Physics

UCAS code: F303

Here's what University of Southampton says about its Physics course.

The four-year MPhys Physics degree is the ideal choice for students who want to become professional physicists. From quantum mechanics to the evolution of the universe, you’ll explore the topics that interest you most at a profound level, learning from experts who share your passion. It's our most flexible degree and you'll be able to choose modules in all four years. All MPhys programmes build on the BSc Physics, allowing for extra specialisation and depth of study.

This degree is also the pathway to three flagship programmes, which our top students can transfer to in their second year. On the MPhys Particle Physics with a Research Year Abroad flagship degree, students have a unique opportunity to relocate to CERN in Switzerland. The MPhys Physics with a Year of Experimental Research flagship degree enables students to spend their final year immersed in our world-class laboratories. And the MPhys Physics with Industrial Placement flagship degree gives students the opportunity to spend six months working on an original research project in an industrial laboratory.

You’ll have access to exceptional research-grade facilities, including a rooftop observatory and specialist photonics labs.

Your degree will open the door to a wide range of careers, with recent graduates employed in roles ranging from physicists and engineers, to actuaries and statisticians, scientific journalists and medical researchers.

This course is accredited by the Institute of Physics.

Typical modules include:

Year one: Electricity and Magnetism; Energy and Matter; Mathematical Methods for Physical Scientists; Motion and Relativity; Physics Skills; Waves, Light and Quanta; plus additional module options.

Year two: Classical Mechanics; Electromagnetism; Physics from Evidence I; Quantum Physics; Statistical Mechanics; Wave Physics; plus additional module options.

Year three: Atomic Physics; Computer Techniques in Physics; Crystalline Solids; Dissertation; Nuclei and Particles; Physics from Evidence II; Theories of Matter, Space and Time; plus additional module options.

Year four: MPhys Final Year Synoptic Examination; MPhys Project; plus additional module options.

Throughout your degree, you’ll also develop key transferable skills such as problem solving, data analysis and computing, which are sought after by a range employers. During year two, you’ll also have access to a programme of physics-focused career sessions, timetabled to fit in with your studies, which include application and interview workshops as well as talks from visiting professionals.

For MPhys programmes, assessment in the first and second year is a mixture of unseen written examinations, marked problem-based coursework and laboratory work. In the third year assessment is mainly by examination, although laboratory-based, computer-based and dissertation modules will use different assessment methods, as appropriate. In the fourth year of the MPhys programmes, laboratory work is replaced by a project which involves continuous assessment, written reports and an oral examination.