We're ranked Top-10 in the UK for Physics in The Guardian University Guide 2024.

All our courses offer the option to take an employability-boosting professional placement year - a great way to gain on-the-job experience in a real role with real responsibilities. A year spent applying your learning in an industrial, commercial or research context gives you invaluable work experience to strengthen your CV and can even introduce you to your future employer.

Assisted by a dedicated placement tutor and the University's Careers Network, our students have found placements with a wide range of reputable organisations.

Recent placement destinations have included: Caterpillar, CERN Switzerland, Jaguar Land Rover, MBDA Missile Systems, Morgan Stanley, NHS, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Sellafield, Siemens and SPS Aerostructures Limited.

Alternatively, you can use your placement year to study abroad with one of our partner institutions; spend six months on placement and six months studying abroad; or even do a self-employed placement as part of our 'year in enterprise' scheme - the choice is yours.

Of all the disciplines, it has been said that a physics degree can lead to the broadest range of career opportunities - and our IOP-accredited degrees have been designed to help you develop knowledge and professional skills that are highly valued by employers. 

As a physicist you will be highly numerate, logical, analytical and a creative problem solver - and our graduates have gone on to pursue rewarding careers with organisations such as Deloitte, BAE Systems, DSTL, Acturis, NHS, Bombardier Transportation, and Calibrate Consulting*.

*Graduate Outcomes Survey (2018-2022)

We have developed a programme of study that is coordinated on a weekly basis between core physics, essential mathematics, computing and laboratories - supporting your learning by reinforcing theories and key concepts with practical hands-on experimentation. Our courses place value not just on academic rigour, but also (through your professional development) on employability.

As such, our laboratories incorporate additional engineering methodologies not always found at undergraduate level (based on quantum systems engineering research - an area of expertise within the University) and take a strong problem-based approach that makes use of our STEMLab's advanced features such as additive manufacturing (3D printing), laser cutting, and other state-of-the-art facilities.

We strive to add value to your learning with laboratory field trips and a programme of seminars, public talks and guest lectures that includes the prestigious Sir Nevill Mott lecture series, bringing internationally renowned physicists onto campus to deliver truly inspiring presentations.

Providing a supportive student environment, there are numerous opportunities to socialise, broaden your knowledge and enhance your student experience. For example, you can join one of our many societies (including the award-winning 含羞草视频 Space Society) or get involved in volunteering, fundraising, media, enterprise or sporting activities, to name a few!