Sheffield Hallam University
UCAS Code: A033 | Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Entry requirements
Access to HE Diploma
An Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 15 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.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
English Language at grade C or 4, Maths at grade C or 4, and Science 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.
UCAS Tariff
This must include at least 32 points from one A level or equivalent BTEC qualifications. For example: CDD at A Level. MMP in BTEC Extended Diploma. Pass overall from a T level qualification with C from core A combination of qualifications, which may include a maximum of one AS level, EPQ and general studies
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About this course
This course has alternative study modes. Contact the university to find out how the information below might vary.
**Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information.**
**Course summary**
- Be a physicist from day one, using key principles to solve real-world problems.
- Explore the universe, from black holes to the Higgs Boson.
- Specialise in anything from astro to particle physics.
- Use physics creatively to discover new things.
- Apply theory to hands-on experiments, placements, projects and modelling.
Learning in small, close-knit and supportive groups, you’ll study a range of classical and modern physics, using mathematical and analytical tools to solve the problems you encounter. The skills you’ll develop are some of the most versatile of any subject, preparing you to excel in the world of physics and beyond.
This foundation year course is for those who don't meet the entry requirements for our BSc Hon Physics, or would like extra preparation before starting degree-level study.
**How you learn**
Our dedicated teaching team has extensive knowledge and expertise in their respective fields, providing exceptional support and guidance throughout your academic journey. We offer student-centred and experiential learning – from active, creative engagement with physics to critical thinking and practical application of knowledge. We also connect teaching to ongoing research and industry practices, making sure you’re well prepared for physics-related careers.
You learn through:
- Diverse lectures emphasising peer collaboration.
- Tutorials to practise and apply your knowledge ahead of assessments.
- Hands-on lab experience in computational modelling and simulation.
- Q&A and discussions for self-assessment and understanding.
- Support sessions for receiving feedback and preparing for assessments.
- Teamwork activities for collaboration in an innovative environment.
- Project-based learning to apply knowledge, creativity, design, critical analysis and professional skills to real-world projects.
**Key Topics**
During the course, you’ll jump into atomic, nuclear and particle physics – exploring the universe through astrophysics, the infinitesimal, quantum physics and the structure of matter. You’ll also hone your skills in python programming and research, collaborating with second and final-year students on a project from our research institute.
We’ll then explore quantum tunnelling, dark matter and how to apply electromagnetism, special relativity and thermodynamics to real-world problems. You’ll work on a large project based in our research institute, taking a greater responsibility for driving the research. You’ll also be supported to find a paid industrial work placement in an area of your choosing, as well as an optional work placement year – both helping you to get a real sense of how your physics skills support you in work.
In your final year you’ll complete a year-long research project, specialising in an area of physics you’re interested in. For example, you could examine the topology of black holes, explore how superfast magnetic switching materials can treat cancer, or gather data on nuclear transitions at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). Or even use material research techniques to find fraudulent artefacts in museum collections. You’ll also be able to choose from a selection of taught subjects – from the history of physics to learning how to use Scanning Electron Microscopes.
**Applied learning**
**Work Placements**
You’ll have the opportunity to arrange a year-long work placement in between your second and third years. This allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV.
Previous students have secured placements at businesses such as Rutherford Appleton laboratories, HSBC, Covance, the RAF and Babcock International.
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**
Engineering And Mathematics In Practice
Foundation Mathematics, Mechanics And Electronics 1
Foundation Mathematics, Mechanics And Electronics 2
Fundamentals Of Materials And Manufacturing
**Year 2**
**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 3**
**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 4**
**Optional modules**
Placement Year
**Final year**
**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
Assessment methods
Coursework | Practical | Exam
Tuition fees
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Extra funding
Scholarships, discounts and bursaries may be available to students who study this course.
The Uni
Sheffield Hallam University
College of Business Technology and Engineering
What students say
We've crunched the numbers to see if overall student satisfaction here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.
How do students rate their degree experience?
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Physics
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Student voice
Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
After graduation
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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.
Top job areas of graduates
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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