Physics with Year of Experimental Research (MPhys)

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

You don’t need to choose your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you to customise your course.

For the first 3 years you’ll follow the structure of the following MPhys degree programmes:

• Physics

• Physics with Photonics

• Physics with Nanotechnology

Alongside your core physics studies you’ll choose from a range of optional modules, including Advanced Mathematics, Photonics and Nanoscience. These will equip you for the research year.

The Quantum, Light and Matter research group will help you to choose a topic for your fourth-year project in the areas such as photonics, nanoscale, condensed matter physics and the interaction of light and matter at the quantum level.

Past projects have involved:

• working with lasers on squeezed light quantum experiments

• nanoparticle manipulation using optical tweezers

• looking at the localisation of light in photonic crystals

• hologram optimisation for polariton condensation for quantum computing

• examining the properties of filled carbon nanotubes using Raman scattering

You’ll work under the supervision of an expert academic, conducting original research that you will write up, present and be tested on in an oral exam.

Year 1 overview

Through theoretical and lab-based work, year 1 will introduce you to fundamental areas of physics such as special relativity, quantum physics and electromagnetism.

You’ll gain more in-depth knowledge as you progress through the degree, applying your learning in more advanced areas including particle and atomic physics.

You can also choose from a range of optional modules covering topics like photonics and linear algebra.

Year 2 overview

Core modules include topics on:

• electromagnetism

• quantum physics

• mechanics

• wave physics

You can choose from a range of optional modules covering topics like:

• mathematical models

• photonics

• medical physics

• galaxies

• energy in the environment

Year 3 overview

Core modules in year 3 cover everything from particle physics to theories of matter, space and time and atomic physics.

You’ll be encouraged to pursue your own interests by choosing from a wide range of advanced optional modules and completing a dissertation.

Year 4 overview

You’ll join the Quantum, Light and Matter research group from September to May in year 4.

You’ll then complete your final thesis and presentation, and prepare for an oral exam.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

The learning activities for this course include the following:

• lectures
• classes and tutorials
• coursework
• individual and group projects
• independent learning (studying on your own)

Course time

How you'll spend your course time:

Course leader

Pavlos Lagoudakis is the course leader.

This degree is the perfect preparation for a PhD. However, it is also an eye-catching addition to your CV if you wish go directly into a physics career.

You could also become a:

• 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.

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 2022). 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.

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £25,000.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

Find out how to:

• pay your tuition fees

• calculate your student finances

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

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 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 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 EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

When you apply use:

• UCAS course code: F303
• UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for 2023 entry

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