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Entry requirements
Here's what you will need to get a place on the Physics Foundation Year course at Newcastle University.
Select a qualification to see required grades
A level
A,A,B
AAB excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking OR ABB if at least one A level from: Maths, Biology, Chemistry, English Literature, Geography, History, Physics and Modern/Classical Languages or grade 2 in any STEP paper. Equivalent A level grades will be considered on a case-by-case basis. GCSE grade B or 6 in Mathematics and Physics (or Dual Award Science) required. When Maths or Physics A levels are taken we require a minimum grade B. Applicants who have, or are currently studying, A-levels in Maths AND Physics should apply for one of our Physics degrees without a foundation year.
Most popular A-levels studied
See who's studying at Newcastle University. These students are taking Physics Foundation Year or another course from the same subject area.
| Subject | Grade |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | A |
| Physics | B |
| Chemistry | C |
| Further Mathematics | B |
| Geography | A |
Course summary
What this course is about
UCAS code: F304
Here's what Newcastle University says about its Physics Foundation Year course.
Want to study physics at Newcastle, but not studying maths or science A levels (or equivalent)? If so, this Foundation Year programme is designed for you. Take this Foundation Year to develop the knowledge you need to progress to our three-year Physics BSc Honours degree.
You will study topics such as: •foundation mathematics •foundation physics •individual project
On successful completion of your Foundation Year you are guaranteed entry to our Physics degree programme at Newcastle (subject to achieving the required grades).
Source: Newcastle University
Course details
Qualification
Foundation Certificate - Fd cert
Department
School of Mathematics and Statistics
Location
Main Site (Newcastle) | Newcastle upon Tyne
Duration
1 Years
Study mode
Full-time
Subjects
• Physics
Start date
21 September 2026
Application deadline
14 January 2026
Newcastle University student reviews
Showing 91 reviews
1st year student
2 years ago
I haven't really had any experiences with the Student Union so far
1st year student
2 years ago
There's a ton of societies to join, a ton of extracurricular activities (like the Give It A Go programs, language taster sessions, cultural events, etc) and loads of opportunities in the university
1st year student
2 years ago
Of course, university and student accommodation cost a ton of money, but I have seen way worse tuition fees in other universities
1st year student
2 years ago
I am mostly very happy with the support provided.
1st year student
2 years ago
I think there's a big variety of facilities (in terms of shops, food places and libraries/computer labs as well), the only thing I can complain about is that the main canteen (Courtyard) closes fairly early, but aside from that, I'm very happy with it
1st year student
2 years ago
I am satisfied with my course, however, I think it does have some subjects which could be improved on. My translation theory and interpreting theory lectures feel like they are sort of a filler subject, I personally haven't found them too useful so far, not because of the lecturers, I think they are...
National Student Survey (NSS) scores at Newcastle University
The NSS is an annual survey where final-year students are asked to rate different aspects of their course and university experience.
Here you can see ratings from Newcastle University students who took the Physics Foundation Year course - or another course in the same subject area.
Select an option to see a detailed breakdown
Teaching on my course
83%
low
Teaching on my course
83%
low
How often does your course challenge you to achieve your best work?
88%
med
How good are teaching staff at explaining things?
83%
low
How often do teaching staff make the subject engaging?
62%
low
How often is the course intellectually stimulating?
100%
high
Learning opportunities
71%
low
Learning opportunities
71%
low
To what extent have you had the chance to bring together information and ideas from different topics?
67%
low
How well does your course introduce subjects and skills in a way that builds on what you have already learned?
71%
low
How well has your course developed your knowledge and skills that you think you will need for your future?
79%
low
To what extent have you had the chance to explore ideas and concepts in depth?
79%
low
To what extent does your course have the right balance of directed and independent study?
58%
low
Assessment and feedback
57%
low
Assessment and feedback
57%
low
How well have assessments allowed you to demonstrate what you have learned?
62%
low
How fair has the marking and assessment been on your course?
75%
low
How often does feedback help you to improve your work?
46%
low
How often have you received assessment feedback on time?
42%
low
How clear were the marking criteria used to assess your work?
58%
low
Academic support
88%
low
Academic support
88%
low
How easy was it to contact teaching staff when you needed to?
92%
med
How well have teaching staff supported your learning?
83%
low
Organisation and management
54%
low
Organisation and management
54%
low
How well were any changes to teaching on your course communicated?
73%
low
How well organised is your course?
42%
low
Learning resources
90%
med
Learning resources
90%
med
How well have the IT resources and facilities supported your learning?
88%
low
How well have the library resources (e.g., books, online services and learning spaces) supported your learning?
87%
low
How easy is it to access subject specific resources (e.g., equipment, facilities, software) when you need them?
96%
high
Student voice
65%
low
Student voice
65%
low
How clear is it that students' feedback on the course is acted on?
67%
med
To what extent do you get the right opportunities to give feedback on your course?
71%
low
To what extent are students' opinions about the course valued by staff?
58%
low
How well does the students' union (association or guild) represent students' academic interests?
65%
med
Other NSS questions
Other NSS questions
During your studies, how free did you feel to express your ideas, opinions, and beliefs?
85%
low
How well communicated was information about your university/college's mental wellbeing support services?
76%
low
Student information
See who's studying at Newcastle University. These students are taking Physics Foundation Year or another course from the same subject area.
Graduate prospects
What graduates do next
Facts and figures about Newcastle University graduates who took Physics Foundation Year - or another course in the same subject area.
Graduate statistics
75%
In a job where degree was essential or beneficial
80%
In work, study or other activity
85%
Say it fits with future plans
45%
Are utilising studies
Top job areas
20%
Information Technology Professionals
10%
Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
10%
Elementary occupations
10%
Engineering professionals
Graduate statistics percentages are determined 15 months after a student graduates
Earnings after graduation
Earnings from Newcastle University graduates who took Physics Foundation Year - or another course in the same subject area.
Earnings
£26.8k
First year after graduation
£32.8k
Third year after graduation
Shown here are the median earnings of graduates at one, three and five years after they completed a course related to Physics Foundation Year.
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree
Discussions
Discussions
Students are talking about Newcastle University on The Student Room.
Chat with Newcastle University
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Chat directly with official Newcastle University reps
Get accurate, up-to-date answers from the people who know the Newcastle University best.
With 4 official university representatives active on The Student Room, you can ask about everything from course content to campus life and get responses you can trust.
Ask the Student Room community
Want honest insights from current students?
Ask a question on The Student Room and hear directly from those living the experience from lectures to student support services and everything in between. No question is too small. Whether you're comparing universities or need advice on your application, you'll get real answers from students.
Newcastle University open days
Whether you're just beginning to explore your options or ready to take the next step, our Open Day events are here to guide and support your undergraduate or postgraduate journey.
Join us to discover:
• the wide range of degrees available
• funding opportunities to help finance your studies
• what it’s like to be part of Newcastle’s vibrant community
• how we support your academic and career development
• what life is really like studying, living, and working in Newcastle
We also offer virtual alternatives - perfect if you’re unable to attend in person
Source: Newcastle University
