About this course
In this degree you’ll explore photonics – the science of light – while deepening your knowledge in the core areas of physics. An unrivalled range of specialist modules will allow you to fine-tune skills that are in high demand in this well-paid, rapidly expanding industry. According to government agency Innovate UK, the nation’s photonics sector is now worth over £12 billion a year.
We’re home to the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) - the largest photonics research institute in the UK.
We’re also the only UK university to offer an undergraduate physics degree with photonics and you’ll join a research community with a history of revolutionary discoveries. These include the optical fibres and amplifiers that make the internet possible.
Our direct link with the ORC, a global hub for photonics research, gives you a unique opportunity to explore all the possibilities in depth.
As part of your course you’ll also:
learn key skills in computer modeling, mathematics and statistical analysis
use the latest equipment in our physics and photonics labs
develop problem-solving skills to test theories and conduct experiments
Additionally, you’ll spend time in one of our research groups in year 4. Past projects have included holography, photosensitive materials, nanoscale x-rays, optical fibre and silicon photonics.
High-performing students are eligible to apply to one of our flagship programmes.
The course is accredited by the Institute of Physics and there's an academic scholarship scheme worth up to £20,000, plus an unconditional offer based on a competitive exam taken at applicant visit days.
You can download the course details, including modules, in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 246.44 KB).
Location and awarding body
The course location is Highfield campus in Southampton. The awarding body is University of Southampton.
Entry requirements
A-levels
AAA-AAB* including grades AA in mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical
or
AABC including grades AA 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.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 36-34* points overall, with 18-17* points required at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in mathematics/further mathematics and 6 at Higher Level in physics
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.
BTEC
D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA in A-level mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical
We do not accept the BTEC National Extended Diploma
We do not accept the BTEC National Diploma
Applicants with a BTEC National Extended Diploma or the BTEC National 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.
Other qualifications
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 mathematics/further mathematics (minimum grade A) and physics (minimum grade A), 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:
AAB including grades AA in mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) offer
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) StatementPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 62.17 KB) for further information.
Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC (RQF) (reformed)
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
Access to HE Diploma
Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year
Access to HE Diploma additional information
There are no additional requirements
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1,H1,H2,H2,H2,H2, including H1 in mathematics and physics
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A1,A1,A2,A2,A2,A2, including mathematics at A1 and physics at A1
Irish Leaving Certificate additional information
Applicants may be invited to visit the department and have an optional interview; an optional interview may lead to a lower offer.
Scottish Qualification offers
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF, 111.01 KB) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3,D3,D3, in three Principal subjects including mathematics/further mathematics and physics
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of A Level grade B.
Applicants may be invited to visit the department and have an optional interview; an optional interview may lead to a lower offer.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAA-AAB* including grades AA in mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical
or
AA from two A-levels including mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical and A-B* from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
AABC including grades AA in mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical
or
AA from two A-levels including mathematics/further mathematics and physics, with a pass in the physics Practical, and grades BC from a third A-level and the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. ‘Use of mathematics’ A level is not a substitute for ‘mathematics’ A level. A pass in the physics Practical is required where applicable.
*Applicants may be invited to visit the department and have an optional interview; an optional interview may lead to a lower offer.
European Baccalaureate
80% overall including 8.5 in mathematics and physics, with at at least 5 in Maths as an elective subject. Applicants may be invited to visit the department and have an optional interview; an optional interview may lead to a lower offer.
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
English language requirements
All applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency. Applicants requiring a visa to study in the UK who do not offer GCSE English language (or GCSE English) at the required level will need to meet the following English language proficiency requirement. Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements.
Band B IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in all components
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We also accept other English language tests.
Non-academic entry requirements
There are no additional requirements
International qualifications
Find a list of accepted international qualifications listed by country.
This is a list of the international qualifications that are recognised by the University of Southampton. If you are not sure that your qualifications meet the requirements of this course please contact our Admissions Teams.
Other ways to qualify
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
our Access to Southampton 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.
Course structure
You don't need to choose your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you to customise your course.
You’ll study core physics subjects with an increasing number of optional modules for the first 3 years of the course. You’ll then choose from a range of advanced optoelectronics, laser and photonics modules in year 4.
Right from the start, you’ll do mini-projects in the lab and apply your analytical and problem-solving skills. We have our own dedicated undergraduate photonics laboratories, where you will be able to make your own laser and explore the properties of light.
Year 1
This consists of core modules to give you a grounding in the key principles of physics and experimentation.
These include topics on:
physics skills
mathematics
waves and light
energy and matter
motion and relativity
electricity and magnetism
There will also be an introduction to photonics.
Year 2
Core modules cover topics including:
electromagnetism
quantum physics
classical mechanics
practical photonics
You can also choose an optional module on mathematical methods.
Year 3
Core modules in year 3 cover everything from particle physics to theories of matter, space and time and atomic physics.
