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.

This course is accredited by the Institute of Physics.

Physics offers an academic scholarship worth up to £20,000, based on submission of a short essay and an interview at one of our applicant visit days.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Accreditations

Institute of Physics (IOP)

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

Download

ODT

Download 2025-26 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

Academic year filter options

A-levels

AAA-AAB including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A)

or

AABC including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A) - ABBC including grades AB in physics and either mathematics or further mathematics

A-levels additional information

Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to a lower offer.

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed.

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

Applicants who have not studied mathematics/further mathematics and/or physics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

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: AAB including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A) plus grade A in the EPQ

A-levels 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.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 36-34 points overall with 18-17 points at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) and 6 at Higher Level in Physics

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to a lower offer.

Applicants who have not studied mathematics and/or physics at Higher Level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

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.

or

BTEC

RQF BTEC

D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus grades AA from two A-levels including physics and either mathematics or further mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC National Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics/further mathematics and physics.

We will consider the BTEC National Extended Certificate if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics/further mathematics and physics.

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.

Additional information

Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA from two A-levels including physics and either mathematics or further mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics/further mathematics and physics.

We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics/further mathematics and physics.

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.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:

our Ignite your Journey scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)

Find out more about our Admissions Policy.

Foundation year for engineering, physics, maths and geophysics

A foundation year will give you the skills and knowledge to progress to this course if you don't have the right qualifications for direct entry.

It could be the right option if you:

have A levels, or equivalent international qualifications, in subjects other than the ones needed for direct entry
have international qualifications in relevant subjects but not at A level equivalent
have a BTEC Extended Diploma in a relevant subject
are studying an Access course in a relevant subject
are a mature student with relevant experience or study

You'll also need to show that you have strong maths skills.

Find full details on our Engineering, Maths, Physics, Geophysics Foundation Year page.

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from learners of all ages. Students who are aged 21 and over at the start of their undergraduate course are defined as mature by the University of Southampton. We take a holistic assessment of the application looking for academic ability and commitment to study. Typical entry requirements, which may vary from discipline to discipline, includes for example, evidence of recent formal academic qualifications or professional qualifications, relevant work experience or volunteering. You may also be invited to attend an interview with an Admissions Tutor. For some degree programmes, there may also be a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirement. We accept many different academic qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

A-levels

AAA-AAB including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A)

or

AABC including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A) - ABBC including grades AB in physics and either mathematics or further mathematics

A-levels additional information

Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to a lower offer.

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed.

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

Applicants who have not studied mathematics/further mathematics and/or physics at A-level can apply for the <a href=" https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/foundation-years/engineering-physics-maths-geophysics.page#programme_overview%0A"> Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year </a>

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: AAB including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A) plus grade A in the EPQ

A-levels 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 as follows:
ABB including grades AB in physics and either mathematics or further mathematics.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 36-34 points overall with 18-17 points at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) and 6 at Higher Level in Physics

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to a lower offer.

Applicants who have not studied mathematics and/or physics at Higher Level can apply for the <a href=" https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/foundation-years/engineering-physics-maths-geophysics.page#programme_overview%0A"> Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year </a>

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.

or

BTEC

RQF BTEC

D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus grades AA from two A-levels including physics and either mathematics or further mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC National Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics/further mathematics and physics.

We will consider the BTEC National Extended Certificate if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics/further mathematics and physics.

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.

Additional information

Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA from two A-levels including physics and either mathematics or further mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics/further mathematics and physics.

We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics/further mathematics and physics.

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.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:

our Ignite your Journey scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)

Find out more about our Admissions Policy.

Foundation year for engineering, physics, maths and geophysics

A foundation year will give you the skills and knowledge to progress to this course if you don't have the right qualifications for direct entry.

It could be the right option if you:

have A levels, or equivalent international qualifications, in subjects other than the ones needed for direct entry
have international qualifications in relevant subjects but not at A level equivalent
have a BTEC Extended Diploma in a relevant subject
are studying an Access course in a relevant subject
are a mature student with relevant experience or study

You'll also need to show that you have strong maths skills.

Find full details on our Engineering, Maths, Physics, Geophysics Foundation Year page.

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from learners of all ages. Students who are aged 21 and over at the start of their undergraduate course are defined as mature by the University of Southampton. We take a holistic assessment of the application looking for academic ability and commitment to study. Typical entry requirements, which may vary from discipline to discipline, includes for example, evidence of recent formal academic qualifications or professional qualifications, relevant work experience or volunteering. You may also be invited to attend an interview with an Admissions Tutor. For some degree programmes, there may also be a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirement. We accept many different academic qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Course structure

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

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

You must study the following modules in year 1:

Electricity and Magnetism

The major concepts covered are: - The abstraction from forces to fields using the examples of the electric and magnetic fields, with some applications - The connection between conservative forces and potential energy - How charges move through electri...

Energy and Matter

This course introduces the ideas of thermal physics, contrasting the complexity of a world composed of huge numbers of sub-microscopic particles with the simplicity of the thermodynamic laws that govern its large-scale behaviour.

