DEGREE GUIDE

Physics

What do Physics degrees involve?

Physics degrees teach you how the universe works, from the smallest subatomic particles to the vastness of space. You will explore key areas such as classical mechanics, quantum physics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and astrophysics. These courses help you develop strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills while understanding the fundamental laws that govern matter, energy, and motion. As you progress, you can specialise in areas such as particle physics, space science, or theoretical physics. You will also gain hands-on experience through laboratory experiments, computational modelling, and research projects. With a combination of theoretical study and practical application, you’ll be prepared for careers in scientific research, engineering, data science, and technology innovation.

Example
Modules

Classical Mechanics: Study the laws of motion and forces that govern everything from falling apples to planetary orbits. Learn how Newton’s laws explain motion, energy and momentum.

Quantum Mechanics: Explore the strange world of particles and waves. Learn how quantum theory explains atoms, electrons, and the uncertainty behind the physics of the very small.

Common Degree Names

💼 Placement years are widely offered, especially in research, aerospace, energy or data science.
🌍 Study abroad is available at many institutions.

BSc (Hons) Physics
BSc (Hons) Physics with Astrophysics
BSc (Hons) Physics and Mathematics
MPhys Physics
MSci Physics

Integrated Master’s (MPhys or MSci), are four-year courses combining undergraduate and Master’s level study in one programme.

Level 3 (A-level / IB Diploma (HL) / Scottish Highers)

Physics degrees explore the fundamental laws that govern the universe, from subatomic particles to galaxies. The subject requires strong mathematical ability alongside scientific curiosity.

You'll need:

Mathematics – essential for all Physics courses
Physics – required by almost all universities

Subjects that strengthen your application:

Further Mathematics (or IB AA HL) – valuable for more competitive courses and makes the transition easier
Chemistry – useful for understanding atomic and molecular physics
Computer Science – helpful for computational physics and data analysis

✨ Maths and Physics together are required by almost all courses. Further Maths is highly recommended for competitive universities and integrated Master's programmes (MPhys/MSci) if it is available at your school.

Universities may also accept:

BTEC Extended Diplomas in Applied Science (being phased out) or Engineering, usually only alongside A-level Maths and Physics
BTEC National Extended Certificates or National Diplomas alongside A-levels that meet the subject requirements above
IB Career-related Programme (IBCP) with Physics and Mathematics at Higher Level among your IB subjects (minimum two, ideally three), alongside your Career-Related Study

Most Physics degrees are accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP). Always check specific course requirements.

Level 2 Qualifications (GCSE or equivalent)

Most courses ask for:

GCSE English Language and Maths (or equivalent) – Maths often required at grade 6 or above. Equivalents include Scottish National 5s, BTEC Level 2, or IB MYP certificates
GCSE Physics or Double Science (or equivalent)

📋 Strong Maths skills are essential for Physics. Some universities specify minimum Maths grades higher than standard requirements because the degree involves extensive mathematical content.

💬 Interviews

Formal interviews aren't usually part of the application process. However, some universities may invite you for a short conversation, either online or in person, to learn more about your interest in the subject.

📝 Admissions Tests

If you're applying to Oxford or Imperial, you'll need to sit the ESAT (Engineering and Science Admissions Test). It covers Maths and Physics to assess your readiness for the course. Most other universities don't require a test.

🔍 Work Experience

You don't need work experience to apply for Physics. If you have a school placement to fill, a research lab, engineering firm, or observatory gives you a sense of how physics is used in practice.

✨ Personal Statement Tips

What aspect of physics captivates you? Whether it's quantum mechanics, cosmology, particle physics, thermodynamics, or something from your studies that made you want to dig deeper - being specific about what draws you in helps. Admissions tutors want to see you've engaged beyond the syllabus: perhaps a book that changed how you think, a podcast that opened up new ideas, a problem you've puzzled over, or a question you'd love to answer. You don't need research experience, but show you're the kind of person who's genuinely curious about how the universe works and enjoys the challenge of understanding it mathematically.

If your qualifications don't match the usual entry requirements, there are some other possibilities.

🌱 Foundation Year in Physics or Science

Many universities offer a physics foundation year if you don't have the required Maths and Physics grades. This is one of the most common routes into Physics for students changing direction, and leads directly into the full degree.

