Physics
University of Sussex
UCAS Code: F300 | Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
University of Sussex
UCAS Code: F300 | Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Entry requirements
A level
A-levels must include Mathematics at grade B. Physics A-level is desirable, but we will consider applicants on a case-by-case basis without it. You should have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.
Pass Diploma with at least 39 level 3 credits at Merit or above including 27 credits at Distinction. In addition to the Access to HE Diploma, you will also need an A-level in Mathematics, with at least grade B.
We take the EPQ into account when considering your application and it can be useful in the summer when your results are released if you have narrowly missed the conditions of your offer. We do not routinely include the EPQ in the conditions of your offer but we sometimes offer alternative conditions that include the EPQ. If you wish to discuss this further please contact Admissions at [email protected]
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
This score should be from the full IB Diploma. IB Higher Levels must include Mathematics, with a grade of 5. For entry, either Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation at Higher Level will be accepted.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma should be in Engineering and must include Distinctions in Engineering Principles, Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems and Further Engineering Maths units. GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics with at least grade 5 is essential (or grade B).
Scottish Higher
Highers must include Mathematics and, normally, also Physics. Applicants without Physics will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Ideally, you will also have an Advanced Higher in Mathematics (grade B).
UCAS Tariff
We've calculated how many Ucas points you'll need for this course.
About this course
**7th in the UK for our research environment in Physics in REF 2021 (Times Higher Education)**
**About the course**
From subatomic particles to entire galaxies, physics allows us to explore the big questions, while having a significant impact on our daily lives.
At Sussex, you’ll explore fascinating subjects, learning from world-leading researchers. Their work includes developing next-generation quantum computers, investigating quantum gravity and black holes, searching for fundamental particles at CERN and studying our universe from the Big Bang to modern times. You could be working with researchers who are part of a team using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope. Your teaching and modules are directly influenced by our research.
You’ll use the latest equipment and state-of-the-art labs, and gain a broad understanding of the core principles of physics. Options enable you to specialise in areas you find most fascinating. You’ll apply this knowledge across a range of areas including:
- astrophysics
- quantum physics
- particle physics
- materials science
- mathematical physics.
You’ll also work with one of our expert research teams. You could be making exciting discoveries during your final-year project.
Our department is a friendly hive of activity. You’ll join a close-knit community. Our open-door policy means that whatever you need, we’ll be there to support you.
By graduation, you’ll have developed skills much in demand with employers. You’ll gain an analytical approach to problem solving, data analysis skills and solid research skills. Your training will open doors to exciting careers in:
- research
- finance
- industry.
**Accreditation**
Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
**MPhys or BSc?**
We also offer this course as a four-year degree with an industrial placement year, as a four-year MPhys, as a four-year MPhys with research placements, or as a five-year MPhys with an industrial placement year.
**Location**
Study on our beautiful, green campus on the edge of the South Downs National Park and just minutes from the vibrant seaside city of Brighton & Hove. We’re near to Gatwick airport and just over an hour from London.
**About the University of Sussex**
Our courses, research, culture and campus aim to stimulate, excite and challenge. From scientific discovery to global policy, from student welfare to career development, Sussex innovates and takes a lead. And today, in every part of society and across the world, you'll find someone from Sussex making an original and valuable contribution.
Modules
See the modules you will study by year by going to the ‘visit our course page’ link at the bottom of the page.
Tuition fees
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The Uni
University of Sussex
Physics and Astronomy
What students say
We've crunched the numbers to see if the overall teaching satisfaction score here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.
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
Assessment and feedback
Resources and organisation
Student voice
Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
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.
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.
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.
£25k
£30k
£35k
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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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?
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