GCSE requirements
- GCSE English Language or Literature grade 4 or C (or equivalent from English language category C)
Develop a deep understanding of the fundamental principles of physics from subatomic to cosmological scales and expand your knowledge with specialist options.
This is our broadest physics degree. During the course, you'll learn about nano-engines and organic electronics, investigate graphene properties, study quantum optics, and understand the structure and evolution of the Universe.
As well as gaining a deep knowledge and understanding of physics, you’ll graduate with strong experimental, mathematical and computational expertise. You’ll gain powerful problem-solving, analytical and critical thinking skills, preparing you for a career in physics and many other fields as well.
In the first two years, you'll study core topics giving you the broad foundation of knowledge and skills essential for a graduate physicist. This gives you the greatest flexibility and makes it possible to change between some of our physics courses if your interests change once you're here. You can also modify placement or study abroad options, or even whether you're on a bachelor’s or master’s programme.
In your final year you’ll carry out a substantial project, choosing from a wide range of topics and types. You'll choose the remainder of your units from options in both fundamental and more applied physics as well as broader topics, giving you a taster of a field for potential graduate employment.
If you want a more in-depth study experience, you could consider applying for our MPhys Physics course.
Our courses reflect the wide range of research activities in the Department. You’ll learn about nano-engines and organic electronics, investigate quantum optics, study the properties of graphene and the importance of symmetry in theoretical physics, and explore the structure and evolution of the Universe. We bring the latest developments in physics into our teaching, and you can get involved by working with us on your own research project.
All our courses give you experience of a range of professional skills to add to your CV, including problem-solving, communications, teamwork and research. We also have staff dedicated to supporting you in your search for a placement or a graduate job, including offering CV workshops and practice interviews.
You’ll learn experimental and computing skills in our well-equipped teaching labs. You can carry out projects with research equipment and high-performance computers in our specialist research labs. We also have strong links to research facilities and observatories in the UK and around the world.
With the combination of an analytical approach and practical problem-solving skills, physics graduates are in strong demand by employers. You'll be able to work in a wide range of careers in physics and beyond, such as:
Many of our graduates also go on to postgraduate study in preparation for academic or industry-based research careers.
Find out more about what our graduates go on to do.
You can find out more about studying a physics degree at Bath by visiting our Physics Virtual Experience page to hear from staff and students in the department.
Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail.
We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.
This course lasts 3 years. It starts in September 2026 and ends in 2029. Welcome week starts on 21 September 2026.
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 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) in each academic year. Credits are usually split evenly across your two semesters of study. 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) are the equivalent of 1,200 notional hours of study; this includes contact time with staff and your own independent learning.
All credits displayed on this page are ECTS credits.
10 credits
20 credits
15 credits
15 credits
20 credits
15 credits
10 credits
5 credits
10 credits
60 credits
We also offer this course with a professional placement or study abroad. You can take advantage of our links with industry and research institutions to gain extra experience for your CV, make new contacts or try out a career option.
You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.
These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.
Timetabled contact hours, which may be made up of lectures, problem-solving sessions, tutorials and laboratory classes, vary throughout your course and between courses but are typically between 18 and 22 hours a week in your first year.
Our teaching for this course is delivered through in-person learning on campus, supported by high quality online provision. The significant majority of contact hours over the duration of your course will be in person, and this will be enhanced by some online delivery which will constitute a smaller proportion of these contact hours, depending on your programme of study, year of study and chosen optional units. This may be supplemented by additional activities such as a small number of online learning sessions (not live), skills development sessions, and personal tutorials.
The amount of timetabled sessions on campus in later years may vary based on the options you choose, with a greater emphasis on independent learning. Project and dissertation units will generally have fewer scheduled sessions to allow you time for your independent work – this may also mean the number of hours of timetabled sessions each week will vary within a year.
In addition to timetabled contact hours, you are expected to undertake independent learning and assessment activities. Typically, this might be around 13 – 22 hours per week in your first year, and include individual research, reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, preparing coursework assignments, presentations, or revising for exams. After your first year, the emphasis on independent learning becomes greater, for example in your final year project.
You will be assessed by a range of methods designed to develop and test your skills and knowledge. These include closed and open-book examinations, problem-solving assignments, laboratory and computing assessments, project reports and presentations.
70 to 75% of your course will be assessed through examinations. 25 to 30% will be assessed through coursework, including practical work. The balance of assessment methods will vary throughout your degree.
In your final year, you will carry out a project. You will primarily be assessed as an individual but may also be assessed as part of a group.
We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities, take a look at our Disability Service’s pages for information.
