Master the mysteries of physics from first principles to advanced problem-solving. You’ll be prepared for a career in industry or academia.
Physics is ‘the science of everything’. Study matter, energy and how they interact, from subatomic to cosmological scales.
Learn about the structure of physical laws and take part in their discovery. Along the way, you will learn to think like a physicist. You’ll also develop powerful problem-solving skills, preparing you not only for a career in physics, but many other fields as well.
You’ll graduate with the knowledge and skills of an independent scientist, with sound mathematical and experimental expertise, and the ability to solve complex problems on your own.
There are lots of reasons to study physics at Bath. Read our top 5.
The Master of Physics (MPhys) degree gives you the opportunity to enhance and deepen your knowledge compared to BSc courses, particularly in topics at the forefront of research. You’ll study masters-level units and carry out a major research project, giving you ideal preparation for postgraduate study or a career in research.
You’ll learn from academics with expertise across different research areas, from fundamental physics to technological applications. Their international collaborations and research activities feed into undergraduate teaching and contribute to your learning experience. 97% of physics students agreed their course was intellectually stimulating (National Student Survey 2017).
You’ll learn in well-equipped undergraduate teaching laboratories as well as our specialist research laboratories, depending on the specialisation you choose, to carry out projects with research equipment and high-performance computers. Some projects also involve links with research facilities and observatories in the UK and around the world.
Staff in the Department are really approachable and you’ll have regular contact with an Academic and Personal Tutor on a one-to-one basis, as well as through small group tutorials.
We are one of the ten universities most often targeted by Britain’s top graduate employers in 2016 to 2017 (highfliers.co.uk). Our graduates go on to a diverse and interesting range of careers, such as scientific research and development, engineering, telecommunications, banking, finance, meteorology, oil, gas and space exploration. Many of our graduates also choose to go on to postgraduate study in preparation for academic or industry-based research careers.
This course lasts 5 years. It starts in September 2018 and ends in 2023. Induction week starts on 24 September 2018.
Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
At Bath, our courses are made up of units of study. Compulsory units cover core concepts that you'll need to understand as part of your degree programme. Some of our courses also offer the opportunity for you to study optional units these allow you to specialise in particular areas of knowledge that interest you.
As an undergraduate, you will be expected to take 60 credits (ECTS) in each academic year. These are usually split into 30 credits for each semester you study. Sixty credits are the equivalent of 1200 notional hours of study; this includes contact time with staff and your own independent learning.
These compulsory units are currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new units.
You'll be able to choose from a number of optional units in year 4. Here are some examples of the units our students are currently studying.
Apply your skills and knowledge to a year working full-time in a scientific or other professional organisation, anywhere around the world. It is an excellent opportunity to evaluate future career paths and broaden your experience and transferable skills, giving a competitive edge when applying for graduate jobs. 95% of physics students agreed their placement was valuable in helping their learning (National Student Survey 2017).
You can choose from a wide range of roles to match your interests, from working in marketing to a lab-based role at a research institute. We have links with some of the industry’s leading companies and recent employers include BAE Systems, CERN, Dyson, Morgan Stanley, Rolls-Royce and Samsung.
Placement opportunities can not be guaranteed but you will receive tailored support from our specialist team to help you secure a placement.
As an MPhys student, you’ll be able to undertake a research placement in the final year of the course. You’ll spend six months (July to December) working in a research organisation of international standing, before returning to the University for the final semester. We have links with leading research organisations, including CERN, NTT Basic Research Laboratories (Japan), European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (France) and Rutherford Appleton Laboratory.
This average assessment breakdown is based on a typical choice of optional units. Your specific unit choices will determine the actual breakdown of assessment methods that you will experience.
| Year | Written Exam | Practical Exam | Coursework |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 72% | 20% | 8% |
| Year 2 | 79% | 20% | 1% |
| Year 3 | 0% | 0% | 100% |
| Year 4 | 62% | 0% | 38% |
| Year 5 | 45% | 0% | 55% |
This average contact time breakdown is based on a typical choice of optional units. Scheduled learning and teaching may include: lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. Your optional unit choices will determine your actual personal contact hours.
| Year | Scheduled | Independent | Placement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 30% | 70% | 0% |
| Year 2 | 31% | 69% | 0% |
| Year 3 | 0% | 0% | 100% |
| Year 4 | 26% | 74% | 0% |
| Year 5 | 13% | 37% | 50% |
By studying a course with a professional accreditation, you could have the chance to get workplace experience, learn about new developments in the industry and apply for membership with the accrediting body. You may also be able to apply for jobs in the industry without having to do any more exams.
“My mind just gets blown every time I go to a subject, so my interest just continues to grow.”
Your application, especially your personal statement, should demonstrate your enthusiasm for studying physics. This might include relevant reading, voluntary or work experience, areas of interest from your current studies or other relevant extra-curricular and co-curricular activities. When describing your experiences you should reflect on what you have learnt from them, how they have influenced your development or how they are relevant to your future studies.
You will need a strong performance in both Mathematics and Physics as part of your entry qualifications.
If you are taking A levels, we may be unable to consider an A level in your own language (unless it is English or Welsh). We do not accept A levels in General Studies. If you are taking a GCE A level in a science subject, you will need to pass any separate science practical endorsement.
Select the country where your qualification comes from.
A level General Studies will not be considered. We may be unable to consider an A level in your own language (unless it is English or Welsh).
Students presenting with one of the above project qualifications should receive both the typical offer and the alternative.
36 points overall with 7, 6, 6 in three Higher Level subjects including Mathematics and Physics.
