Course modalities offered

Loughborough University of Technology
Physics with Computing BSc (Hons)
Loughborough University of Technology

Key Course Facts

Course Description

Our BSc in Physics with Computing allows you to combine the study of physics with key aspects of computing and mathematics to develop a powerful skillset.

Physics and computer science are the two disciplines that have arguably forged the modern world. They are central part of any high-end technology in terms of the physical devices themselves to the control and processing of information that passes through them.

Gravitational wave detection, imaging black holes, controlling large experiments, modelling complex systems to mars rovers and space travel all rely on computational physics and data science. Indeed, there is no area of modern physics where state-of-the-art computing is not important. The toolbox of a computational physicist includes a firm grounding in physics itself supported by numerical analysis, computational modelling, mathematical data science, hardware control, big data analysis, and artificial intelligence.

Our Physics with Computing degree will provide a solid understanding of core physics with an emphasis on theory, and on the formulation and solving of physics problems using mathematical data science and computing.

In addition to the core physics course you will also be able develop skills in relevant aspects of computer science such as data structures, algorithm design, artificial intelligence, big data, and optimisation as well embedded systems.

The combined skillsets of physics, computing and mathematics are not only a satisfying combination in their own right, but they also develop a set of skills highly sought-after in both research and industry.

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

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews for 40 graduates of Physics with Computing BSc (Hons) and other courses in at Loughborough University of Technology for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in .

Overall student satisfaction
71 /100
40 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

chart data
Source: National Student Survey NSS 2022
All Physics courses of Loughborough University of Technology
The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in Physics

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £26500 £29500 £33000
25-75 percentile range £25000 - £27500 £23000 - £34500 £26500 - £41500
Source: HESA - Graduate Outcomes Survey Dec 20, 2022
All Physics courses of Loughborough University of Technology


Salary of all UK Graduates of Physics

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £27469 £25756 £30669
25-75 percentile range £23387 - £32747 £19520 - £33506 £22596 - £41951
Source: Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) by UK Department for Education Dec 20, 2022
All Physics courses in the UK

What You Will Learn

Programme content: As a student of Physics with Computing, BSc (Hons) you will study the following course modules.

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

chart data
Source: HESA - Graduate Outcomes Survey Dec 20, 2022
All Physics courses of Loughborough University of Technology

Current jobs

chart data
Source: HESA - Graduate Outcomes Survey Dec 20, 2022
All Physics courses of Loughborough University of Technology

Required skill level of job after 15 months

chart data
Source: HESA - Graduate Outcomes Survey Dec 20, 2022
All Physics courses of Loughborough University of Technology

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Physics with Computing BSc (Hons) at Loughborough University of Technology

15% Business and public service associate professionals
10% Administrative occupations
10% Natural and social science professionals
10% Information Technology Professionals
10% Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
10% Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
5% Sales occupations
5% Managers, directors and senior officials
5% Engineering professionals
5% Protective service occupations
Source: Unistats by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Dec 20, 2022

Depending on the nature of the material, some modules are assessed by a mixture of coursework and examination (for example 25% coursework and 75% examination), whilst other modules are assessed by 100% coursework or 100% by examination. Coursework is based on a variety of tasks including individual essays, projects, laboratory work, contribution in tutorials, group work and presentations.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Source: UCAS Feb 9, 2023

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for Physics

chart data
Source: Unistats by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Dec 20, 2022
All Physics courses of Loughborough University of Technology

Qualification requirements

ABB including Maths and Physics (Applicants without A level Physics may be considered on a case by case basis)

Access applications decided on a case by case basis but if offered will always require Distinctions in all Maths & Physics credits at Level 3.

AB in Maths and Physics, plus Highers at majority B grades.

BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Applied Science or in Engineering Grades Distinction Distinction including Distinctions in units 1-5 (Applied Science) or in units 1, 7, 8, 19 - 21, 25, 29 or 31 or 35 (Engineering) plus A Level Grade B in Maths. Preferred subjects: Applied Science or Engineering (Engineering BTEC includes Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering)

We recognise the benefit of the Extended Project in developing independent research and critical thinking skills. We would consider this as evidence of motivation to study a specific subject in more depth, and while we do not generally include it as part of our offer conditions, it may be used to further consider an application upon receipt of final examination results. www.lboro.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/apply/entry-requirements/

34 (6,5,5 HL) including Maths and Physics at HL

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science or Engineering: DDD with Distinctions in units 1-5 (Applied Science) or in units 1, 7, 8, 19 - 21, 25, 29 or 31 or 35 (Engineering) plus A Level Maths grade B. Preferred subjects: Applied Science or Engineering (Engineering BTEC includes Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering)

We accept a wide range of international qualifications for entry as outlined on our website – please view the individual course typical offers on our website and choose Ireland in the Country/region drop down field for more information

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate Grade Distinction plus A Level Grades AB from Maths and Physics. Preferred subjects: Applied Science or Engineering (Engineering BTEC includes Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering)

Applicants taking the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma will be asked to achieve the A level requirements for their course as part of their qualification. The Skills Challenge Certificate will be accepted alongside two A levels as long as individual course entry and subject requirements are met. www.lboro.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/apply/entry-requirements/

We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects or a combination of the Pre-U and A levels, provided a minimum of three subjects overall are taken. We recognise the benefit of the Global Perspectives and Research (GPR) course in developing independent study and research skills. While we would consider this as evidence of motivation to study a specific subject in more depth, we do not generally include it as part of our offer conditions. However, it may be used to further consider an application upon receipt of final examination results.

Loughborough accepts a wide range of qualifications for entry as outlined on our website www.lboro.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/getting-started/applying/entrance-requirements/. This information details the general requirements and should be read in conjunction with the information given for each course. Loughborough also accepts a wide range of international qualifications for entry as outlined on our website www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/country/ Loughborough uses contextual data in the admissions process to provide insights into the context in which your academic qualifications have been achieved. This may influence the typical offers outlined in the information given for each course. www.lboro.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/getting-started/applying/contextual-data/

Source: UCAS Feb 9, 2023

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • All other courses
    • 5.0
    • Foundation / Pathway Courses
    • 7.0
    • MSc Media and Cultural Analysis, BSc Business and Management
    • 6.5
    • Graduate Degrees
    • 6.5
    • Undergraduate Degrees
Do you not fulfill the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements?
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still be able to join Physics with Computing, BSc (Hons).

Costs

Tuition Fees Physics with Computing BSc (Hons)

EU £25700 year 1
England UK £9250 year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 year 1
Scotland £9250 year 1
Wales £9250 year 1
International £25700 year 1

Additional fee information

While the cost of your tuition covers lots of things, it doesn’t cover everything. For instance this course doesn’t cover the cost of any stationary, printing, books or re-assessments which you might need.
Source: UCAS Feb 9, 2023

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

Source: Own research based on surveys and university data

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2024

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Possible Entry Points:

  • year 1 (Default entry point)

University Rankings

Positions of Loughborough University of Technology in top UK and global rankings.

chart data

Rankings of Loughborough University of Technology in related subject specific rankings.

Natural Sciences

    • #59 
    • #131 
    Physical Sciences
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Subject
    [Published 06 June, 2020]
    • #39 
    • #401 
    Physical Sciences
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 26 October, 2022]
    • #108 
    • #701 
    Physical Sciences
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Subject
    [Published 06 June, 2020]
    • #17 
    • #23 
    Physics
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 24 September, 2022]
    • #25 
    • #34 
    Physics & Astronomy
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 13 June, 2022]
    • #27 
    • #451 
    Physics & Astronomy
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 20 April, 2022]

See all 28 university rankings of Loughborough University of Technology

About Loughborough University of Technology

Founded in 1909, Loughborough University is located in the city of the same name, situated between Leicester and Nottingham. The university operates from two distinct campuses; the primary one in Loughborough, and the other in London. In the main Loughborough campus students enjoy access to up-to-date facilities such as their advanced SSEHS research laboratory, Pilkington Library, and numerous snack and restaurant options throughout the campus.

Student composition of Loughborough University of Technology

Students by level of study Academic year 2020/21 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on 10 February 2022
undergraduates:
13960
postgraduates:
3305
Total:
17265
Source: Academic year 2020/21 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on 10 February 2022
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Where is this programme taught

Loughborough University
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Main Site - Ashby Road
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