University of Portsmouth
Physics MPhys (Hons)
University of Portsmouth

Course modalities offered

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Overall student satisfaction
83 /100
45 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of all UK Graduates of Physics

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £28994 £29015 £34497
25-75 percentile range £24988 - £33170 £22931 - £36583 £26874 - £45969

Course Description

Overview

Advances in physics lead to new technologies that change our world and forge a path to a brighter future.

Quantum theory (the study of the subatomic) and the theory of relativity (that space and time are connected) challenge our imaginations. On this physics degree course, you'll uncover an amazing world that lies beyond what we can see. You'll learn to question the impossible and develop the confidence to push against the boundaries of what we think we know.

You'll have the opportunity to study topics including health physics, the fabrication of new bulk and nano-materials, and the application of fundamental quantum effects in the development of quantum information processes. You’ll graduate with strong mathematical, analytical, problem-solving and computational abilities that are in high demand.

BSc or MPhys?

You can study this course as a 3-year Bachelor's degree (BSc) or a 4-year integrated Master's degree (MPhys).

Course highlights

  • See physics theory in practice through visits to companies such as BAE Systems, Airbus, QinetiQ, Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust and others
  • Benefit from our links to industry through the Portsmouth Physics Industry Advisory Board, a collection of professionals in relevant industries who help shape our course content, identify the skills employers want, teach on modules and offer placements
  • Have the chance to do an industrial-based research project under supervision of a leading physicist, such as researching physics for a defence company, working in radar for BAE Systems, or data engineering within the finance sector
  • Attend a programme of guest lectures on topics such as material sciences and quantum technology hosted by industry experts, including speakers from the medical physics department at Queen Alexandra Hospital
  • Investigate new technologies and theories alongside the University's physics research teams (and contribute to their work in your final project), whose research was ranked in the top 10 nationally for quality of research outputs
  • Use advanced technical equipment with the help of expert technical staff, including x-ray diffraction, x-ray fluorescence, electron and atomic force microscopes, various types of spectroscopy and the SCIAMA supercomputer

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Institute of Physics.

As a supporter of the Institute of Physics Project Juno, we're committed to addressing the under-representation of women in physics and gender equality in higher education and research.

Careers and opportunities

This physics degree will give you strong mathematical, analytical, problem-solving and computational abilities that are in high demand in sectors like financial services, aerospace development and publishing. Physics graduates are earning an average of £33,500 5 years after graduation, while the UK government puts your earning potential as high as £50,000.

After the course you could also continue your studies to a PhD or other postgraduate qualification.

Graduate destinations

Our graduates have worked for companies such as:

  • Burohappold Engineering
  • Tesla Engineering Ltd
  • British Telecom

What jobs can you do with a physics degree?

Our graduates now work in roles including:

  • data analyst
  • software engineer
  • project engineer
  • health physicist
  • physics researcher in defense sector

Whatever your career choice, our Careers and Employability service will help you to get where you want to be in your desired career. You'll get advice and support for up to 5 years after you leave the University, to ensure you get the most out of your burgeoning post-academic career.

This course has a subject classification which requires students whose nationality is outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland to have an ATAS certificate, irrespective of country of residence at the point of application.

Recognised by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of eligibility for Associate Membership.

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.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

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

Example below based on all graduates of Physics MPhys (Hons) at University of Portsmouth

20% Elementary occupations
20% Welfare Professionals
15% Business and public service associate professionals
10% Administrative occupations
5% Finance Professionals
5% Sales occupations
5% Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
5% Managers, directors and senior officials
5% Customer service occupations
5% Teaching Professionals

There is a variety ways in which you are assessed including coursework, practical work (both laboratory and field based), presentations, production of posters and portfolios and a research based final-year project.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for Physics

Qualification requirements

English language requirements

test Grade Additional Details
IELTS (Academic) 6

English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.

PTE Academic 54

An overall score of 54 with a minimum of 51 in each skill.

TOEFL (iBT) 79

79 with a minimum of 18 in Reading, 17 in Listening, 20 in Speaking and 17 in Writing.

Cambridge English Advanced

Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) taken after January 2015. An overall score of 169 with no component score less than 162.

Cambridge English Proficiency

Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) taken after January 2015. An overall score of 169 with no component score less than 162.

Trinity ISE

Trinity College Integrated Skills in English (ISE) Level III with a Pass in all 4 components

Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Physics, MPhys (Hons), if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Tuition Fees Physics MPhys (Hons)

EU £9250 year 1
England UK £9250 year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 year 1
Scotland £9250 year 1
Wales £9250 year 1
Channel Islands £9250 year 1
Ireland £9250 year 1
International £20200 year 1

Additional fee information

Students who are resident in EU countries: please note that the net fee is inclusive of the Transition Scholarship

Placement Year and Year abroad:

UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £925 |

EU – £925 (including Transition Scholarship)|

International (Non-EU) – £2,000

Fees are accurate at the time of publishing and are subject to change at any time without notice.

Fees may also go up in later years, in line with inflation

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.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2025

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)
  • year 2
  • year 3
  • year 4

University Rankings

Positions of University of Portsmouth in top UK and global rankings.

Rankings of University of Portsmouth in related subject specific rankings.

Natural Sciences

    • #14 
    • #20 
    Physics
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #19 
    • #201 
    Physics
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]
    • #18 
    • #271 
    Physics
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]

See all 31 university rankings of University of Portsmouth

About University of Portsmouth

The University of Portsmouth is located on the United Kingdom’s only island city, Portsmouth. This public university, which was previously known as Portsmouth Polytechnic, forms part of the University Alliance, an organisation whose aim is to promote growth and innovation in the UK by putting an emphasis on links with business and industry.

List of 234 Bachelor and Master Courses from University of Portsmouth - Course Catalogue

Student composition of University of Portsmouth

undergraduates:
18085
postgraduates:
5005
Total:
23090
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Where is this programme taught

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