Physics with Industrial Experience

Join a University ranked in the UK top five for Physics research (THE analysis of REF 2021) with an excellent reputation for teaching and learning.

Our four-year Physics with Industry course includes a year of gaining hands-on paid experience in industry.

A year spent in industry can be a life-changing and rewarding experience. It can help you hone your skills in project management, teamwork and communication. It can also provide invaluable insights into commercial pressures and real-world applied science.

Recently, our students have worked for a wide range of employers, including the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy; the Government Statistical Service; Malvern Panalytical; Airbus; JP Morgan; Sharp; Rolls-Royce; and the Science and Technology Facilities Council.

Physics focuses on the fundamental building blocks and forces of nature. It explores how quantum physics and relativity help us to comprehend the world around us. Topics range from the infinitesimal scale of particle and nuclear physics to the cosmic scale of galaxies and the Universe.

Year one will give you a comprehensive grounding in physics and mathematics. In year two, you will develop a fundamental understanding of the principles of physics. This includes practical work in the laboratory and computational physics.

During your year in industry, you will continue to study core physics via distance learning. This is to prepare you for your final-year project or dissertation once you are back at the University.

In your final year, you will undertake a major project, working in a research group with a staff member. Our students' final-year projects address questions at the frontier of our research fields. The most successful have been published in scientific journals.

Join our friendly department with a very active, award-winning student society. We support you to develop a broad range of experimental, theoretical and analytical skills, as well as to develop your understanding of how to apply your skills more widely. These are vital for a career in research or industry.

Our physics graduates have an excellent record of employment post-study. This is a testament to the value that employers place on the transferable skills that you will gain on this course.