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.
As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).
The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.
‘Throughout my degree, I’ve been able to work on many projects, both in groups and individually, applying my knowledge in real-life scenarios.’
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.
You will need a strong performance in both Mathematics and Physics as part of your entry qualifications.
We know that the context in which you are studying can have an impact on your ability to perform your best in exams and coursework, or limit which subjects or qualifications you are able to study at your school or college. We consider any application based on its merits, including your background and circumstances, including through:
A*AA in three A levels including Mathematics and Physics with A* in Mathematics or Physics (or Further Mathematics if applicable).
Further Mathematics is not required for this course. If you do study Further Mathematics, you must still achieve A in both Maths and Physics.
Read more about our approach to A levels and AS levels.
We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level. Read more about our approach to this qualification.
AAB in three A levels including A in Mathematics and A in Physics.
We seek to foster an outstanding and inclusive community at Bath. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us.
Find out if you may be eligible for a contextual offer.
Contextual offers are automatic - if you receive an offer and meet our eligibility criteria, you will receive the contextual offer instead of our typical or alternative offers.
We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level. Read more about our approach to this qualification.
We know that you may have study beyond three A levels that will help prepare you for your degree. If you are not eligible for a contextual offer, we recognise these studies through our alternative offers.
AAA or A*AB in three A levels including A in Mathematics and A in Physics plus one of:
The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is not accepted in place of an A level for these offers. If you are studying three A levels and this qualification you are eligible for an alternative offer:
AAAB or A*ABB in three A levels including A in Mathematics and A in Physics and B in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
If you receive an offer, you will receive each alternative offer you qualify for alongside the typical offer. You only need to meet one of these sets of conditions to meet your offer overall.
36 points overall and 7, 6, 6 in three Higher Level subjects including Physics and either HL Mathematics.
Read more about how we consider the IB Diploma.
In exceptional circumstances we may be able to consider you if you are studying either Standard Level Physics or Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches. Our typical offer in this instance would be 36 points overall with 6, 6, 6 or 7, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in Physics or either HL Mathematics plus 7 in Standard Level Physics or Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches.
We cannot consider Standard Level Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations for this course.
We consider applicants studying the IBCP on a case-by-case basis based on the individual IB certificates and vocational qualifications you study within the programme. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider IB Certificates and common vocational qualifications.
For this course, you will normally need to study either Mathematics course at Higher Level. Your remaining qualifications must include sufficient Physical Science content.
If you are studying IB subjects as part of the IB Diploma, you will usually need to complete the full diploma programme to be considered.
If you do not follow the IB Diploma programme, we can consider stand-alone IB Higher Level Certificates either on their own or combined with other qualifications. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider IB Certificates.
For this course, you will normally need to study either Mathematics course at Higher Level. Your remaining qualifications must include sufficient Physical Science content.
36 points overall and 6, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in Physics and 6 in either HL Mathematics.
We seek to foster an outstanding and inclusive community at Bath. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us.
Find out if you may be eligible for a contextual offer.
Contextual offers are automatic - if you receive an offer and meet our eligibility criteria, you will receive the contextual offer instead of our typical or alternative offers.
In exceptional circumstances we may be able to consider you if you are studying either Standard Level Physics or Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches. Our typical offer in this instance would be 36 points overall with 6, 5, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in Physics or either HL Mathematics plus 7 in Standard Level Physics or Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches.
D*DD in the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF) plus grade A in A level Mathematics.
You must be studying A level Mathematics alongside your BTEC qualification.
We are able to consider BTEC qualifications in Applied Science and you need to have studied as many units in Physical Science as possible. Please contact us to discuss the suitability of your units before making an application.
Suitable applicants progressing via this route will be invited to interview as part of the admissions process.
Read more about our approach to Extended Diplomas.
We accept Level 3 Diplomas and Extended Certificates alongside A levels or in combination with each other. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates.
You must be studying A level Mathematics alongside your BTEC qualification. Your remaining qualifications will need to include sufficient Physics or Physical Science units. If you are not studying A level Physics, please contact us to discuss the suitability of your units before making an application.
T levels are not considered suitable preparation for this degree programme and are therefore not accepted for entry. If you require advice on how you may academically prepare to study this degree or present with a mix of qualifications, you should contact our Admissions Progression Team at admissions-progression@bath.ac.uk.
AA in two Advanced Highers including Mathematics and Physics.
We make offers based on Advanced Highers. You will typically be expected to have completed five Scottish Highers and your grades in these will be considered as part of your application. We prefer applicants who have achieved AAAAA in their Highers.
