MPhys Physics / Course details

Join one of the most respected Department of Physics in the country and enjoy the flexibility, choice and challenge of our MPhys Physics degree.

In Years 1 and 2, the course provides a foundation in classical physics, including dynamics, waves, electromagnetism and thermodynamics. At the same time newer concepts are introduced, including the unification of space and time, the meaning of wave-particle duality and the relation between entropy and disorder. You will be taught this introduction through course units in special relativity, quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics. 

These modern concepts and the techniques of classical physics lay the foundation for study in Years 3 and 4, during which you can choose from a wide range of options to develop your expertise in diverse topics that include: atomic and molecular structure, solid state electronic devices, electro-magnetic radiation, lasers, stars and cosmology, particle and nuclear physics, and the more advanced aspects of theoretical physics.

Working with leading academics and accessing our incredible facilities, you will be well placed to progress along your physics journey.

• We will provide you with a solid foundation in classical physics and introduce newer ideas such as the unification of space and time, and the meaning of wave-particle duality.
• You will choose from a wide range of options in Years 3 and 4, specially designed to develop your expertise in a diverse number of topics.
• We will provide access to a fantastic array of facilities, and you will work with world-leading physics academics.

Study abroad

Explore living in another country by taking the opportunity to study abroad in your third year.

A range of study options

You have the option of transferring to the three-year BSc Physics course at the beginning of your third year, if you so wish.

Choice and flexibility

You will cover the basics of classical physics and progress to modern, diverse topics - including atomic and molecular structure, electro-magnetic radiation, lasers, stars and cosmology, and particle and nuclear physics.

Outstanding reputation

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Manchester has an excellent international reputation, and a qualification from us can be your passport to a successful career anywhere in the world.

At Manchester you will be taught by academic staff who are leading experts in Physics and Astronomy, in a diverse and inclusive learning environment. Teaching and Learning will be delivered using a variety of methods, including:

• Lectures 
• Interactive sessions
• Tutorial classes 
• Laboratory work
• Workshops
• Examples classes
• Project work
• PASS sessions and peer mentoring

Some activities will be delivered face-to-face and others online, following a blended learning approach. In your own time, you will work on activities including directed reading, problem sheets, and lab or project reports.Each week, a first-year student will typically have 10 hours of lectures or interactive sessions, 2 hours of tutorials, and 5 hours of laboratory work. In addition, they should devote about 20 hours to self-directed study.

As you progress through the course an increasing emphasis will be placed on independent study. In third and fourth years, students should typically spend between 20 and 30 hours on this each week. Also, since the ability to apply your knowledge and skills is an important attribute of a graduate physicist, project work will be an important component of your final year. BSc students explore ideas from some topic of current interest and write a dissertation on it, and MPhys students will work on a substantial project with one of the research groups in physics or astronomy.

PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions) and Peer Mentoring

We are proud of our innovative PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions) and Peer Mentoring scheme. The PASS scheme provides additional support to first-year students with study skills, learning strategies and problem solving, as well introducing them to other aspects of university life. Students in higher years can volunteer to mentor first-year students. Both groups of students find this an enriching experience.

More about blended learning  

Some of your activities will be synchronous, where you learn in live sessions with your lecturer and peers, and can interact as appropriate; this can help you to get support and to feel part of the community within the department. Other elements will be asynchronous, where you access materials such as video lectures, online discussion boards or documents in your own time (within a framework provided by your programme).

The course is assessed by a variety of methods, each appropriate to the topic being assessed. These methods include written examinations, written reports and presentations on practical work and projects. You will also have opportunities to self-assess your progress using tutorial exercises.

Find out what it's like to study at Manchester by visiting the Department of Physics and Astronomy blog .

Make the most of a fantastic array of facilities that rival those of leading Departments across the world. They include the world-famous Jodrell Bank Observatory and a new £10 million extension to our Schuster Laboratory.

The University of Manchester also offers extensive library and online services , helping you get the most out of your studies.