Our Physics BSc degree programme gives you a firm grounding in core physics. Flexibility is the essence of this degree, allowing you to select a range of modules to suit particular interests, covering a broad spectrum of cutting-edge topics, leaving space for you to specialise where you wish.

  

Physics BSc

The Physics BSc is ideal if you want to keep your studies broad, want to specialise in an area we do not offer a specific programme for, or are unsure what you might want to focus on in the future.  You can swap between the Physics BSc and Physics MSci until the end of the second year, provided you meet the criteria. Additionally you can swap to the Physics and Astrophysics or the Physics with Particle Physics and Cosmology course at the end of your first or second year too. You can also choose to take a year abroad, subject to language requirements.

There are many opportunities to undertake project work during your degree, foe example as part of your lab work in the first two years. A project develops a wide range of skills including planning and report writing and the group studies in your final year is a major project which is undertaken in groups of 10-20 students. The task requires the group to work as a team and enables you to solve a problem of much greater magnitude than could be attempted by an individual. The team work skills learnt here are invaluable in success in a future career. 

You will be taught by academics who are global experts in their field, you’ll gain a broad understanding of the essential concepts of physics, ranging from entropy to quantum mechanics and beyond. The transferable skills you’ll also learn will make you very employable; including problem solving, computing and giving presentations.

   

Why study Physics BSc at Newcastle?

  • Very broad range of leading research leading to a wide range of optional modules and projects
  • High employability rate, including a high percentage who go on to do PhDs. Employability is embedded through the course
  • Friendly and supportive environment. Year 1 and year 2 have weekly tutorials with 1 academic member of staff and no more than 4 students. Lecturers have open door policy. Elected student representatives meet weekly with staff to resolve any issues quickly
  • Flexibility between our range of specialised courses
    • BSc and MSci identical for first two years so don’t need to make final decision between the two until end of second year.
    • Physics, Physics and Astrophysics, and Physics with Particle Physics and Cosmology are very similar initially so possible to swap after first year and in some cases after second year.
    • Physics MSci and BSc and Astrophysics BSc students can choose to do a year abroad for third year at start of second year (subject to language qualifications or application process to an English speaking university)
    • BSc students can choose to do a year out in computer science during their third year.

Institutional Accreditation 

University of Newcastle is accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission (DETC), www.detc.org.uk Since , University of Newcastle has been continually accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission and its predecessor.

Physics BSc

Course Level:

Undergraduate, Single Honours

Credits 

120

Course

CODE U537

How long it takes:

Undergraduate (3 Years)

Study Mode:

Distance learning/ Campus

Course cost

Price: US$20,220

Entry requirements

Find out more about

Department:

Newcastle Law School

Year 1

Core modules:

  • Quantum Mechanics and Optics and Waves – 10 credits
  • Classical Mechanics and Relativity 1 – 10 credits
  • Classical Mechanics and Relativity 2 – 10 credits
  • Mathematics for Physicists 1A – 10 credits
  • Mathematics for Physicists 1B – 10 credits
  • Physics Laboratory 1A – 10 credits
  • Physics Laboratory 1B – 10 credits
  • Physics and Communication Skills 1 – 10 credits
  • Electromagnetism and Temperature and Matter – 20 credits
  • Introduction to Probability and Statistics – 10 credits

Optional modules.

Choose 10 credits. Example modules:

  • Chaos and Non-linear Systems A – 10 credits
  • Introduction to Particle Physics and Cosmology – 10 credits
  • Introduction to Astrophysics – 10 credits

  

Year 2

Core modules:

  • Quantum Mechanics 2 – 10 credits
  • Particles and Nuclei and A Quantum Approach to Solids – 10 credits
  • Mathematics for Physicists 2A – 10 credits
  • Mathematics for Physicists 2B – 10 credits
  • Physics Laboratory 2 – 10 credits
  • Physics and Communication Skill 2 – 10 credits
  • Electromagnetism 2 – 10 credits
  • Statistical Physics and Entropy – 10 credits
  • Physics Project – 10 credits
  • Optics – 10 credits

Optional modules.

Choose 20 credits. Example modules:

  • Observational Astronomy – 10 credits
  • Nuclear Physics and Neutrinos – 10 credits
  • Structure in the Universe – 10 credits
  • Electronics  10 credits
  • Eigenphysics – 10 credits
  • Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics – 10 credits

   

Year 3

Core modules:

  • Quantum Mechanics 3 – 10 credits
  • Statistical Physics – 10 credits
  • General Physics – 10 credits
  • Group Studies – 20 credits

Students must also take EITHER Laboratory (20 credits) OR Laboratory (10 credits) and Scientific Computing Laboratory 1 (10 credits).

   

Optional modules.

Choose 50 credits. Example modules:

  • Scientific Computing Laboratory 1 – 10 credits
  • Scientific Computing Laboratory 2 – 10 credits
  • Fission and Fusion – 10 credits
  • Medical Imaging – 10 credits
  • Semiconductor Optoelectronics – 10 credits
  • The Life and Death of Stars – 10 credits
  • Physics Critique – 10 credits
  • Observational Cosmology – 10 credits
  • Atomic Physics – 10 credits
  • Particle Physics – 10 credits
  • Nuclear Physics – 10 credits
  • Evolution of Cosmic Structure – 10 credits
  • Asteroseismology and Exoplanets – 10 credits
  • Physics Teaching in Schools – 10 credits
  • Radiation and Relativity – 10 credits
  • Chaos and Dynamical Systems – 10 credits
  • Complex Variable Theory – 10 credits
  • Condensed Matter Physics – 10 credits
  • Images and Communication – 10 credits
  • Physics of Music and Sound – 10 credits
  • Physical Principles of Radar – 10 credits

Entry requirements

 

Applicants should normally have one of the following:

  • A non-law bachelor’s degree (from a US university or recognised by the BSB if you wish to study the BPTC), or
  • A ‘stale’ law degree, where five or more years have elapsed since graduation, or
  • An academic or professional qualification at degree equivalent level

If English is not your first language, you will also need to demonstrate your English Language proficiency. For example, you should have IELTS 7.5 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in all components.

If you intend to become a Solicitor

The Solicitors Regulation Authority has reduced its requirements for pre-authorisation this year. For details of the current arrangements,. You should pay special attention to the Character and Suitability section. 

 

USA,UK & EU students, 2019/20 (per year)

£8,500

International students starting 2019/20 (per year)

£13,100

 

Assessment

You’ll show your progress through a combination of written essays, problem-solving assignments and presentations.

All students take our core modules, but please note that the availability of optional modules is subject to demand.

As a graduate in Physics, the choice of career remains wide open. You may go on to apply your physics knowledge directly in a scientific environment, or you might be employed in a high-profile job for your problem-solving and computational skills, in the worlds of finance and information technology. 

Physics and Astronomy graduates from Newcastle

are highly employable (96% employment rate in Destination of Leavers from Higher Education survey 2016/17) and the career possibilities are numerous, both in the world of science and research and in other sectors of industry, business and commerce.

Physicists are problem solvers at heart, and throughout your degree you’ll learn how to tackle a variety of problems so you can apply your breadth of understanding to many different areas.