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Physics with Nanotechnology

Entry requirements


A level

A*,A,A-A,A,A

A*AA-AAA including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A) or AAAB-AABB including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A). Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to the lower offer. Applicants who have not studied mathematics/further mathematics and/or physics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year. If you are taking an EPQ in addition to three A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAA including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A), plus grade A in the EPQ. We are committed to ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal

D2,D3,D3-D3,D3,D3

D2 D3 D3 - D3 D3 D3 in three Principal subjects including physics (minimum grade D3) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade D3). Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to the lower offer. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants?who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme. Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A, grade M2 can be used in lieu of A Level grade B or M3 can be used in lieu of A level grade C.

Extended Project

A

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to three A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAA including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A), plus grade A in the EPQ.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

36-38

Pass, with 38-36 points overall, with 19-18 points required at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) and 6 at Higher Level in physics Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to the lower offer. Applicants who have not studied mathematics and/or physics at Higher Level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants?who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme. International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) offer Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)

H1,H1,H1,H2,H2,H2-H1,H1,H2,H2,H2,H2


H1,H1,H1,H2,H2,H2- H1,H1,H2,H2,H2,H2 including mathematics, applied mathematics and physics. Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to the lower offer. Applicants who have not studied mathematics/further mathematics and/or physics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants?who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)

D*-D

D*-D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA-A*A in A-level physics and A-level mathematics or further mathematics. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year. Please visit the Foundation Year page for more information. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants?who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)

D

D*-D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA-A*A in A-level physics and A-level mathematics or further mathematics. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year. Please visit the Foundation Year page for more information. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants?who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4" We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)

A-B

A*AA-AAA including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A) or A*A-AA from two A-levels including physics and either mathematics or further mathematics and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate or AAAB-AABB including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A) or AA from two A-levels including physics and either mathematics or further mathematics, plus grades AB-BB from a third A-level and the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead the lower offer. Applicants who have not studied mathematics/further mathematics and/or physics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.

UCAS Tariff

144-152

We've calculated how many Ucas points you'll need for this course.

About this course


Course option

4years

Full-time | 2024

Subject

Physics

Nanotechnology involves the study of matter and machines down to scales of a billionth of a metre. From the tiny components that make our smartphones work to new medical diagnostic tools, it continues to change the world.

This degree builds on the MPhys Physics programme, giving you a more advanced understanding of nanotechnology and nanoscience – and providing the skills you need to work at the nanoscale. You’ll be introduced to the fundamental concepts of nanoscience from year one, building on this in later years with more in-depth study of light and matter interactions, quantum devices and nanomaterials.

With a robust physics training and specialist nanotechnology expertise, you’ll have a huge range of career options to choose from. Your experimental skills will be sought after in industry R&D, and you’ll be well equipped for further research at PhD level. If you decide on a career outside physics, your transferable skills, such as computation and coding, statistical analysis, communication and problem solving, will be in demand in numerous professions.

Modules

In addition to studying core physics modules, the course includes key study in quantum devices, nanoscience, light and matter, molecular materials, processing of devices and the molecular basis of life. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the field, you will also learn how physics, photonics, electronics, chemistry and biochemistry relate to nanotechnology.

In your third and fourth year you can choose from a range of optional modules. You could choose to study a module within Physics and Astronomy, or study a subject from the wider University, such as law, business or languages. Learn more about optional modules here: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/physics-with-nanotechnology-degree-mphys#modules

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.

Assessment methods

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; laboratory work involves reports on several techniques of experimental physics and a dissertation; in the fourth year students prepare and present seminars and laboratory work is replaced by a project which involves continuous assessment, written reports and an oral examination.

Tuition fees

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

Channel Islands
£9,250
per year
England
£9,250
per year
EU
£27,400
per year
International
£27,400
per year
Northern Ireland
£9,250
per year
Republic of Ireland
£9,250
per year
Scotland
£9,250
per year
Wales
£9,250
per year

The Uni


Course location:

Main Site - Highfield Campus

Department:

Physics and Astronomy

Read full university profile

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.

77%
Physics

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

69%
Staff make the subject interesting
79%
Staff are good at explaining things
72%
Ideas and concepts are explored in-depth
68%
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

77%
Library resources
74%
IT resources
84%
Course specific equipment and facilities
61%
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?

86%
UK students
14%
International students
76%
Male students
24%
Female students
74%
2:1 or above
10%
First year drop out rate

Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)

A
A
A

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.

£25,000
med
Average annual salary
95%
med
Employed or in further education
84%
high
Employed in a role where degree was essential or beneficial

Top job areas of graduates

24%
Information technology and telecommunications professionals
15%
Business, research and administrative professionals
10%
Business, finance 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.

What about your long term prospects?

Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.

Physics

The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.

£27k

£27k

£33k

£33k

£38k

£38k

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.

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Lower entry requirements
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Nearby University
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This information comes from the National Student Survey, an annual student survey of final-year students. You can use this to see how satisfied students studying this subject area at this university, are (not the individual course).

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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This information is from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), for undergraduate students only.

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?

Have a question about this info? Learn more here