Learn about nano-engines and organic electronics, investigate graphene properties, study planets and galaxies and understand the structure and evolution of the Universe.
5 reasons to study physics at Bath
From placements to graduate job prospects, there are lots of reasons to study physics at Bath. Here are our top 5.
1. Learn exciting physics and make a difference
You'll discover things that could be used for future technologies or saving lives.
What our students say
Current students talk about what it's like to study at Bath and the projects they've worked on during the course.
2. Go on a work placement
Improve your employability with a work placement.
Over half of our students go on a placement as part of their degree.
We have over 50 years of experience offering placements and links with some of the industry’s leading companies and research institutes. Recent employers include:
- Culham Centre for Fusion Energy
- Science & Technology Facilities Council
- BAE Systems
- EDF Energy
- Rolls Royce
Our specialist placements team offers dedicated support when you're looking for a placement and throughout your placement.
Many of our placements are also paid, so you can earn valuable income to help support your studies.
‘The highlight of my placement was co-authoring my first scientific paper presented at an international underwater defence conference.’
—
Rebecca Lane
BSc Mathematics and Physics including placement year
(2018)
3. Be inspired by world-leading research
Our staff are active researchers in their field.
You'll be taught by academics who are also active researchers. This ensures our courses are kept informed by the latest developments in science.
Our research covers a wide spectrum of activities, from fundamental physics to technological applications. It is organised into the following research groups and centres:
- Astrophysics research group
- Centre for Networks and Collective Behaviour
- Centre for Photonics and Photonic Materials
- Centre for Space, Atmospheric and Oceanic Science
- Nanoscience research group
- Theoretical and Computational Physics research group
There'll be opportunities for you 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.
4. Job prospects
Our graduates go on to a diverse and interesting range of careers.
Our graduates have gone to a wide range of careers including scientific research and development, engineering, telecommunications, banking, finance, meteorology, oil, gas and space exploration.
Recent employers include:
- National Physical Laboratory
- New Scientist
- Carbon Trust
- Defence Science Technology Laboratory
- Dyson
- British Aerospace Systems
Many also go on to postgraduate study in preparation for academic or industry-based research careers.
Physics at the University of Bath is ranked in the top 5 for 'career after 15 months' in the Guardian University Guide 2024, in the top 5 for graduate prospects in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024, and in the top 5 for graduate prospects in the Complete University Guide 2024.
5. Highly ranked university
We are a top 10 UK university with a reputation for research excellence.
The University of Bath is ranked in the top 10 for physics and astronomy in the Complete University Guide 2024.
Bath is ranked 5th best overall by both the Complete University Guide 2024.
Find out more about physics at Bath
Explore our courses