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Sheffield Hallam University

UCAS Code: BB07 | Master of Physics - MPhys

Entry requirements

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE English Language at grade C or 4 Maths at grade C or 4 GCSE equivalents Level 2 Literacy or Functional Skills Level 2 English Level 2 Numeracy or Functional Skills Level 2 Maths • Foundation - pass from the preparatory year of our Extended Degree Programme Engineering and Mathematics, depending on academic performance • Access - an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 18 level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above, from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate.

UCAS Tariff

128-136

This must include at least 80 UCAS points from Physics and Mathematics A levels (with a minimum grade B in both), or equivalent. For example: ABB-AAB at A Level including Physics and Mathematics. DDD in BTEC Extended Diploma in a relevant subject. Distinction overall from a T level qualification. A combination of qualifications which must include Physics and Mathematics and may include AS levels and EPQ

About this course

This course has alternative study modes. Contact the university to find out how the information below might vary.

Course option

4years

Full-time | 2026

Other options

5 years | Sandwich | 2026

Subject

Physics

**Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information.**

**Course Summary**

- Work in active research groups, performing cutting edge science.

- Be a physicist from day one - apply fundamental principles of physics to solve complex real-world problems.

- Explore novel questions, not just solve established ones, shaping you into a visionary physicist.

- Be mentored and supported by award-winning teaching staff.

Our Master's in physics focuses on the fusion of theory and hands-on practice, equipping you to continue your passion beyond your undergraduate studies.

This course offers an exceptional learning experience on a consistently top-rated physics program for student satisfaction. You will benefit from studying in small, close-knit groups, fostering a supportive environment conducive to active engagement and personalised attention. A distinctive feature of this course is the opportunity to collaborate with industry partners on real-world physics and technology projects, providing you with valuable hands-on experience and industry exposure. By enrolling in this applied physics program, you can expect a rewarding and enriching educational journey that combines academic excellence, practical projects, and strong industry connections.

**How You Learn**

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

At Sheffield Hallam University, our physics course offers students a comprehensive education that applies knowledge to real-world scenarios. Our teaching and learning approach is closely linked to ongoing research and industry practices, ensuring students receive up-to-date and relevant instruction. Throughout the course, students will have access to a range of support services tailored to each level of their studies.

Students are taught through a variety of engaging methods, including:

Lectures delivered by experienced academics and industry professionals
Practical laboratory sessions for hands-on experimentation and data analysis
Group discussions to encourage collaborative learning
Project-based assignments that mirror real-world physics and technology challenges
Field trips and site visits to industry partners for practical application of concepts

**Key Themes**

The physics course covers a wide range of key themes and core modules, including:

- Quantum physics and atomic structure

- Astrophysics and cosmology

- Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics

- Classical mechanics and electromagnetism

- Materials science and nanotechnology

- Advanced computational physics

**Applied Learning**

**Work Placements**

Our physics course offers students the chance to undertake work placements. This invaluable experience allows students to apply their knowledge in a professional setting.

You’ll have the opportunity to arrange a year-long work placement in between your second and third years. This gives you valuable work experience to prepare you for your future career and allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV.

Your course is designed to give you the knowledge, confidence and readiness to secure and succeed in your placement. To complement this, you have access to various support activities, resources, employer events and opportunities from your Careers & Employability Team to ensure you make the most of your work experience opportunities during your degree.

**Live Projects**

Students collaborate on live projects that involve real-world physics challenges. These projects are provided in partnership with industry.

Modules

Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page. .

You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.

