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.
You can study this course as a 3-year Bachelor's degree (BSc) or a 4-year integrated Master's degree (MPhys). The MPhys allows you to achieve a Master’s level degree with just one extra year of undergraduate study, further enhancing your career prospects.
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
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.
You'll have the chance to do an industrial-based research project under supervision of a leading physicist, such as IBM, Medical physics department in QA Hospital, Airbus, QinetiQ, working in radar for BAE Systems, or data engineering within the finance sector.
After the course you could also continue your studies to a PhD or other postgraduate qualification. Discover our world-leading physics research and Andrew's journey to a PhD in Physics.
Our graduates have worked for companies such as:
- Burohappold Engineering
- Tesla Engineering Ltd
- British Telecom
- Airbus
- DSTL
- BAE
- Royal Bank of Canada
- Diamond Light Source
Our graduates now work in roles including:
- data analyst
- software engineer
- project engineer
- health physicist
- physic researcher in defence sector
You could apply your skills and knowledge in areas such as:
- energy
- medical instrumentation
- defence
- IT
- scientific journalism
- finance
- aerospace
- data science
- data engineering
- education
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