Mathematical Methods For Physical Scientists 1b

To provide students with the necessary skills and confidence to apply a range of mathematical methods to problems in the physical sciences. We build on the methods developed in MATH1006 (or MATH1008) but extend many of the ideas from ordinary functions to...

Mathematical Methods for Physical Scientists 1a

To provide students with the necessary skills and confidence to apply a range of mathematical methods to problems in the physical sciences. Both MATH1006 and MATH1008 cover essentially the same topics in calculus that are of relevance to applications in t...

Motion and Relativity

The first part of the module focuses on Newton’s laws of motion, potentials, conservation of energy, momentum and angular momentum, projectiles, circular motion, gravity and simple harmonic motion including damping. The second part of the module is an ...

Physics Skills - Programming and Data Analysis

The primary goal is to provide students with the practical programming and data analysis skills that are necessary for both their degree course and most careers in physics. Python is used as the introductory programming language, and numerical simulations...

Physics Skills 1

The Physics Skills units develop a range of skills needed by a professional physicist, including facility in conducting experiments and in analysing and reporting their results. Physics Skills 1 runs in first semester and its companion Physics Skills 2 (P...

Physics Skills 2

The Physics Skills units develop a range of skills needed by a professional physicist, including facility in conducting experiments and in analysing and reporting their results. Physics Skills 1 runs in first semester and its companion Physics Skills 2 (P...

Waves, Light and Quanta

It will arm students with a basic knowledge of optics, including ray propagation, polarization and diffraction, and introduce the dual wave and particle characteristics of light and matter. It provides a base for further study of optics, wave physics and ...

You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:

Concepts in Machine Learning for Physicists

The primary goal is to provide students with necessary programming background andmathematical skills that are necessary for their degree course and developing further skills in machine learning and artificial intelligence. The emphasis throughout will be ...

Introduction to Astronomy and Space Science

The module shows how simple physical principles can be used to learn about the Universe. The focus is upon how one can measure physical quantities such as size, distance, temperature, age and mass for the variety of objects in the Universe. By its end stu...

Lasers and Quanta 1

After studying this course students should be able to: - Describe the interaction of light with atoms - Describe the interaction of light with solids (refractive index, non-linear optics) - Give basic descriptions of the operation and uses of lasers an...

Linear Algebra for Physics

Linear algebra is the branch of mathematics focused on linear equations, their solutions, and many topics naturally connected to these, such as matrices, vector spaces, inner products, and more. Physicists use linear algebra to describe an enormous number...

Learning and assessment

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:

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:

39%

Scheduled learning & teaching

61%

Independent learning

How we'll assess you

coursework, laboratory reports and essays
design and problem-solving exercises
individual and group projects
oral presentations
written and practical exams

Your assessment breakdown

Year 1:

44%

Written exam

33%

Coursework

23%

Practical exam

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Vasileios Apostolopoulos is the course leader.

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

Research
Critical thinking
Self-management
Confidence
Communication
Teamwork
Creativity
Adaptability
Problem solving
Resilience

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

Information and Communication,

Manufacturing,

Education,

Finance and Insurance,

Public Administration and Defence,

Scientific and Technical.

Careers directly related to this course:

Nanotechnologist
Nuclear engineer
Research scientist
University lecturer
Radiation protection practitioner
Clinical scientist: Medical physics
Technical author
Academic researcher

Wider career opportunities:

Acoustic consultant
Geophysicist
Data analyst
Machine learning engineer
Patent attorney
Software engineer
Applications developer
Clinical technologist
Operational researcher
Prosthetist

Example job titles of Southampton BSc Physics graduates*:

Investment analyst
Science teacher
Accountant
Actuarial analyst
Clinical technologist (Radiation Protection)
Communication engineer
Computational modeller
Transport planner
Financial analyst
Nuclear medicine technologist

Job prospects for BSc Physics graduates

£31k

Average professional salary

85%

In a skilled profession or further study

93%

Graduate employment rate

*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. 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.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,535.
EU and international students pay £29,400.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Find out how to:

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 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 to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub 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 EU and 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

Apply for this course

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'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Related courses

Physics (BSc) is a course in the Physics and astronomy subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

a

MPhys

Astrophysics with Year Abroad

p

MPhys

Physics (BSc)

About this course

Accreditations

Institute of Physics (IOP)

Learn more about this subject area

Physics and astronomy

Course location

Awarding body

Download the Course Description Document

Entry requirements

For Academic year 202526

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Additional information

QCF BTEC

Access to HE Diploma

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Irish certificate additional information

Irish Offer Contextual

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Cambridge Pre-U Offer Contextual

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

T-Level

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

Foundation year for engineering, physics, maths and geophysics

Mature applicants

For Academic year 202627

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Additional information

QCF BTEC

Access to HE Diploma

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Irish certificate additional information

Irish Offer Contextual

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Cambridge Pre-U Offer Contextual

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

T-Level

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

Foundation year for engineering, physics, maths and geophysics

Mature applicants

Got a question?

Course structure

Year 1 overview

Year 2 overview

Year 3 overview

Modules