Department of Physics research
We have a thriving research programme, encompassing physics from the nanoscales to the most energetic processes in the Universe.
Department of Physics
The courses we offer are complemented by our inspirational research programmes in physics and astrophysics.
Research Excellence Framework 2021
96% of our submitted research activity was ranked as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2021).
News
Our latest research news and press releases.
Research with Impact Podcast with Roland Pease: 'A bright future for solar energy'
In the new podcast series, Roland meets Prof Alison Walker (Physics) and Prof Petra Cameron (Chemistry) to discuss our research that's powering the future.
Bath Astrophysicist honoured with IOP Publishing Top Cited Paper Award
Dr Hendrik van Eerten, a reader in the Department of Physics, has co-authored one of this year’s most cited papers published in Institute of Physics journals.
Research fellow in the Department of Physics awarded Clifford Paterson Medal
Dr Euan Allan receives the award from the Institute of Physics in recognition of his application of physics in a commercial context.
Professor Ventsislav Valev awarded the 2023 Institute of Physics Thomas Young Medal
The prize – jointly won with Professor David Andrews from UEA – recognises the discovery of chirality-sensitive optical harmonic scattering.
Professor Stijn Wuyts named Hiroko Sherwin Chair in Extragalactic Astronomy
The honorary role celebrates his contributions to astrophysics and the cooperation he has fostered between the University of Bath and East-Asian observatories.
University of Bath hosts international Physics conference
The Department of Physics played host to the 2023 international workshop on superconductivity and magnetism in two-dimensional films and heterostructures.
Events
Details about our Department's upcoming and past events.
Global Chair Public Lecture: Professor Nicolas Kotov
6 Dec 2023 5.00pm
5 West,
2.3,
University of Bath
As one of the University's 2023/24 Global Chairs, Professor Nicolas Kotov will give a public lecture on 'Taming Disorder with Chirality'.
Postgraduate Research Highlight Day in Physics
17 Nov 2023 1.15pm
3.14,
8 West,
University of Bath
Visit our postgraduate research highlight day and find out about PhD research projects at the Department of Physics in Bath.
Study physics with us
Find out about our undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including our top 5 reasons to study physics at Bath.
Undergraduate courses in physics and astrophysics
Learn more about our physics courses, including entry requirements and course structure.
Available PhD Projects in the Department of Physics
See available PhD projects in the Department of Physics
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.
People, facilities, research and outreach
Learn more about staff and facilities in the department and see how your school or college can get involved with our work.
People in the Department of Physics
Find a member of staff in the department.
Facilities available for physics students, researchers and industry
Explore the facilities available for teaching, research or commercial use with expert support from university staff.
Department of Physics research
We have a thriving research programme, encompassing physics from the nanoscales to the most energetic processes in the Universe.
Physics outreach opportunities for schools
Find out how your school can access our teaching resources, and let's work together to communicate the excitement of physics to children.
Stack and draw: how plain glass rods turn into the fibre optics of the future
From telecoms to healthcare, fibre optics are an essential tool in photonics research. But how are they made, and what exactly do they do?
Placement stories
Find out what it's like to go on a placement while studying at Bath.
Encouraging the next generation
Mathematics and Physics student Rebecca Lane found inspiration for the future while attending a STEM event during her placement.
I supported forecasting, modelling and statistical analysis at the Home Office
Physics student Adam Stannard opted for a placement as an operational research analyst to gain new skills and insight into the business world.
Revolutionising household products on placement at Dyson
Physics student Tim Jones on gaining experience in a research-engineering role and securing a graduate role with Dyson.
Student and Staff Prizes and Awards
Find out more about prizes and awards recognising our staff and students alike.
Student Prize Winners in the Department of Physics
A number of student prizes are awarded each year to celebrate our students' academic achievements.
University Staff Awards in the Department of Physics
Discover more about various University awards and prizes celebrating staff excellence in the Department of Physics.
Our Alumni
The Bath Alumni blog: insights & stories from campus & beyond
Alan Miller (PhD Physics 1975)
Professor Alan Miller has been named an Honorary Fellow by the Institute of Physics for his outstanding contribution to the field.
Adriana de Bartolome (MPhys Physics 2019)
Physics graduate Adriana is currently working as an Engineer for Indra in Madrid, in her native Spain.
Stephen Ainger (BSc Physics with Geophysics 1974)
Stephen attended the University in its early days and now holds a range of non-executive roles, having retired as CEO at Partnerships for Renewables.
Jamie Urquhart (BSc Physics with Physical Electronics 1979)
After studying at Bath in the 1970s, Jamie went on to have an influential career in the computing industry.
Equality and diversity
We are committed to promoting equality and diversity. We welcome a diverse community of students and staff.
End of Year Report 2022
From research, through outreach to teaching, find out the highlights of everything that has happened over the year 2022 in the Department of Physics.
About the Department of Physics
Our broad selection of courses satisfy a wide range of interests, preparing students not only for a career in physics but many other fields as well.
Our diversity as a department is reflected through the variety of research conducted by our seven research groups and centres encompassing physics on the smallest nanoscales to the most energetic processes in the Universe.
Get in touch
For any queries about our research or courses, please contact us in person or online.
We are based in the 8 West building on campus
University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, United Kingdom