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Finances for studying abroad on exchange
Physics is the study of the universe - exploring the basic rules that dictate the behaviour of matter and energy, from subatomic particles to the evolution of galaxies.
Physics will shape many of the radical solutions needed to tackle global issues. Be part of the revolution with our thought-provoking course accredited by the UK Institute of Physics.
Not many universities can say they’ve been teaching physics since 1896. Or that they’re one of the birth places of string theory. Today we’re a hub for scientific excellence and home to academics leading the way in everything from materials for healthcare to the next generation of radiation detectors.
Our courses are informed by our cutting-edge research. Not only will you hear about our work, but you’ll also have the chance to get involved with projects.
In the first year you’ll build a solid foundation in both theoretical and experimental physics.
In subsequent years, you will be able to tailor your degree to your interests and passion through our Physics Streams outlined below:
Physics Stream: The most versatile stream. Pick and choose which subjects interest you and build a kaleidoscope of experimental, theoretical, and computational knowledge.
Theoretical Physics Stream: This stream is the most mathematically oriented and abstract of our streams. Master the tools needed to push the limits of human understanding and solve the deepest problems that challenge us.
Astrophysics Stream: Explore the universe by learning about the hunt for planets and life outside our solar system, the birth and death of stars, the formation of galaxies, and the mysteries of cosmology. Learn about the sky above us and our place in the universe. Use the observatory to enhance your quest.
Physics with AI Stream: Learn about the technologies underpinning the 2024 Physics Nobel Prize. Our AI modules focus on programming, modern statistical methods, and machine learning. You will have the opportunity to apply your skills to an AI driven problem in your final year project.
All streams culminate in a full year final project in your area of interest guided by a dedicated academic staff member. Use this project to build skills that go beyond the classroom and prepare you for a future in any career that you choose.
This programme is accredited by the Institute of Physics.
You can complete your Physics degree in three, four or five years. If you are a BSc student and choose to study abroad, your time abroad will be during Year 3 and Year 3 modules will instead be studied in Year 4. If you are an MSci student and choose to study abroad, this will take place in Year 4 and Year 4 modules will be studied in Year 5.
Foundation
Semester 1
Compulsory
Semester 2
Year-long modules
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Electives (choose 5 from):
Electives (choose 1 from):
Electives (choose 2 from):
MSci only
Electives (choose 6 from):
Electives (choose 1 from)
Apply for this degree with any of the following options. Take care to use the correct UCAS code - it may not be possible to change your selection later.
Students who do not have the required high school qualifications for admission to this degree, and students who do not meet their UCAS Conditional offer may be considered for the 4 year degree (foundation year plus the 3 year degree).
International students with Year 12 or a completed international high school certificate qualify for the one year foundation programme commonly known as the ISEFP.
The foundation programme offers a range of transferable skills and an opportunity to improve on your knowledge content in relevant Maths and Science subjects.
You will enrol on a Physics BSc with Foundation which will offer progression to a range of degrees in the School of Physics and Astronomy including BSc Physics. At the end of the foundation programme, students will be required to meet the progression requirements for admission to BSc Physics.
Specialise further in the subject by applying for our Physics MSci. You will take advanced optional modules taught by leading experts in their field of research, and undertake a research project.
It is possible to transfer to the four-year MSci programme after starting your BSc degree, if you decide you would like to stay on to gain a Masters degree.
Students studying BSc or MSci Physics with Professional Experience have the option to apply for a one-year paid Professional Experience internship within their degree programme.
The Professional Experience degree programmes are identical to the BSc and MSci Physics routes except for the addition of the internship year.
You will complete your internship during the third year of your degree programme (or fourth for MSci), returning to Queen Mary for your final year of study.
If you choose to undertake a Year Abroad, this will take place in your third or fourth year of study. You'll then return to Queen Mary for your final year or years of study.
We have partner institutions in Australia, Canada, Malayisa, Singapore, New Zealand, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan and the USA. For more detail on where you can study on your Year Abroad and things to consider before applying, visit our Study Abroad pages.
The School has a really friendly and supportive atmosphere. We have a student support officer and each student also has an Academic Adviser. There are also lots of opportunities to work together with other students or discuss work informally with lecturers.
You’ll learn through a combination of lectures, laboratory sessions and tutorial classes. Your total teaching time will be around 20 hours per week, but you are expected to spend time on independent study and coursework or lab reports. Overall, you should be spending around 40 hours on your studies each week.
You will be assessed by various methods depending on the nature of the work being carried out. For example, if the module involves practical work only, the assessment will be based on laboratory reports. For non-practical modules you will be assessed by weekly coursework, termly assignments and an end-of-year examination.
