is another popular study option - we are one of only a few UK universities to offer this as part of an undergraduate physics degree.
You can also choose a minor subject in an unrelated field alongside your main degree.
The first 2 years of this programme are the same as the physics master's, which means you can switch to the 4-year MPhys degree.
Physics offers an academic scholarship scheme worth up to £20,000, plus an unconditional offer based on a competitive exam taken at applicant visit days.
This course is accredited by the Institute of Physics.
Accreditations
This course is accredited by:
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
In light of COVID-19, we’ve made changes to some elements of course delivery for 2020-21. For details as to how this has changed delivery for this course, please view the Addendum to the Programme Specification PDF.
Entry requirements
A-levels
AAB-ABB including grades AA-AB in mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical
or
ABBC including grades AB in mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants may be invited to visit the department and have an optional interview; an optional interview may lead to a lower offer.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A-level offer: ABB including grades AB in mathematics/further mathematics and physics (in any order), with a pass in the physics Practical, plus grade A in the EPQ
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 6 points at (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation)
or
Pass, with 32 points overall, with 16 points required at Higher Level, including 6 in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation)and 5 points at Higher Level in Physics
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Applicants may be invited to visit the department and have an optional interview; an optional interview may lead to a lower offer.
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics/further mathematics and grade A in A-level physics, with a pass in the physics Practical to D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AB in A-level mathematics/further mathematics and A-level physics, with a pass in the physics Practical. We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma. We do not accept the BTEC DiplomaApplicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma or the BTEC Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year
BTEC additional information
Applicants may be invited to visit the department and have an optional interview; an optional interview may lead to a lower offer.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Other requirements
UK students
International students
Other ways to qualify
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Non-academic entry requirements
There are no additional requirements
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
A-levels
AAB-ABB including grades AA-AB* in mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical
or
ABBC including grades AB in mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. ‘Use of mathematics’ A level is not a substitute for ‘mathematics’ A level. *Applicants may be invited to visit the department and have an optional interview; an optional interview may lead to a lower offer.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A-level offer:
ABB including grades AB in mathematics/further mathematics and physics (in any order), with a pass in the physics Practical and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
ABB including grades AB in mathematics and physics (in any order), with a pass in the physics Practical
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 6 points at Higher Level in mathematics/further mathematics and physics
or
Pass, with 32 points overall, with 16 points required at Higher Level, including 6 and 5 points at Higher Level in mathematics/further mathematics and physics (any order)*
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis. *Applicants may be invited to visit the department and have an optional interview; an optional interview may lead to a lower offer.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA in A-level mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical
We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma
We do not accept the BTEC Diploma
Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma or the BTEC Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year
BTEC additional information
‘Use of mathematics’ A level is not a substitute for ‘mathematics’ A level. Applicants may be invited to visit the department and have an optional interview; an optional interview may lead to a lower offer.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Other requirements
UK students
International students
Other ways to qualify
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
You will study a range of compulsory and optional modules in all 3 years of this course.
The options allow you to explore specialist areas that spark your interest or study core topics at a more advanced level.
You can also choose from modules in areas outside physics - everything from languages to business, music or earth sciences.
Right from the start you’ll undertake mini-projects in the lab and learn skills such as basic electronics and coding.
Year 1 overview
Compulsory modules in the first year include an introduction to special relativity and theories of quantum physics and electromagnetism.
You’ll build up more advanced knowledge as you progress through the degree, applying your learning in areas such as atomic physics and particle physics.
Optional modules cover subjects such as astronomy, photonics and linear algebra.
Year 2 overview
Compulsory modules in the second year cover everything from classical mechanics to wave physics.
Optional modules include topics on:
-
galaxies
-
medical physics
-
practical photonics
Year 3 overview
This year, you’ll get to choose from a wide range of optional modules, including topics on relativity, black holes and cosmology and medical physics.
You’ll also demonstrate your research skills by working with another student on a major experimental, theoretical or computer-based project.
Past students have worked on subjects such as:
-
making nanoparticles
-
fundamental theory of light-matter interaction
-
public engagement in science
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our modules for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
For entry in Academic Year 2020-21
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our learning and assessment methods for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Pasquale Di Bari is the course leader.
Careers
Whether you are interested in a physics-related career or want to work in another field, this degree will give you the skills to work in many different sectors.
Alongside your scientific training you’ll develop transferable skills such as computation and coding, complex problem-solving, statistical analysis, and presentation and project management.
Southampton physics graduates have secured roles including:
-
astrophysicist
-
air traffic controller
-
satellite engineer
-
weather forecaster
-
government science policy officer
-
medical physicist
-
web developer
If you decide on a career outside physics, you’ll be able to demonstrate transferable skills such as computation and coding, statistical analysis, communication and project management skills.
We work hard to help you get the career of your choice and make the process easier and more enjoyable.
During year 2 you’ll have access to a programme of physics-focused career sessions, timetabled to fit in with your studies. These include application and interview workshops and talks from visiting professionals.
We can help you find a paid summer placement to give you valuable hands-on experience and the chance to make industry contacts.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK/EU students pay £9,250.
- International students pay £21,580.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: F300
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
If you’re successful, we’ll invite you to an optional applicant visit day. This will give the opportunity to learn more about the department and take an interview, which may lead to a lower offer. If you attend a visit day before Christmas, you can take the physics academic scholarship exam.
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000