Physics BSc (Hons)

Nottingham Trent University

From sub-atomic particles to distant galaxies, physics is the study of absolutely everything. This course is perfect for you if you have a keen interest in physics. You’ll study optics, semiconductors, mechanics, ionising radiation, thermal physics and many more topics, covering the fundamental concepts of undergraduate physics. You'll also study some of the fascinating specialist topics at the cutting edge of the field, pioneered by our expert staff. Alongside the theory, you'll spend a substantial amount of time doing practical work in our well-equipped laboratories. You can opt to take a one year work placement in industry, produce an individual project and go on field trips with our active Astronomy and Physics Society. This course is accredited by the Institute of Physics.

Why study Physics at NTU?

You’ll benefit from excellent teaching. We were awarded the title of Guardian University of the Year 2019, the Guardian University Award in the Course and Curriculum Design category for our innovative teaching (the SCALE-UP project), we’ve been awarded a gold rating in the government’s Teaching Excellence Framework, we were awarded the title of Modern University of the Year in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018 and University of the Year in the Times Higher Education Awards 2017.

You’ll join satisfied students. We get consistently high satisfaction scores in the National Student Survey. In the most recent survey (2020) the overall satisfaction with our BSc Physics course was 100% - that’s joint first place in the UK.

You’ll learn in inspiring environments. We have a custom-built, on-campus observatory recognised by the International Astronomical Union, a radio telescope, a CT scanner, new microscopes, MRI scanners, a scanning tunneling microscope and an ionising radiation laboratory. This ensures that you get the practical experience you need to pursue a successful career.

You’ll study innovative accredited courses. Our pioneering courses and research are carried out in close collaboration with university and industry partners worldwide, giving our students skills and knowledge which are highly relevant to the needs of industry. Our undergraduate MSci and BSc physics courses are accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) which will help you to achieve Chartered Physicist status sooner.

You’ll help to deliver research with impact. Our physics staff contribute to research activity in a number of areas including Superhydrophobic Surfaces, Medical Resonance Imaging, Art Conservation and Space Weather. Every year approximately ten of our students undertake paid summer placements in these research groups, giving them hands-on experience of cutting edge research groups. NTU has recently been awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for research – the highest national award achievable.

You’ll have the opportunity to get experience. Our courses offer the opportunity to apply for a placement in the UK or abroad, giving you the real-life experience employers are looking for. Recent year-long placements have taken place at CERN, E.ON, The Netherlands Forensic Institute and Diamond Light Source. There are paid summer placements in our research groups, where you get hands-on research experience. Our students have also undertaken paid summer placements in local secondary schools and at British Antarctic Survey.

You’ll become more employable. We’ve got an excellent employability record - 97% of NTU graduates are employed or engaged in further study six months after leaving.

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