Physics (Study Abroad) MPhys

Lancaster University

This is our flagship degree programme that offers you the flexibility to study the areas of physics that interest you the most. Physics is an exciting subject that underpins much of modern society, and you’ll find yourself exploring matter, forces, and the universe around you. Our courses combine studying fundamental concepts with cutting-edge topics, ranging from understanding sub-atomic particles like the Higgs Boson to exploring how superfluids behave at the lowest temperatures.

We want your degree to work for you! That is why we offer you the flexibility to build your own physics degree by choosing from the broad range of modules that we teach.

How does this take shape?

There are two options:

Option 1

Keep your horizons open and explore your interests by selecting optional modules from across our broad spectrum of topics, subject to prerequisites in later years.

Option 2

We have grouped together a selection of modules to create ‘pathways’ that help guide your choices so that you can focus on your specific area of interest. These pathways are:

• Quantum Technology
• Particle Physics
• Particle Physics with Theoretical Cosmology

When do I study these modules?

In Year 1, everybody studies the same core curriculum, which provides a solid grounding in fundamental physics, covering topics such as relativity, quantum mechanics, solid state physics, particle physics, and electricity and magnetism. This is complemented by laboratories where you will perform state-of-the-art experiments with sophisticated equipment and associated software.

The common core continues for the first term of Year 2. In Lent term, your degree really starts to flex in the way you want it to with modules starting to reflect your individual interests.

What if I want to change my choices?

That’s fine! We are happy to guide you in choosing different modules. And, did you know that you can also switch to one of our other degrees at the end of Year 1 if you feel that it would suit you better?

As a study abroad student, you will spend your third year studying at one of our partner universities in Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada or Europe. You study the same subjects at Lancaster as students on any one of our single-major degree schemes, and undertake courses at our partner institutions that are equivalent to those that you would have followed here.

In Year 4 you will spend much of your time working on your independent research project. Our academics are experts in their fields so your project topic will be exciting and explore new research frontiers. In addition, you will take 6 Master’s-level modules to reflect your interests. If you’ve chosen a pathway, then 3 or 4 of your options will be predetermined, with the remaining Master’s-level modules left up to you. If you’ve elected for Option 1, then all 6 modules choices are up to you. Optional modules choices are subject to pre-requisites.

Studying abroad

There are no restrictions with our study abroad scheme, meaning you can study any of our physics degrees with a year abroad by applying to this particular degree programme. For example, if you want to study Physics with Particle Physics and Cosmology with a year abroad then you would still apply for Physics (Study Abroad).

Lancaster University will make reasonable endeavours to place students at an approved overseas partner university that offers appropriate modules which contribute credit to your Lancaster degree. Occasionally places overseas may not be available for all students who want to study abroad or the place at the partner university may be withdrawn if core modules are unavailable. If you are not offered a place to study overseas, you will be able to transfer to the equivalent standard degree scheme and would complete your studies at Lancaster.

Lancaster University cannot accept responsibility for any financial aspects of the year or term abroad.

Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.