Learn about nano-engines and organic electronics, investigate graphene properties, study planets and galaxies and understand the structure and evolution of the Universe.

Whether you're on our broadest Physics course or one of our more specialised courses, you'll study core topics giving you foundational knowledge and understanding of the subject. This gives you flexibility and makes it possible for you to switch between some of our physics courses if your interests change.

As you progress through your course, you will select optional units, tailoring your studies to suit your strengths and interests. In your final year, you'll carry out a substantial research project choosing from a wide range of different topics and types of project.

More than half of our students go on a placement as part of their degree, with many being paid or funded, allowing you to earn income to help support your studies.

With over 50 years of experience offering placements and links with some of the world’s leading research institutions and global companies, you can apply for a wide range of professional placements, from lab-based to marketing roles.

Recent employers include Culham Centre for Fusion Energy, Science & Technology Facilities Council, BAE Systems, EDF Energy, and Rolls Royce.

You will receive dedicated support from our specialist placements team when you're looking for, and throughout, your placement.

Learn from experts in the field. Our teaching staff are active researchers, keeping courses up-to-date and allowing you to benefit from discussions around the latest developments in physics.

Our research covers a wide spectrum of activities, from fundamental physics to technological applications. It is organised into the Astrophysics research group, the Centre for Networks and Collective Behaviour, the Centre for Photonics and Photonic Materials, the Centre for Space, Atmospheric and Oceanic Science, the Nanoscience research group, and the Theoretical and Computational Physics research group.

You will have opportunities to engage with departmental research from early on in the course. You'll also choose a final-year project in one of these areas and will be working closely with an active researcher in the field.

Our courses offer excellent graduate prospects. Prepare yourself for your future career, whether in scientific research and development, engineering, telecommunications, banking, finance, meteorology, oil, gas or space exploration.

Recent employers include National Physical Laboratory, New Scientist, Carbon Trust, Defence Science Technology Laboratory, Dyson, and British Aerospace Systems.

Many graduates also go on to postgraduate study in preparation for academic or industry-based research careers.

Physics at the University of Bath is ranked joint 3rd for 'career after 15 months' in the Guardian University Guide 2025, in the top 5 for graduate prospects in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025, and in the top 5 for graduate prospects in the Complete University Guide 2026.