Physics

UCAS code: F303

Here's what Lancaster University says about its Physics course.

This is our flagship degree programme that offers you the flexibility to study the areas of physics that interest you the most, including Particle Physics and Quantum Technology. Physics is an exciting subject that underpins much of modern society, and you’ll find yourself exploring matter, forces, and the universe around you. Our courses combine studying fundamental concepts with cutting-edge topics, ranging from understanding sub-atomic particles like the Higgs Boson to exploring how superfluids behave at the lowest temperatures.

We want your degree to work for you! That is why we offer you the flexibility to build your own physics degree by choosing from the broad range of modules that we teach.

How does this take shape? There are two options:

Option 1 Keep your horizons open and explore your interests by selecting optional modules from across our broad spectrum of topics, subject to prerequisites in later years.

Option 2 We have grouped together a selection of modules to create ‘pathways’ that help guide your choices so that you can focus on your specific area of interest. These pathways are:

• Quantum Technology

• Particle Physics

• Particle Physics with Theoretical Cosmology

We’ll ask you to indicate your preference for one of our pathways from Option 2 near the end of Year 1.

When do I study these modules? In Year 1, everybody studies the same core curriculum, which provides a solid grounding in fundamental physics, covering topics such as mechanics, quantum physics, thermodynamics, and electricity and magnetism. his is complemented by laboratories where you will perform state-of-the-art experiments with sophisticated equipment and associated software.

The common core continues for the first term of Year 2. In Lent term, your degree really starts to flex in the way you want it to with modules starting to reflect your individual interests.

In Year 3, with fewer core modules, you can continue specialising within your chosen pathway or explore the full breadth of our modules. If you’ve chosen a pathway, you will take the Quantum Technology, Particle Physics or Cosmology Group Project module as appropriate. If you’ve selected Option 1, then the Industrial Group Project module, where you work with an industry partner to solve a real-world problem, is also open to you!

In Year 4 you will spend much of your time working on your independent research project. Our academics are experts in their fields so your project topic will be exciting and explore new research frontiers. In addition, you will take 6 Master’s-level modules to reflect your interests. If you’ve chosen a pathway, then 3 or 4 of your options will be predetermined, with the remaining Master’s-level modules left up to you. If you’ve elected for Option 1, then all 6 modules choices are up to you. Optional modules choices are subject to pre-requisites.

What if I want to change my choices? That’s fine! We are happy to guide you in choosing different modules. And, did you know that you can also switch to one of our other degrees at the end of Year 1 if you feel that it would suit you better?