The School offers excellent on-campus resources to aid your studies, including:
Alternative offers may be made to applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification.
For further information please visit: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry/epq
Our standard contextual offer: BBC including BB in Maths and Physics at A-Level.
Our enhanced contextual offer: BCC including BC in Maths and Physics at A-Level.
More information on our contextual offer criteria can be found on our contextualised admissions page.
Please note that General Studies and Critical Thinking are excluded from any A-Level offer and cannot be considered.
This programme requires ATAS clearance. Students who are not EEA or Swiss nationals may require ATAS clearance to undertake this course. The CAH3 code for this course is CAH07-01-01. Further information on ATAS can be found on our Advice and Counselling webpages.
Our standard contextual offer: BBB including BB in Maths and Physics at A-Level.
Our enhanced contextual offer: BBC including BB in Maths and Physics at A-Level.
We accept a wide range of European and international qualifications in addition to A-levels, the International Baccalaureate and BTEC qualifications. Please visit International Admissions for full details.
Find out more about our English language entry requirements, including the types of test we accept and the scores needed for entry to the programme.
You may also be able to meet the English language requirement for your programme by joining a summer pre-sessional programme before starting your degree.
See our general undergraduate entry requirements.
UK students accepted onto this course are eligible to apply for tuition fee and maintenance loans from Student Finance England or other government bodies.
Queen Mary offers a generous package of scholarships and bursaries, which currently benefits around 50 per cent of our undergraduates.
Scholarships are available for home, EU and international students. Specific funding is also available for students from the local area. International students may be eligible for a fee reduction. We offer means-tested funding, as well as subject-specific funding for many degrees.
Find out what scholarships and bursaries are available to you.
We offer specialist support on all financial and welfare issues through our Advice and Counselling Service, which you can access as soon as you have applied for a place at Queen Mary.
Take a look at our Student Advice Guides which cover ways to finance your degree, including:
Many graduates continue their studies with a PhD or MSc, often as a precursor to a career in research. The flexibility of the programme can prepare you for careers in specialist areas of physics and science more widely, if you have a particular area of interest.
Skills developed through studying physics – such as numeracy, data analysis, coding and problem solving – are also highly transferable into other sectors, including energy, business, marketing, engineering, technology, IT and finance.
Recent graduates of the school of Physical and Chemical Sciences have been hired by:
The School organises specialist industrial placements for Physics and Astronomy students. Typically around 20 students take advantage of the exclusive work placements. These placements are coordinated by a placement coordinator, who also provides support to students in applying.
Participating companies include small-medium enterprises operating in industries such as technology, energy and defence. Larger companies operating in industries such as aerospace, engineering and research also offer internships as part of the scheme.
We run dedicated weekly advice sessions and events such as software bootcamps and careers focus sessions.
The Queen Mary careers team can also offer:
Physics - BSc (Hons)
Physics with Foundation - BSc (Hons)
Physics with Professional Experience - BSc (Hons)
Physics with Year Abroad - BSc (Hons)
Physics - MSci (Hons)
Physics with Professional Experience - MSci (Hons)
Physics with Year Abroad - MSci (Hons)
The Discover Uni dataset (formerly Unistats)
The School of Physical and Chemical Sciences (SPCS) at Queen Mary combines the academic rigour of a Russell Group institution with a friendly and supportive atmosphere.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy’s teaching academics work on high-profile international collaborations, including experiments at CERN. Our researchers are searching for new planets around distant stars, developing and applying quantum technologies and theoretical concepts. Our PsiStar Physics and Astronomy Society is extremely active with around 200 members. Our academics use cutting edge experimental and theoretical techniques, alongside modern data science, to push the boundaries of their research areas.
The Department is proud to have played a role in some of the most exciting discoveries of the past 100 years, including the discovery of the W, Z, and Higgs bosons, the discovery of the closest Earth-like exoplanet to us, Proxima B, and the first ‘superstring revolution’.
We have recently recruited new staff in key areas such as particle physics, quantum technology, and space weather. We have state of the art laboratories, computing facilities, and a rooftop observatory, offering high-quality support for Physics and Astronomy teaching and research.
The Department of Chemistry enjoys an outstanding research and teaching quality reputation. We are a vibrant department, carrying out internationally leading research in fields such as Functional Materials and Nano Science, Synthesis, Catalysis, and Physical and Computational Chemistry. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, Chemistry ranked 8th in the United Kingdom for Research Impact and 9th in the UK for Research Output.
We have recently recruited new staff in key areas such as Carbon Nanotechnology, Organic Electronics, and Catalysis. The £5.2m refurbishment and modernisation of our Chemistry Lab facilities have secured the highest quality standard for Chemistry teaching and research.