Philosophy and Physics
BSc
3 years full-time
Durham City
VF53
Typical offers
| A Level | A*AA |
|---|---|
| BTEC | D*DD |
| International Baccalaureate | 38 |
Course details
The BSc Philosophy and Physics degree is thoughtfully crafted to equip students with essential knowledge and the analytical, critical, reasoning, practical and problem-solving skills that are highly valued by employers and form the foundation for a wide range of careers in the ever-evolving workplace. This course combines the most rigorous and fundamental science subject and the humanities.
In your first year, you will engage with introductory modules in philosophical subject areas, while in Physics, you’ll cover core physics theory and accrue mathematical skills. The course allows you to tailor your academic journey in Philosophy to match your evolving interests while in Physics you cover more core content.
During the final year, the selection of optional modules broadens significantly, culminating in a project that offers you the opportunity to explore a topic of interest in depth. Additionally, you can take our distinctive interdisciplinary enterprise module, where you can delve into an area that resonates with your passions and leverage the skills honed throughout the course.
Whether completing the programme in three years, opting for a placement year, or embarking on a year abroad, the choice is yours.
Course structure
Year 1 modules
Core modules:
Knowledge and Reality
introduces philosophical problems in epistemology (the study of knowledge), and metaphysics (the study of reality and ourselves).
Science, Medicine and Society
introduces important and how these areas are connected. For instance, historical reflections on the concepts of objectivity, evidence, method, probability, and observation and theories of scientific method to Science and truth: what do we know for sure?
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.
EITHER
Linear Algebra and Calculus
that builds a deep knowledge of mathematical foundations that is suitable for those with an obsessive interest in Mathematics.
OR
Single Mathematics A and B
has the required mathematical knowledge to support Foundations of Physics.
Year 2 modules
Core modules:
Foundations of Physics 2A
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.
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.
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.
Year 3 modules
Core modules:
Project
In the final-year Project you will either embark on a detailed and critical examination of a relevant area of philosophy under the supervision of a member of academic staff or research a specific topic and present your findings and conclusions or take our enterprise module where groups of students develop a business plan to bid for research funding for an applicable innovation. This requirement develops an ability to plan and manage your own learning.
Foundations of Physics 3A
further develops your knowledge to include quantum mechanics and nuclear and particle physics. You will learn to apply the principles of physics to complex problems and produce a well-structured solution, with clear reasoning and appropriate presentation.
Foundations of Physics 2B
develops your knowledge of thermodynamics, condensed matter physics and optics.
Laboratory Skills and Electronics 3
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.
Optional modules:
In recent years optional modules have included:
- Metaphysics
- Philosophical Issues in Contemporary Science
- Formal and Philosophical Logic
- Physics in Society 3
- Science Enterprise
Additional Pathways
Students can apply to be transferred onto either the with Year Abroad or with Placement pathway. Places on these pathways are in high demand and if you are chosen your studies will extend from three years to four or four to five depending on course.
Accreditation
The degree is recognised by the Institute of Physics.
Learning
Our diverse teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, problem classes, seminars, homework problems, practicals, written and oral presentations and individual projects.
For most modules you will attend lectures and the other classes are designed to support and develop learning. For instance, questions may be posed in lectures and may form the topic of discussion in tutorials, problem classes or seminars. Laboratory classes give you the chance to plan experiments and to interpret data. The small-group teaching format is embedded into the learning experience to help you get more out of your studies. For instance, Philosophical development is principally a matter of acquiring a range of reasoning skills, rather than familiarising yourself with a body of knowledge, and tutorials consist mostly of structured, critical dialogue in the context of a friendly, supportive environment. We also place great emphasis on high-quality one-on-one attention from your personal academic advisor, self-directed learning to develop your critical thinking skills and collaborative working with other students.
As you move into the final year the focus on self-directed learning and independent research increases as you begin to prepare for professional or postgraduate life. Teaching staff offer drop-in surgeries where a member of the team is available to provide support.
Assessment
Entry requirements
A level offer – A*AA
including either A*A in any order in Mathematics and Physics.
Contextual offer – AAB
including AA in any order in Mathematics and Physics OR A*AC, including A*A in any order in Mathematics and Physics
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – D*DD and A*A in any order in Mathematics and Physics.
IB Diploma score – 38 including 76 in Higher Level in any order in Mathematics (maths analysis & approaches) and Physics 6 in one other Higher Level subjects.
- Science A levels: Applicants taking Science A levels that include a practical component will be required to take and pass this as a condition of entry. This applies only to applicants sitting A levels with an English examination board.
- We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study.
- There is no advantage in applying for both BSc and MSci degrees.
- Entry requirements are the same for both BSc and MSci degrees.
- We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry.
Alternative qualifications
International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.
Home students who do not meet our direct entry requirements, may be eligible for our Foundation Programme which offers multidisciplinary programmes to prepare you for a range of specified degree programmes.
Fees and funding
The fees for this academic year have not been confirmed yet.
Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances and are delighted to offer a range of funding opportunities.
Find out more about Scholarships and BursariesCareer opportunities
Natural Sciences
Graduates acquire a valuable range of subject-specific skills across disciplines with the capacity to make creative connections. They are highly employable in a diverse range of careers and sectors.
Natural Sciences graduates have the academic knowledge, flexibility and technical skills to take on roles including consulting, accounting, banking and investment, research, software engineer, data scientist, international development, and government.
Of those students who graduated in 2021-22:
- 82% are in work and/or further study.
Of those in employment:
- 97% in highly skilled employment.
- £35,000 is the average salary.
(Source: 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)
Department information
Natural Sciences
Take a Joint-Honours degree or design your own bespoke qualification that allows you to combine subjects beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries.
Real-world challenges often require multidisciplinary solutions. Our Natural Sciences degrees allow students to combine either traditional Joint-Honours degrees or transcend traditional subject boundaries, bringing together a range of ideas and disciplinary perspectives.
You can study for a BSc or MSci. Both qualifications allow you to design your own degree, majoring in at least one science subject: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Earth Sciences; Mathematics; Physics; and Psychology; with the possibility of studying a second science discipline, Anthropology, Business, Economics, Education, Geography, Philosophy or Sport & Exercise Sciences. Focus on two subjects from the outset, or choose a broader range of modules across three or four subjects. These highly flexible courses include the opportunity to undertake a year abroad or a placement year, to develop additional skills and enjoy new experiences.
Natural Sciences is a challenging and rewarding choice for science students who wish to study more than one subject.
For more information see our department pages.
Rankings
3rd in The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2025
Staff
For a current list of staff, please see our department web pages.
Facilities
You will have access to a wide range of facilities across multiple departments. Most departments are close to the historic centre of Durham which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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VF53
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