Master of Physics - MPhys
Here's what you will need to get a place on the Physics (with an industrial placement year) course at University of Sussex.
Select a qualification to see required grades
A,A,A
A-levels must include Mathematics and Physics. You should have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.
| Location | Fees |
|---|---|
| England | £9,535 per year |
| Scotland | £9,535 per year |
| Wales | £9,535 per year |
| Northern Ireland | £9,535 per year |
| Channel Islands | £9,535 per year |
| Republic of Ireland | £9,535 per year |
| EU | £27,300 per year |
| International | £27,300 per year |
UCAS code: F305
Here's what University of Sussex says about its Physics (with an industrial placement year) 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 laboratories, 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 and through research placement opportunities. You’ll have the opportunity to apply for a year working in industry. You can choose from a range of companies and we have links with employers through SEPnet (South East Physics Network).
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.
From sustainability to economics and modern languages, you take electives from other subjects to open your mind to other disciplines and tailor your degree to your interests. 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 without the industrial placement year, with research placements, as a three-year BSc, or as a four-year BSc 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.
Source: University of Sussex
Qualification
Master of Physics - MPhys
Department
Physics and Astronomy
Location
Main Site | Brighton
Duration
5 Years
Study mode
Sandwich
Subjects
• Physics
Start date
September 2026
Application deadline
14 January 2026
See the modules you will study by year by going to the ‘visit our course page’ link at the bottom of the page.
Showing 120 reviews
Two stars: Could be better
1 year ago
Not really a social being
1 year ago
Accommodation is quite expensive in this region and the need for a guarantor adds another expense.
1 year ago
As an international student, i have had a pleasant experience with the staff members especially with the academic advisor team
1 year ago
Ancient and not really modern
1 year ago
The modules on my course have been carefully chosen to reflect the current movement and actualities within the financial industry
1 year ago
The NSS is an annual survey where final-year students are asked to rate different aspects of their course and university experience.
Here you can see ratings from University of Sussex students who took the Physics (with an industrial placement year) course - or another course in the same subject area.
Select an option to see a detailed breakdown
Teaching on my course
87%
low
How often does your course challenge you to achieve your best work?
85%
low
How good are teaching staff at explaining things?
97%
med
How often do teaching staff make the subject engaging?
70%
low
How often is the course intellectually stimulating?
96%
med
Learning opportunities
81%
low
To what extent have you had the chance to bring together information and ideas from different topics?
87%
med
How well does your course introduce subjects and skills in a way that builds on what you have already learned?
87%
med
How well has your course developed your knowledge and skills that you think you will need for your future?
89%
med
To what extent have you had the chance to explore ideas and concepts in depth?
73%
low
To what extent does your course have the right balance of directed and independent study?
69%
low
Assessment and feedback
66%
low
How well have assessments allowed you to demonstrate what you have learned?
67%
low
How fair has the marking and assessment been on your course?
73%
low
How often does feedback help you to improve your work?
53%
low
How often have you received assessment feedback on time?
80%
med
How clear were the marking criteria used to assess your work?
55%
low
Academic support
87%
low
How easy was it to contact teaching staff when you needed to?
87%
low
How well have teaching staff supported your learning?
87%
med
Organisation and management
77%
med
How well were any changes to teaching on your course communicated?
79%
med
How well organised is your course?
75%
med
Learning resources
84%
low
How well have the IT resources and facilities supported your learning?
70%
low
How well have the library resources (e.g., books, online services and learning spaces) supported your learning?
88%
low
How easy is it to access subject specific resources (e.g., equipment, facilities, software) when you need them?
92%
med
Student voice
67%
low
How clear is it that students' feedback on the course is acted on?
45%
low
To what extent do you get the right opportunities to give feedback on your course?
92%
med
To what extent are students' opinions about the course valued by staff?
65%
low
How well does the students' union (association or guild) represent students' academic interests?
55%
low
Other NSS questions
During your studies, how free did you feel to express your ideas, opinions, and beliefs?
92%
med
How well communicated was information about your university/college's mental wellbeing support services?
86%
med
See who's studying at University of Sussex. These students are taking Physics (with an industrial placement year) or another course from the same subject area.
| Most popular A-levels studied | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Grade | |||||
| Physics | C | |||||
| Mathematics | C | |||||
| Chemistry | B | |||||
| Further Mathematics | C | |||||
| Geography | B | |||||
The Physics (with an industrial placement year) course includes content from more than one subject area. Choose an option below for information about University of Sussex graduates across each of those subject areas.
Graduate statistics
60%
In a job where degree was essential or beneficial
90%
In work, study or other activity
60%
Say it fits with future plans
40%
Are utilising studies
Top job areas
25%
Information Technology Professionals
10%
Administrative occupations
10%
Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
10%
Elementary occupations
Graduate statistics
55%
In a job where degree was essential or beneficial
85%
In work, study or other activity
65%
Say it fits with future plans
40%
Are utilising studies
Top job areas
25%
Information Technology Professionals
15%
Elementary occupations
15%
Natural and social science professionals
10%
Administrative occupations
Graduate statistics percentages are determined 15 months after a student graduates
Earnings from University of Sussex graduates who took Physics (with an industrial placement year) - or another course in the same subject area.
Earnings
£27.7k
First year after graduation
£32.5k
Third year after graduation
£45.3k
Fifth year after graduation
Shown here are the median earnings of graduates at one, three and five years after they completed a course related to Physics (with an industrial placement year).
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
Students are talking about University of Sussex on The Student Room.
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