We have a strong preference for applicants who offer Mathematics and Physics at Higher Level. We may be able to consider you if you are studying one of these subjects at Standard Level (but not both). Our offer in this instance would be 7 in the relevant Standard Level in addition to our typical offer.
Typical offer:
Pass the Access to HE Diploma (in Science or Science and Engineering), with at least 39 credits achieved at Distinction. This must include 12 credits achieved at Distinction from Mathematics units and 12 credits achieved at Distinction from Physics units.
Unfortunately, BTEC Level 3 Extended Diplomas (QCF)/ BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF) are not a suitable route for this course.
See the ‘Combinations of qualifications’ section for information about combinations of A level and BTEC qualifications that we can consider.
Typical offer:
D2, D3, D3 including Mathematics and Physics with D2 in Mathematics or Physics
Alternative offer:
D3, D3, D3 including Mathematics and Physics plus one of the following:
Students presenting with one of the above project qualifications should receive both the typical offer and the alternative.
Typically, we would be looking for you to have studied units worth at least 120 credits, including at least 30 credits at Level 2. We would ideally be looking for you to be taking units including:
This information is a guide and all students applying with Open University Credits will be considered on a case-by-case basis. We will consider your application carefully and take note of any previous qualifications or relevant work experience. We may be able to consider alternative units to those listed. Please contact us to discuss your profile.
Typical offer:
Pass units worth 120 credits, including a minimum of Pass Grade 2 with 80% in both S104 Exploring Science and a Level 2 Mathematics unit worth 30 credits.
Please note that taking OU credits may be counted as degree-level study by the Student Loans Company and therefore may be counted as previous study and have an impact on your ability to access student loans/grants for the entirety of your chosen degree. We recommend that you discuss this in detail with the SLC before following this progression route to the University of Bath.
Typical offer:
AA in Advanced Highers including Mathematics and Physics plus AAAAA in Scottish Highers.
Your application will be considered individually based on the particular combination of qualifications and subjects that you are taking.
We can consider combinations of accepted qualifications, such as A levels and a BTEC:
We can also consider combinations that are not listed and that do not include A levels. You should read the information about essential and preferred subjects and subject combinations. We cannot consider different qualifications in the same subject area.
GCSE English grade C or 4 (or equivalent from category C).
You will normally need one of the following:
If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
Average of 85% across 4 subjects with 85% in Mathematics and Physics.
We do not accept Physical Education as one of these 4 subjects.
These requirements are for the CBSE, HSSC and ISC boards. Please contact us if you are taking this qualification with a different board.
You will normally need one of the following:
If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
5 in AP Calculus plus 5 in both AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2.
You will also need to pass your High School Diploma and achieve an ACT score of 30 or SATR scores of 740 in both Mathematics and Evidence based Reading and Writing.
We do not accept SAT Subject Tests for direct entry to our degrees.
You will normally need one of the following:
If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
H1, H1, H1, H2, H2, H3 in 6 Irish Leaving Certificates with H1, H2 in Mathematics and Physics.
You will normally need one of the following:
If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
5*55 in Physics and 2 other elective subjects plus 5* in core Mathematics and 5 in the Algebra and Calculus extended paper.
You will normally need one of the following:
If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
16 overall with 16, 15 in Mathematics and Physics/Chemistry .
15 overall with 16, 15 in Mathematics and Physics/Chemistry .
You will normally need one of the following:
If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
85% overall with 8.5 in both Mathematics (5 periods) and Physics (4 periods) with 9.0 in either Mathematics or Physics.
You will normally need one of the following:
If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
19 in the Apolytirion plus A*A in A level Mathematics and Physics.
We cannot accept the Apolytirion unless it is studied alongside A levels.
You will normally need one of the following:
If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
19 in the Apolytirion plus A*A in A level Mathematics and Physics.
We cannot accept the Apolytirion unless it is studied alongside A levels. We do not accept Pan Hellenic examinations in place of an A level.
You will normally need one of the following:
If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
CGPA of 85% with 85% in Physics and either Calculus or Mathematics in the final year.
You will normally need one of the following:
If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
AAA in 3 H2 level subjects including A in Mathematics and Physics.
We are unable to consider a Polytechnic Diploma for our Physics degrees.
You will normally need one of the following:
If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
1.3 overall with 14, 13 in Mathematics and Physics.
The required grades in Mathematics and Physics must be achieved in your final examinations if you take them. If you do not take one of these subjects in your final examinations, you will need an average grade across 4 semesters in it.
You will normally need one of the following:
If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
A score of 9 overall with 9 in Mathematics and Physics.
You will normally need one of the following:
If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home, EU, Island or Overseas student.
Learn how we decide fee statusSee the most recent fees for undergraduate courses.
Placement fees vary
You will normally pay a reduced tuition fee while on a placement period or studying abroad. Find out more about placement fees and study abroad fees.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.
Read more about tuition fee loansYou could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. This is in addition to your student loan and you do not have to pay it back.
Read more about bursaries and scholarshipsYou can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card, cheque, bank transfer or cash. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.
Read more about your payment optionsYou will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of text books.
Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.
If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement.
We will usually assess you based on your UCAS application. If you are studying certain qualifications, such as an Access to HE Diploma, you may be invited to attend an interview as part of our selection process so we can better assess your studies and experiences.
This MPhys degree is covered by the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS). Unless you are a UK, EEA or Swiss national you will need an ATAS Certificate to join this course. Find out more about applying for an ATAS certificate.
Apply for this course through UCAS.
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