BSc
Physics BSc (Hons)
An accredited degree that offers maximum flexibility. The BSc in Physics can be used as the first step towards a career as a physicist or take you directly into a role in industry.
How to apply Apply via UCAS
Course details
Start date
Degree Type
BSc
UCAS Code
F300
Course length
3 years full-time
Typical offer
A*A*A
Tuition Fees
- Home (Full-time): 9,535 per year
- Overseas (Full-time): 33,250 per year
Overview
Durham is one of the leading physics and astronomy departments in the UK. When you choose the BSc in Physics, you’ll be joining a dynamic and focused learning community that is home to multiple research institutes, world-class facilities, and experts with close links to industry. Current developments in both research and industry are used to bring theoretical learning to life, a factor which contributes to our consistently high ranking in university league tables. Undergraduate physics degrees at Durham offer a high level of flexibility. We offer four Institute of Physics accredited courses – the BSc in Physics and MPhys qualifications in Physics, Physics and Astronomy, and Theoretical Physics – which follow the same core curriculum in Year 1. Subject to the optional modules chosen, it is possible to switch to one of the other courses until the end of the second year. You can also apply to add a placement year or a year abroad to your degree, increasing the course from three years to four. The rigorous curriculum has been designed to develop skills in reasoning, problem-solving and data analysis as well as advancing your understanding of mathematics and IT. The BSc in Physics is the first step towards achieving Chartered Physicist status, however many graduates move straight into employment in a wide range of industries from energy and IT to engineering and scientific research.
Course details
Start date
Degree Type
BSc
UCAS Code
F300
Course length
3 years full-time
Typical offer
A*A*A
Tuition Fees
- Home (Full-time): 9,535 per year
- Overseas (Full-time): 33,250 per year
What you'll study
The first year lays the foundation in physics theory, mathematical skills and laboratory skills that you will need to tackle more complex content later in the course. From Year 2 you'll have the opportunity to explore areas such as astrophysics, quantum theory and the relationship between physics and society in more detail. In Year 3 you can apply your learning to a range of real-world issues with project work, student-led laboratory work and optional modules tailored to your interests and aspirations.
Core modules
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Discovery Skills in Physics
provides a practical introduction to laboratory skills development with particular emphasis on measurement uncertainty, data analysis, and written and oral communication skills. It also includes an introduction to programming.
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Foundations of Physics
introduces classical aspects of wave phenomena and electromagnetism, as well as basic concepts in Newtonian mechanics, quantum mechanics, special relativity and optical physics.
Optional modules
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In recent years, optional modules have included: Single MathematicsLinear AlgebraCalculus. Please note: it is compulsory to study two Maths modules (as background mathematical knowledge for the Foundations module).
Core modules
-
Foundations of Physics A
develops your knowledge of quantum mechanics and electromagnetism. You will learn to apply the principles of physics to predictable and unpredictable problems and produce a well-structured solution, with clear reasoning and appropriate presentation.
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Foundations of Physics B
develops your knowledge of thermodynamics, condensed matter physics and optics.
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Laboratory Skills and Electronics
builds lab-based skills, such as experiment planning, data analysis, scientific communication and specific practical skills. It aims to teach electronics as a theoretical and a practical subject, to teach the techniques of computational physics and numerical methods and to provide experience of a research-led investigation in physics in preparation for post-university life.
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Mathematical Methods in Physics
provides the necessary mathematical knowledge to successfully tackle the Foundations of Physics modules. It covers vectors, vector integral and vector differential calculus, multivariable calculus and orthogonal curvilinear coordinates, Fourier analysis, orthogonal functions, the use of matrices, and the mathematical tools for solving ordinary and partial differential equations occurring in a variety of physical problems.
Optional modules
-
In recent years, optional modules have included: Stars and GalaxiesTheoretical PhysicsPhysics in Society.
Core modules
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BSc Project
an independent research-led study of a topic chosen from a broad list. You will present the results as a 5,000-word report and an oral presentation.
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Computing Project
in which you solve advanced computational physics problems using a variety of modern computing techniques and present your findings in a project report, poster and oral presentation.
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Foundations of Physics A
further develops your knowledge of quantum mechanics and nuclear and particle physics. You will learn to apply the principles of physics to the solution of complex problems and produce a well-structured solution, with clear reasoning and appropriate presentation.
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Foundations of Physics B
extends your knowledge to include statistical physics and condensed matter physics.
Optional modules
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In recent years, optional modules have included: Team ProjectAdvanced LaboratoryMathematics WorkshopPhysics into SchoolsPlanets and CosmologyTheoretical PhysicsPhysics in SocietyCondensed Matter PhysicsModern Atomic and Optical Physics.
Learning
Lectures are the starting point of the learning process. You will actively engage with the topics introduced in lectures through a combination of laboratory classes, problem exercises, tutorials and workshops. Laboratory classes give you the chance to plan experiments and to interpret data. You will also be set regular problem exercises which develop your theoretical understanding and problem-solving abilities; these exercises form the basis for discussions in small-group tutorials.Assessment
Assessment is mainly by end-of-year examinations and by project reports and presentations. The range of assessment methods is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of the course content, test your capacity to solve problems, enhance your written and oral communication skills, and assess your ability to relate your learning to real-world scenarios.Entry requirements
Fees & Funding
Choose which fees you want to see:
Home / Island students
9,535 per year
International / EU Students
33,250 per year
Home / Island students
Part Time - per year
International / EU Students
Part Time - per year
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Find out moreDepartment Information
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When you study physics at Durham you will work with experts across a range of specialisms to explore subjects such as the Big Bang, black holes, the Higgs boson, high-temperature superconductors, lasers, cold-atom Bose-Einstein condensates, biophysics and more. Our undergraduate physics degrees offer outstanding teaching, learning and employability outcomes for students. We offer four Institute of Physics accredited BSc and MPhys qualifications which share a common first year. Course content ranges from fundamental topics, such as elementary particle physics and cosmology, to applied areas which include material physics and biophysics. All courses allow you to select a number of modules tailored to your interests and career aspirations, and the course structures have been designed to provide flexibility in your final choice of degree. This means, depending on modules chosen, you need not make a firm decision about your course until the end of the second year. You also have the option to apply for a year-long work placement or study abroad opportunity with one of our partner organisations.
Read moreFacilities
Our Department lies in the heart of the University on the main campus among the science and engineering departments and the University library. The main Department building houses all the lectures and teaching laboratories as well as some of our world-class facilities such as our Cosma 8 supercomputer, which has the processing power and memory of about 28,000 home PCs. This enables scientists to simulate the evolution of the Universe from the Big Bang to the present day with unprecedented accuracy. We also have state-of-the-art scanning electron microscopes (SEM), transmission electron microscopes (TEM) and focused ion-beam microscopes (FIB) that are accessible to staff and students from physics, chemistry, earth sciences, engineering and biology areas. Students who undertake a project in observational astronomy will have access to the telescopes sited on the roof of the Physics building as well as our remotely operated telescope (0.5m) on La Palma. The Department also includes the Ogden Centre for Fundamental Physics, which is home to the Institute for Particle Physics Phenomenology and the Institute for Computational Cosmology.
Find out more -
Career Opportunities
Of those students who graduated in 2021-22:
91%
HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk
Employability
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