BSc Physics / Application and selection

Year of entry: 2024

How to apply

Apply through UCAS .

Advice to applicants

You should not usually apply for more than one Physics-based course offered by The University of Manchester. Applicants to this course can change to any one of the courses offered within the Department of Physics and Astronomy at any time before the start of the academic year.

Factors contributing to a successful application include:

  • past academic performance;
  • predicted academic performance;
  • enthusiasm for, and realistic grasp of, chosen degree programme;
  • evidence of interpersonal skills and non-academic interests/achievements.

Further guidance on how to apply can be found on our How to Apply webpage .

Your referee should give realistic grade predications for all qualifications that you are currently studying at the top of their reference. If you attend a non-UK school or college that does not provide predicted grades your referee should explain this policy within their reference.

Where you have mitigating circumstances these should be reported to your education provider and relevant exam board, we cannot make further allowances.

We would normally only consider applicants who obtained the relevant qualification within the two years prior to entry. Applicants who have left education for more than two years should contact the Department Admissions Team to discuss their particular circumstances.

How your application is considered

All applications are considered on an individual basis once we receive a formal application through UCAS which includes details of the subjects taken and grades achieved, a personal statement, academic reference and your predicted grades (if you have not yet taken your final examinations). Candidates may also be interviewed online or in person.

All applicants should be aware that information provided in the personal statement may be used as the basis for further discussion during your interview with an academic member of staff.

Further information and advice on writing your personal statement and the UCAS application process can be found on the UCAS website .

Skills, knowledge, abilities, interests

We would be interested in any work experience, although we realise that this is very difficult to find in relevant areas.

Returning to education

We welcome applicants who are returning to education and are as flexible as possible when making offers. 

Overseas (non-UK) applicants

We are happy to consider applicants from overseas. We have no quota limitations for overseas applicants.

Deferrals

Applications for deferred entry are considered equally to other applications up to the point of confirmation.

Deferred entry is granted at the discretion of admissions staff, and is normally granted for one year only and two years at the maximum in exceptional circumstances.

Some English Language test results, such as IELTS or TOEFL, are only valid for two years from the test date. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

We normally guarantee a place in the current year should an applicant's gap year plans change. However, this is subject to availability of places.

Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications

If you have re-sat individual modules to improve your grades, we will consider your application according to the standard selection process. If you are planning to re-sit the final Year 13 examinations, or have already done so, the University will consider your application, but we may require further information in order to make an informed judgment on your application.

Policy for applicants who take their examinations in more than one sitting

We are happy to consider applicants who are taking their examinations in different sittings, provided they were taken over the standard two-year period.

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again.

Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry. In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved. 

We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.

If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through Clearing, you are required to meet the Clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and Clearing the places will be subject to availability.

Transfers

We are happy to consider students who want to transfer to the first year of this course from other courses within the University. Transfers from other institutions are considered on a case-by-case basis. Transfers into the second year are not normally considered. Please contact the Department Admissions Team if you require further advice.