Read more about how we consider Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers
A pass in 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.
Our Physics courses are academically challenging and require solid foundations of knowledge in Mathematics and Physics. We are able to consider Access to HE Diplomas in Science or Engineering, and we are looking for you to be studying a suitable level of Mathematics and Physics to be able to succeed in our courses. You will need to have studied Mathematics graded units worth at least 12 credits (including Calculus) and Physics graded units worth at least 12 credits, and your Access course specification will be reviewed thoroughly when we are considering your application. Most recent successful applicants have studied a significant amount of Mathematics independently, or completed some of the Mathematics A level syllabus alongside their Access studies.
Suitable applicants progressing via this route will be invited to interview as part of the admissions process.
We accept a range of other qualifications offered in UK, as well as combinations of typically studied qualifications (such as A levels and BTECs). You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider UK qualifications.
To be considered for this course, your combination of qualifications must include A level Mathematics (or equivalent) and either A level Physics (or equivalent) or sufficient Physical Science content.
You can contact us at admissions@bath.ac.uk for more advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
5 in all subjects with 85% and 80% in Higher Mathematics and Physics.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
9.0 overall with 95, 90, 90 in three state exams including Mathematics and Physics with 95 in Mathematics or Physics.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
9.0 overall with 9.5, 9.0, 9.0 in three subjects including Mathematics and Physics with 9.5 in Mathematics or Physics.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
An average of 4.5 in the common core subjects and an average of 5 across six optional programme courses including 5 in Mathematics R1/NS1 and R2/NS2 and 5 in Physics 1 and 2.
These requirements are for the Specialisation in General Studies programme. Please contact us if you are taking a different programme
We consider your grades in final assessment for each subject, or in examinations where you do not have a final assessment for that subject.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
H1, H1, H1, H2, H2, H3 in six subjects from the Irish Leaving Certificate with H1, H2 in Mathematics and Physics.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
5.7 overall with 6.0 and 5.8 in Mathematics and Physics including at least one of these subjects in a state matriculation exam.
Any subject in your offer in which you do not take a state matriculation exam must be studied in your final year of school.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
AAA in three subjects including Mathematics and Physics.
We do not accept General Studies as one of these three subjects. We do not accept grade A- in place of grade A.
A1, A2, A2, A2, A2, A2 including Advanced Mathematics I or Advanced Mathematics II and Physics.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Pass with A in 200 credits in Mathematics including Mathematics 4 or 5 and A in Physics 1 and 2 plus A in a further 800 credits and B in a further 800 credits.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
88% average across 5 grade 12 subjects including Physics, Pre-calculus and Calculus with 90%, 88% in Physics and Calculus (or equivalent from your province or territory)
Subjects with a less academic focus may be excluded.
If you would like to find out which subjects we consider equivalent to Pre-calculus and Calculus in your province or territory please email admissions@bath.ac.uk
88% average in a pre-university programme with 88% in all Mathematics and Physics courses
We accept the following pre-university programmes, depending on the Physics courses you have taken: Arts and Sciences; Science Computer Science and Mathematics; Science
Unfortunately we are not able to accept either the Ontario Secondary School Diploma or Manitoba High School Diploma alone for entry to this course. You will need an additional Mathematics qualification, such as an Advanced Placement Test in Calculus BC or an an IB Certificate in either Mathematics at HL or SL Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches for us to be able to consider your application
We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.
We accept the IB Diploma and our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section. If you are studying a mixture of IB courses and College Board qualifications please contact us for advice.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
An average of 85% across four subjects with 85% in Mathematics and Physics.
We do not accept Physical Education as one of these four subjects. Other subjects with a less academic focus may also be excluded. Please email admissions@bath.ac.uk if you would like to discuss your subject choices.
These requirements are for the CBSE and CISCE boards. Please contact us if you are taking this qualification with a different board.
If you are taking CBSE examinations, you must be studying Mathematics and not Applied Mathematics.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
19 in the Apolytirion plus A*A in two A levels including Mathematics and Physics.
We can often consider applications from students taking the Apolytirion in public schools in Cyprus without any additional A levels. This will depend on your subject stream and the advanced level subjects you are taking. Please email admissions@bath.ac.uk to find out more about our requirements.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Level 3 Diploma achieved with Excellence including one Level 3 subject with 18 credits at Excellence (E) and two Level 3 subjects with 14 credits at Excellence (E) including Mathematics and Physics.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
A weighted average mark of 11 with 10 in Mathematics A and Physics A.
If you sit written and oral examinations in a subject, you must achieve the required grades in both.
