Physical Geography BSc (Hons)
Swansea University United Kingdom
Find out more See all matching coursesPhysics with Astrophysics BSc (Hons)
University of Kent United Kingdom
Find out more See all matching coursesPhysical Education and School Sport BSc (Hons)
Hartpury University United Kingdom
Find out more See all matching coursesPhysical Activity, Nutrition and Health BSc (Hons)
University of Derby United Kingdom
Find out more See all matching coursesPhysical Education BA (Hons)
Leeds Beckett University United Kingdom
Find out more See all matching coursesDance, Aerial and Physical Theatre BA (Hons)
University of Chichester United Kingdom
Find out more See all matching coursesGeography (Physical) BSc (Hons)
University of Reading United Kingdom
Find out more See all matching coursesSport and Physical Activity BSc (Hons)
University of Strathclyde United Kingdom
Find out more See all matching coursesPhysical Geography and Geology BSc (Hons)
Edge Hill University United Kingdom
Find out more See all matching coursesGeology and Physical Geography BSc (Hons)
University of South Wales United Kingdom
Find out more See all matching coursesEngineering Physics (with integrated year in industry) BEng
Aberystwyth University United Kingdom
Find out more See all matching coursesPhysics and Philosophy MPhyPhil
University of Oxford United Kingdom
Find out more See all matching coursesSport, Coaching & Physical Education BSc (Hons)
Bishop Grosseteste University United Kingdom
Find out more See all matching coursesPhysics with Professional Placement BSc
Cardiff University United Kingdom
Find out more See all matching coursesLooking for graduate level options? See Masters degrees in Physics in the UK
One of the main branches of science, physics deals with matter and energy. Much like the other areas of science, physics is crucial to our understanding of the world around us, exploring the motion of matter through space and time, as well as mechanics, heat, light, sound, electricity, magnetism and atomic structure.
An undergraduate degree in physics will give you a foundation of knowledge in the area, before covering the more complex concepts in physics. You will study modules on mechanics, fluids, waves and modern physics, among others.
Your degree will be delivered in a mixture of modes. These will include lectures and seminars, as well as practical and laboratory sessions.
Depending on where you choose to study, you may be able to specialise towards the end of your degree. This specialisation can influence the area in which you work post-graduation. Common specialisations include:
If your degree requires you to write a dissertation, this will give you the opportunity to further research a favoured area of physics.
The accreditation of your degree will depend on where you choose to study. Different countries have different accreditation systems. Generally, you can expect to be awarded a Bachelor of Science (BSc), an integrated Master of Physics (MPhys), or an integrated Master of Science (MSci).
Some degree courses are accredited by a professional body of physics, for example the Institute of Physics (IOP). This is not currently a necessity for employment, and your institution will be able to provide more information about accreditation.
Typically, you can expect an undergraduate degree in physics to take three to four years to complete. Foundation degrees, diplomas and certificates can last up to two years, when studied full-time.
Once you have successfully completed your degree, you can choose to either seek employment in your chosen area, or further your studies. Continuation of you studies might be in the form of a postgraduate degree, such as a masters or a PhD, or a graduate certificate or diploma.
Physics graduates will have many career opportunities available to them, both related and unrelated to the subject area. Within physics, you could work in roles such as research and development, technical consultancy, manufacturing, and science education. Outside of physics, you could work in roles such as aerothermal engineer, applications engineer, and wind analyst.
You will have gained a wide range of skills throughout your degree, such as problem solving, logic and reasoning, data analysis and advanced numeracy skills. This skill set will make you an asset in a variety of fields.
An undergraduate degree in physics will give you a foundation of knowledge in the area, before covering the more complex concepts in physics. You will study modules on mechanics, fluids, waves and modern physics, among others.
Your degree will be delivered in a mixture of modes. These will include lectures and seminars, as well as practical and laboratory sessions.
Study in the UK
The UK is a popular destination for international students who want to study abroad. With a wide range of universities offering a variety of courses, there are so many opportunities that students might not be able to find elsewhere. Each university will pride itself on offering high quality education from leading teaching professionals. A qualification gained in the UK will be well regarded across the globe, making an education in the UK a great investment in your future. As well as this, there are many highly ranked universities in the UK, around 17 of which are consistently appearing in the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings.
See our detailed guide to studying in the UK for international students.
Sign up to StudyLink.com, the home of quality study abroad advice.
Sign up nowRead our selection of advice articles for those looking to start on their study abroad adventure. Covering topics from study visas, applications, funding and choosing the right course and institution:
Read StudyLink's suggestions on your first steps when deciding where to study abroad, with helpful tips to make your decision easier.
Find out more about international student visas for studying abroad, as well as how, where and when to apply for yours.
In this article we look at how to approach choosing where in the world you would like to study.
Find out more about English language tests, your options and what is required as an overseas student.