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 year-long work placement
Improve your employability with a year-long 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 year.
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.
Take a look around our undergraduate teaching lab
Used by first and second year students to carry out a wide variety of physics and electronics experiments. It's also used by final year students for project work.
4. Excellent job prospects
Our graduates go on to a diverse and interesting range of careers.
We're ranked top ten for graduate prospects for physics and astronomy in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022. We're also ranked 6th for career after 15 months for physics in the Guardian University Guide 2022.
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:
- BAE Systems
- Barclays
- Deloitte
- Vodafone
- Dyson
- Renishaw
Many also go on to postgraduate study in preparation for academic or industry-based research careers.
5. Highly ranked course and university
We are a top 10 UK university with a reputation for research excellence.
We are ranked 4th for course satisfaction for physics in the Guardian University Guide 2022.
We're also ranked as the 8th best university in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2022 and 9th best overall by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022.
Find out more about physics at Bath
Explore our courses