**Year 1**
Compulsory modules
Bridging The Gap From Classical To Quantum Physics
Exploring The Building Blocks Of Matter - Particle, Nuclear, And Atomic Physics
Physics In Practice - Skills For Real-World Applications
The Physics Of Stars And Beyond - Exploring The Universe

**Year 2**
Compulsory modules
Exploring The Cosmos Through Mechanics, Relativity, And Astrophysics
Harnessing Quantum And Computational Physics For Discovery
How To Predict The Future - Thermodynamics And Statistical Physics
Physics Unleashed - Mastering Real-World Applications

**Year 3**
Optional modules
Placement Year

**Year 4**
Compulsory modules
Developing Further Advanced Topics In Physics And Its Applications
Discovering Advanced Topics In Physics And Its Applications
Project: Implementation
Project: Management And Scoping

**Final Year**
Compulsory modules
Industrial Group Project
Project And Dissertation
Research Frontiers In Mathematics, Physics And Statistics
Research Methodology And Practice

Assessment methods

Coursework, exams,

Tuition fees

Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:

Channel Islands
£9,535
per year
England
£9,535
per year
EU
£17,155
per year
International
£17,155
per year
Northern Ireland
£9,535
per year
Republic of Ireland
£9,535
per year
Scotland
£9,535
per year
Wales
£9,535
per year

Extra funding

Scholarships, discounts and bursaries may be available to students who study this course.

The Uni

Course location:

Sheffield Hallam University

Department:

College of Business Technology and Engineering

Read full university profile

What students say

How do students rate their degree experience?

The stats below relate to the general subject area/s at this university, not this specific course. We show this where there isn’t enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.

Physics

Teaching and learning

87%
Staff make the subject interesting
87%
Staff are good at explaining things
93%
Ideas and concepts are explored in-depth
93%
Opportunities to apply what I've learned

Assessment and feedback

Feedback on work has been timely
Feedback on work has been helpful
Staff are contactable when needed
Good advice available when making study choices

Resources and organisation

80%
Library resources
87%
IT resources
93%
Course specific equipment and facilities
60%
Course is well organised and has run smoothly

Student voice

Staff value students' opinions
Feel part of a community on my course

Who studies this subject and how do they get on?

95%
UK students
5%
International students
84%
Male students
16%
Female students
95%
2:1 or above
28%
First year drop out rate

Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)

D
D
D

After graduation

The stats in this section relate to the general subject area/s at this university – not this specific course. We show this where there isn't enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.

Physics

What are graduates doing after six months?

This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.

£28,500
med
Average annual salary
95%
high
Employed or in further education
80%
med
Employed in a role where degree was essential or beneficial

Top job areas of graduates

17%
Teaching and educational professionals
15%
Sales assistants and retail cashiers
11%
Sales, marketing and related associate professionals

Although the subject has seen a bit of resurgence in recent years, the UK is still felt to be short of physics graduates, and in particular physicists training as teachers. If you want a career in physics research — in all sorts of areas, from atmospheric physics to lasers - you'll probably need to take a doctorate, and so have a think about where you would like to do that and how you might fund it (the government funds many physics doctorates, so you might not find it as hard as you think). With that in mind, it's not surprising that just over a fifth of physics graduates go on to take doctorates when they finish their degree, and well over a third of physicists take some kind of postgraduate study in total. Physics is highly regarded and surprisingly versatile, which is why physics graduates who decide not to stay in education are more likely to go into well-paid jobs in the finance industry than they are to go into science. The demand and versatility of physics degrees goes to explain why they're amongst the best-paid science graduates.

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This is the percentage of final-year students at this university who were "definitely" or "mostly" satisfied with their course. We've analysed this figure against other universities so you can see whether this is high, medium or low.

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You can use this to get an idea of who you might share a lecture with and how they progressed in this subject, here. It's also worth comparing typical A-level subjects and grades students achieved with the current course entry requirements; similarities or differences here could indicate how flexible (or not) a university might be.

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Post-six month graduation stats:

This is from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey, based on responses from graduates who studied the same subject area here.

It offers a snapshot of what grads went on to do six months later, what they were earning on average, and whether they felt their degree helped them obtain a 'graduate role'. We calculate a mean rating to indicate if this is high, medium or low compared to other universities.

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Graduate field commentary:

The Higher Education Careers Services Unit have provided some further context for all graduates in this subject area, including details that numbers alone might not show

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The Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset combines HRMC earnings data with student records from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.

While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?

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