🎓 Access to HE Diploma (Science or Engineering)

Accepted by some universities, though not all will accept Access routes for physics degrees — check individual course requirements carefully. Make sure your course includes strong maths and physics content, and aim for Distinctions in your quantitative units.

Is this degree right for you?

Members can explore whether this degree fits who they are:

Skills you'd develop and whether they match your strengths
How this aligns with your interests, motivators and values
Career paths and where graduates end up

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Skills you would develop in X degree

Skill Name

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Is this a good fit for you?

Use the tabs to explore the kind of person that this would be a good fit for. Do you share the Interests, Motivations, Values, Work identity and skills that people who thrive in this course tend to have?

Not sure what these things are? Explore your Identity Tree with us first.

Interests that connect well with a Physics degree

Students who enjoy this degree often share these interests. You don't need to feel strongly about all of them, and interests develop over time. If one or two catch your curiosity, or sound like something you'd like to know more about, that's a good sign.

The Planet, the Universe & What's Out There: Physics is built around understanding how the universe works at every scale. You'll study everything from subatomic particles and the behaviour of light to gravity, the structure of matter, and the laws that govern space, time and the cosmos.

Mathematics, Patterns & Data: Physics is one of the most quantitative degrees you can study. You'll use mathematical models constantly, derive equations from first principles, analyse experimental data, and find that the language of physics is fundamentally the language of numbers and patterns.

Students who thrive in a Physics degree are often motivated by

Precision and Thoroughness

You feel satisfied when work is done accurately and completely. Whether it's getting calculations exactly right, spotting errors others miss, or making sure every detail is correct, the pursuit of precision gives you a sense of accomplishment. Sloppy or "good enough" work frustrates you, and you take pride in getting things right first time.

Research and Discovery

You're excited by the idea of uncovering something genuinely new: being at the cutting edge, running experiments, and contributing knowledge that didn't exist before. You want to discover, not just learn what others have found. The prospect of adding something original to human understanding is what drives you, and you're willing to spend long periods on uncertain work for that possibility.

Analysing and Investigating

You're energised by making sense of information, looking for evidence, spotting patterns, and piecing together how things connect. Whether it's pulling apart data, questioning assumptions, or tracing a problem back to its source, you find energy in the process of understanding what's really going on. You'd rather dig into the details than accept things at face value.

Curiosity and Learning

You're energised by the activity of learning itself: diving into a subject you've never explored, watching documentaries, taking apart how something works, or constantly asking "why?" The process of learning gives you energy, not just the outcome. You don't just want the answer; you want to understand how things connect, why they matter, and what's underneath the surface explanation.

Intellectual Challenge

You're energised by pushing your mind to its limits, tackling difficult questions, and wrestling with problems that don't have easy answers. You're drawn to work that requires deep concentration and rigorous thinking. The harder the problem, the more satisfying it feels to work through it, and you'd rather be stretched than comfortable. Easy work bores you rather than relaxing you.

What makes Physics click for the students who love it?

They need to know how the world works at its most basic level, from the smallest particles to the whole universe. Physics is for people who find the maths and the theory the best part, and who enjoy a problem that only cracks open with careful, exact thinking. The more it stretches them, the more they want it. Getting the answer right matters because one small slip makes the whole thing wrong. For many, the questions no one has answered yet are the ones they cannot leave alone.

These are the skills that students who love this degree tend to enjoy using. You don't need to be great at them already, but if they sound like you, that's a good sign.

Skill Name

Skills that suit this degree

You don't need to be great at these already — but if you enjoy using them or want to get better at them, that's a good sign.

Do you enjoy puzzling over how things work — not just learning facts, but figuring out the reasoning behind them?
Do you find yourself comfortable working with maths, even when it gets quite abstract or challenging?
Do you enjoy the satisfaction of working through a tough problem step by step until it finally clicks?
Do you like testing ideas out practically, seeing if what the theory predicts actually happens in real life?

Careers a Physics degree could lead you to

Physics

What do Physics degrees involve?

Example Modules

Common Degree Names

Is this degree right for you?

Skills you would develop in X degree

Skill Name

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Is this a good fit for you?

Careers a Physics degree could lead you to

Example
Modules