We may be able to consider your application if you are taking the Højere Handelseksamen (HHX), Højere Teknisk Eksamen (HTX), Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF). Please contact us to discuss our requirements.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
An overall average of 18 with 19, 18, 18 in three subjects including Mathematics A and Physics, with 19 in either Mathematics A or Physics.
Your subject grades will be taken as an average of your school results and external exams where relevant.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of these qualifications alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider a Foundation Year or if you are located here in the UK, explore the qualifications that may be available to you.
Please contact us for further advice on admissions@bath.ac.uk
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
5 in Advanced Placement Calculus BC plus 5 in both Advanced Placement Physics 1 and Physics 2.
We assess applications from students taking AP examinations on an individual basis.
When assessing your application, we will also be looking for evidence of a high academic standard across a breadth of study, for example through additional AP Tests, your wider school curriculum and SAT or ACT scores if you have taken them.
If you would like advice about your own set of qualifications, please email admissions@bath.ac.uk
If you are unable to take the Advanced Placement tests required above, we may be able to consider your application if you can demonstrate a high level of academic achievement through honours, dual enrolment or equivalent ‘advanced’ level classes on a case-by-case basis. Typically, we would be looking for one honours, dual enrolment or equivalent ‘advanced’ level class in place of each Advanced Placement test. If you do not have Advanced Placement tests in Calculus BC and Physics, we may be able to consider honours, dual enrolment or equivalent ‘advanced’ level classes in these subjects.
When assessing your application, we will also be looking for evidence of a high academic standard across a breadth of study, for example through your wider school curriculum and SAT or ACT scores if you have them.
Please send a copy of your high school transcript and details of any pending classes to admissions@bath.ac.uk if you would like to discuss your application.
3.5 GPA including sufficient credit in Mathematics and Physics
We consider applications from students with Associate Degrees on a case-by-case basis and will carefully review the content of the classes you have studied, particularly in Mathematics and Physics. We will be looking for a high standard across a breadth of academic study and for you to have studied sufficient credit with high grades in Mathematics and Physics to be suitably prepared to enter this course.
Please email admissions@bath.ac.uk with a copy of your university and high school transcripts and details of any pending classes if you would like to discuss your application.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
85% overall with 9.0, 8.5 in both Mathematics (5 periods) and Physics (4 periods) with 9.0 in either Mathematics or Physics.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
AAA in three H2 level subjects including A in Mathematics and Physics.
We are unable to consider a Polytechnic Diploma for our Physics degrees.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
90, 85, 85 in three extended subjects including Mathematics and Physics with 90 in either Mathematics or Physics.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
A score of 9 overall with 9 in Mathematics and Physics in the final year.
You must be studying Mathematics I and II from the science stream. We cannot accept Mathematics for Social Sciences for this degree course.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
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.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
CGPA of 85% with 85% in Physics and either Calculus or Mathematics in the final year.
We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.
We accept the Indian 12th Standard and our entry requirements are listed under the 'India' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
We are reviewing our typical requirements for these qualifications for this course and will publish new information soon.
If you have any questions, please contact us at admissions@bath.ac.uk.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
77766 in five subjects with 85% in Mathematics, Further Studies Mathematics (Standard) and Physical Sciences.
We do not accept Life Orientation as one of these five subjects.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
5*5 in Physics and one other elective subject plus 5* in core Mathematics and 5 in the Algebra and Calculus extended paper or 55 in Physics and one other elective subject plus 5* in core Mathematics and 5* in the Algebra and Calculus extended paper.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
15 overall with 16, 15 in two speciality subjects in the final year including Mathematics and either Physics/Chemistry or Engineering Science
14 overall with 16, 15 in two speciality subjects in the final year including Mathematics and either Physics/Chemistry or Engineering Science
By speciality subjects, we mean the subjects studied as 'enseignements de spécialités' as part of the General Baccalaureate. The grade we require is the grade awarded in the speciality subject from the written examinations taken in your final year.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
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.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Due to the variety, structure and grading of these qualifications, applications are welcomed from students with these qualifications but we consider them on on a case-by-case basis. If you are interested in applying, please contact us on admissions@bath.ac.uk for further advice. Please provide copies of your school reports within your email for our consideration.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of these qualifications alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
An overall score of 95% in the scientific pathway with 10, 9, 9 in three subjects from your final report card including Mathematics and Physics with 10 in Mathematics or Physics.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Fees and funding information for Physics BSc (Hons)
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.
Learn how we decide fee statusFee information is not yet available for this course. Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students.
