Physics

We’ll ask you to indicate your preference for one of our pathways from Option 2 near the end of Year 1.

When do I study these modules? In Year 1, everybody studies the same core curriculum, which provides a solid grounding in fundamental physics, covering topics such as mechanics, quantum physics, thermodynamics, and electricity and magnetism. his is complemented by laboratories where you will perform state-of-the-art experiments with sophisticated equipment and associated software.

The common core continues for the first term of Year 2. In Lent term, your degree really starts to flex in the way you want it to with modules starting to reflect your individual interests.

In Year 3, with fewer core modules, you can continue specialising within your chosen pathway or explore the full breadth of our modules. If you’ve chosen a pathway, you will take the Quantum Technology, Particle Physics or Cosmology Group Project module as appropriate. If you’ve selected Option 1, then the Industrial Group Project module, where you work with an industry partner to solve a real-world problem, is also open to you!

In Year 4 you will spend much of your time working on your independent research project. Our academics are experts in their fields so your project topic will be exciting and explore new research frontiers. In addition, you will take 6 Master’s-level modules to reflect your interests. If you’ve chosen a pathway, then 3 or 4 of your options will be predetermined, with the remaining Master’s-level modules left up to you. If you’ve elected for Option 1, then all 6 modules choices are up to you. Optional modules choices are subject to pre-requisites.

What if I want to change my choices? That’s fine! We are happy to guide you in choosing different modules. And, did you know that you can also switch to one of our other degrees at the end of Year 1 if you feel that it would suit you better?