University of Salford
Physics BSc (Hons)
University of Salford

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Overall student satisfaction
50 /100
15 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

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 Physics 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 £24000 £23000 £28500
25-75 percentile range £23000 - £28000 £18000 - £28000 £23000 - £35500


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

Physics underpins everyday life, from the structure of the universe to the smartphone in your hand. Put yourself in position to discover the next scientific breakthroughs and technological innovations with an accredited BSc (Hons) Physics degree with Salford.

Physics is at the heart of modern life. By having the knowledge to discover future technological advances and find applications for scientific discoveries, qualified physicist are driving our future. We've developed our professionally-accredited course to provide you with fundamental and specialist knowledge base ready to build a successful graduate career in teaching, research or industry.

Take your passion for physics further

Accredited by the Institute of Physics, you will follow an industry-informed three-year programme, delivered through engaging lectures, tutorial classes and laboratory classes. Physics can be challenging, so we place great emphasis on small group teaching to make you feel fully supported. You’ll have an immersive experience, taking part in group projects to develop team working, problem solving, and communication and presentation skills.

Due to the analytical and problem solving nature of physics, this degree will open up the subject spectrum. During your studies, you’ll develop an understanding of classical and quantum waves, and properties of matter. You’ll gain advanced knowledge in fields of nuclear and particle physics, Maxwell’s equation and quantum mechanics. You can also choose optional modules in acoustics and nanotechnology.

Collaboration is core to our values, so we strive to embed this as a learning objective throughout your studies. You will experience group projects that will build your confidence and capabilities in team working, problem-solving and communication - all desirable skills for real-world physics careers.

Get closer to industry

Learning takes places in our Peel Park campus, minutes from bustling central Manchester. A unique part of our physics degree is our emphasis on employer engagement. Along with regular guest lecturers and industry visits, we consult with professional physicists from industry to ensure that the course content is robust and relevant for industry and graduate careers.

On this course, you'll also have the option to take an industry placement between years two and three. By successfully completing a placement year, you can also add 'with professional experience' to your final degree award, boosting your graduate employability.

Our new home for physics

In Autumn 2022, we opened our new £65 million hub for science, engineering and the environment - our new home for physics. Led by sustainable design principles, the building is 100% electric powered, and offers unrivalled teaching, learning and research facilities alongside exciting new spaces for industry collaboration.

Features

  • Accredited by the Institute of Physics
  • Expand your knowledge and understanding in mechanics, quantum physics, electromagnetism and more
  • Build analytical, numerical and computer-based problem-solving skills in Maxwell’s Equations and Wave Optics
  • Explore classical dynamics, static and dynamic charges, quantum mechanics, fundamentals of relativity and atomic and nuclear physics
  • Learn the importance of mathematics in a quantitative description of physics, using symbolic computing and programming
  • Experience computer laboratory sessions to apply numerical methods and techniques frequently encountered in physical and engineering challenges

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

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 BSc (Hons) at University of Salford

35% Information Technology Professionals
10% Teaching Professionals
5% Elementary occupations
5% Business and public service associate professionals
5% Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
5% Managers, directors and senior officials
5% Engineering professionals
5% Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
5% Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation
5% Information Technology Professionals

Grading & Study Time

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course

Qualification requirements

Including a relevant subject/science @ C or above (80 UCAS tariff points)

Scottish Higher qualifications are considered on an individual basis

Access to HE Diploma

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

Requirements for international students / English requirements

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

    • 6.5
    • All other courses
    • 4.5
    • Foundation / Pathway Courses
    • 6.5
    • Graduate Degrees
    • 6.0
    • Undergraduate Degrees
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Physics, BSc (Hons), if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

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)

University Rankings

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

Rankings of University of Salford in related subject specific rankings.

Natural Sciences

    • #13 
    • #19 
    Physics
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]

See all 21 university rankings of University of Salford

About University of Salford

The University of Salford is a publicly funded university in a town of the same name, in Greater Manchester, England. The university’s primary campus, Peel Park, is just half an hour’s walk from Manchester city centre. Additionally, this campus is also home to the Salford Museum and Art Gallery.

List of 205 Bachelor and Master Courses from University of Salford - Course Catalogue

Student composition of University of Salford

undergraduates:
17080
postgraduates:
4155
Total:
21235
  • Life as a Salford student
  • MEET OUR STUDENT BLOGGERS | EMMA
  • This is Salford: our university
  • Salford Business School: work placement

Where is this programme taught

Main Site
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