If you choose to take 'Science Education in Practice' as an optional unit, you may need to pay for an enhanced DBS check and for travel to local secondary schools. The DBS check is payable before the start of your final year at an approximate cost of £55.
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 or bank transfer. 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 textbooks.
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. If you are thinking about studying or working abroad as part of your course, you may have to prove that you have a certain amount of money in your bank account to get a visa.
Please read the information about planning your finances for your placement year which includes potential sources of funding, travel insurance, and visas.
We will usually assess you based on your UCAS application. If you are studying certain qualifications, such as an Access to HE Diploma or BTEC Extended Diploma, you will be invited to attend an interview as part of our selection process.
Very exceptionally we may invite you to an interview if you have circumstances we cannot assess from an application alone.
Our interview page gives more information on what you should expect from an interview.
Learn more about studying at Bath
Visit our undergraduate virtual experience pageThe study of matter in motion has underpinned our understanding of the physical world, from Newton’s laws of motion to Einstein's theory of relativity. You will learn how these theories are developed and applied, taking a more mathematical approach than in pre-University courses, and explore the foundations of astrophysics, including the solar system, exoplanets, stars and galaxies. You’ll also learn how to analyse DC and AC electric circuits, to help support your experimental lab work.
You will advance your knowledge and understanding of fundamental areas of Physics, including quantum mechanics, states of matter, thermodynamics, vibrations & waves, optics and the laws of electromagnetism, developing a platform for your studies throughout your undergraduate course.
Physics and mathematics are disciplines with a natural affinity; mathematics lies at the heart of our understanding of the physical world, and the study of the equations of physics has motivated large areas of mathematical analysis. You will learn the core mathematical techniques required to study physics and explore how these can be applied to physical problems.
Experimental laboratory work, scientific computing, the understanding of measurement, data & applied statistics, scientific writing, presentation and problem solving are skills that are fundamental to your development as a physicist. You will work individually and in groups to advance your confidence and competence in these key areas, to provide a platform for higher-level project work in future years.
Building on Foundations of Physics 1, you will deepen your knowledge of key concepts underpinning our understanding of the physical world. You'll learn how quantum theory is built from a set of fundamental postulates that enable you to understand the properties of atoms and solids, how Maxwell’s equations unify the laws of electricity & magnetism and explain the properties of electromagnetic waves, and how simple counting rules make fundamental sense of the concepts of temperature and entropy.
One of the great things about physics is that the fundamental ideas, laws and theories hold from the smallest, most ephemeral sub-atomic particles to the largest scale structures in the Universe. You will explore the foundations of particle physics and nuclear physics, learn about the life cycle of stars and expand your knowledge of cosmological models and the Big Bang.
Vector calculus, Fourier analysis and methods to solve linear partial differential equations are important parts of the physicist’s mathematical toolbox. You will learn about these more advanced mathematical concepts and techniques, that will be applied in second year and higher-level Physics units, and further develop your problem-solving skills and understanding of mathematical results.
Conduct Physics experiments in pairs, developing skills in experimentation, science, and presentation. You’ll work together on high-level electronic experiments and strengthen your scientific computing skills in Python through numerical methods and computational investigations. Collaborating in teams, you’ll investigate physical phenomena using theory, simulation, and experimentation.
During Semester 2, you can choose between three different lecture courses, depending on your individual interests and preferences. If you are more theoretically minded, you can choose to broaden your mathematical knowledge and skills. Alternatively you can choose to advance your knowledge of observational astrophysics, or to explore more applied aspects of physics.
In Semester 2 you can also choose how you would most like to advance your physics skills, to provide a strong foundation for your extended project work in your later course years. You can choose between options such as:
Learning to use physical computing to control and measure electronic circuits and experiments
Using a high-level compiled programming language such as C++ to solve more complex scientific problems
Using a range of data modelling techniques to analyse and visualise astrophysical “big-data” sets.
You will carry out a 15 credit project in your final year, choosing from the wide range of projects (experimental, theoretical and computational) that are offered each year. Many projects are related to current departmental research, as well as some on more diverse topics, such as physics education. Alternatively, you can carry out an Industry Team Project, where you investigate a real-life scientific problem posed by an industrial client, or a Communicating Physics Project, where you design and deliver public engagement activities on an aspect of the Departments research. You can also choose from a wide range of final year options to match your individual interests and preferences. You can choose to focus more strongly on fundamental or applied physics, or to keep a more equal balance between the two. A range of astrophysics topics are included in these options, as are broader topics to enable you to experience a `taster of a field you might be considering for graduate employment.