There is also an individual dissertation on a topic of your choice.
A practical photonics module includes a series of experiments to demonstrate the principles of laser science.
You’ll also do an individual dissertation on laser physics.
Year 4
In the fourth year you’ll spend time in one of our research groups, where you’ll work with another student on an extended research project to develop in-depth experimental skills.
You’ll also choose from a range of optional photonics modules on topics like:
advanced lasers
optical fibres and sensors
silicon photonics
Optional physics modules cover subjects such as:
nanoscience
relativity
astrophysics
quantum physics
particle physics
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Modules year 1
Core modules
You must study and pass these core modules in year 1:
Modules year 2
Core modules
You must study and pass these core modules in year 2:
Modules year 3
Core modules
You must study and pass these core modules in year 3:
- Atomic Physics
- Crystalline Solids
- Dissertation
- Light and Matter
- Nuclei and Particles
- Theories of Matter, Space and Time
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 3:
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 3:
Modules year 4
Core modules
You must study and pass these core modules in year 4:
Compulsory modules
You must take the following compulsory modules in year 4:
Optional modules
You can choose from the following optional modules in year 4:
- Advanced Quantum Physics
- Applied Nuclear Physics
- Communicating and Teaching and The Undergraduate Ambassadors Scheme
- Computer Techniques in Physics
- Cosmology
- Nanoscience: technology and advanced materials
- Particle Physics
- Photons in Astrophysics
- Physics of the Early Universe
- Space Plasma Physics
- Stellar Evolution
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)
Support for your studies
You’ll have your own personal academic tutor who will be a physicist or astronomer. They will meet with you once a week in your first year and remain your personal contact at the university throughout your degree.
How you’ll spend your study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study, year by year:
Year 1
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 39%
- Independent study
- 61%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 2
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 35%
- Independent study
- 65%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 3
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 26%
- Independent study
- 74%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 4
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 17%
- Independent study
- 83%
- Placement
- 0%
Course leader
Pierre Thibault is the course leader.
How we’ll assess you
We’ll assess you using:
- written and practical exams
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
Your assessment breakdown, year by year:
Year 1
- Written exam
- 53%
- Practical exam
- 23%
- Coursework
- 24%
Year 2
- Written exam
- 60%
- Practical exam
- 16%
- Coursework
- 24%
Year 3
- Written exam
- 70%
- Practical exam
- 14%
- Coursework
- 16%
Year 4
- Written exam
- 57%
- Practical exam
- 0%
- Coursework
- 43%
Careers
The UK has a thriving photonics sector and there is a shortage of trained photonics experts.
This means you’ll be sought after for industry research and development roles, where your knowledge of lasers, optical components and nanofabrication techniques will be in great demand.
You’ll also be well equipped for further research at PhD level. Many of our Physics with Photonics students continue their studies within Southampton’s prestigious Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) before going on to successful industry careers.
A physics degree also opens up a huge range of other career options.
Roles include:
astrophysicist
air traffic controller
bioinformatics specialist
data analyst
government science policy officer
medical physicist
satellite engineer
systems analyst
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.
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.
Work in industry
We can help you find a paid summer placement to give you valuable hands-on experience and the chance to make industry contacts.
Fees, costs and funding
UK/EU fees
You'll pay £9,250 in tuition fees for the academic year 2020 to 2021. This fee might change for further years of your course.
International student fees
You’ll pay £21,580 each year. This fee will stay the same throughout your studies.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Extra costs you might have to pay
- Approved Calculators
- Printing and Photocopying Costs
- Placements (including Study Abroad Programmes)
- Stationery
- Textbooks
See the full list of extra items and costs in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window 2020 to 2021 (PDF, 246.44 KB).
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.
University life
The University offers a friendly, diverse and welcoming home for you while you study. You'll work, live and socialise with students from more than 130 countries.
Clubs, societies and facilities
Our campuses have:
cafes and restaurants
bars
health centres
banks
a post office
student shops
a hairdresser
Our sports facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, a gym with 140 fitness stations, squash courts, a bouldering wall, outdoor pitches and much more. There are over 80 sports clubs you could join, and activity classes including yoga and spin.
We have an internationally known theatre, concert hall, art gallery and cinema showing everything from mainstream blockbusters to international arthouse classics. You could perform at a gig, concert or show, take part in an exhibition or join a writers’ workshop. Find out more about arts and culture at Southampton.
Whatever your passion or community, you can find like-minded people at one of the Students’ Union clubs and societies. There are more than 200 to join, and social activities in every hall of residence.
Support while you study
We aim to help you deal with any problems you might come across, so you can make the most of your time at university. We offer support with:
mental health, learning difficulties and disability
money and accommodation
childcare
computers and IT
How to apply
When you apply use:
UCAS Course Code: F369
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.
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.