- UCAS course code
- F3F5
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Overview
- Degree awarded
- BSc
- Duration
- 3 years
- Typical A-level offer
-
A*A*A, including A* in both Physics and Mathematics.
- Typical contextual A-level offer
-
A*AA, including Physics and Mathematics. The A* must be in Physics or Mathematics.
Find out more about contextual admissions. - Refugee/care-experienced offer
-
Applicants who have been in local authority care for more than three months or have refugee status may be eligible for an offer two grades below the standard requirements.
Find out more about contextual admissions. - Typical International Baccalaureate offer
-
38 points overall with 7,7,6 at Higher Level, including 7 in both Physics and Mathematics.
We will accept Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.
- Number of places/applicants
- For September 2022 entry, we received approximately 2,000 applications for 330 places across all first-year courses within the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
- How to apply
- Apply through UCAS .
- Sustainable Development Goals
Find out how this course aligns to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including learning which relates to:
- Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
- Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
- Goal 13: Climate action
- UCAS course code
- F3F5
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course overview
- Join a physics Department ranked in the top 15 in the world, consistently, since 2011 (the Academic Ranking of World Universities).
- Develop at a Department ranked 1st in England for physics and astronomy (Academic Ranking of World Universities 2019), and associated with no fewer than 13 Nobel Prize winners.
- Gain a solid grounding in physics and look to the skies through the fascinating field of astrophysics.
- Further your knowledge and conduct experiments at the world-famous Jodrell Bank.
Open days
The University holds undergraduate open days regularly, giving you the opportunity to find out more about our courses, the support we offer, and our facilities. Attending an open day is a great way to find out what studying at Manchester is all about. Find out about our upcoming open days .
View the recent undergraduate virtual open week recorded sessions.
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2024 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £35,000 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.
For information about scholarships and bursaries please visit our undergraduate student finance pages and our Department funding pages .
UN Sustainable Development Goals
The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the world's call to action on the most pressing challenges facing humanity. At The University of Manchester, we address the SDGs through our research and particularly in partnership with our students.
Led by our innovative research, our teaching ensures that all our graduates are empowered, inspired and equipped to address the key socio-political and environmental challenges facing the world.
To illustrate how our teaching will empower you as a change maker, we've highlighted the key SDGs that our courses address.
Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Goal 13: Climate action
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Contact details
- Department
- Department of Physics & Astronomy
- Contact name
- Admissions Office
- Telephone
- +44 (0) 161 306 0888
- ug.physics@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.physics.manchester.ac.uk/
- School/Faculty overview
-
Our internationally-renowned expertise across the School of Natural Sciences informs research led teaching with strong collaboration across disciplines, unlocking new and exciting fields and translating science into reality. Our multidisciplinary learning and research activities advance the boundaries of science for the wider benefit of society, inspiring students to promote positive change through educating future leaders in the true fundamentals of science. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Compare this course
Entry requirements
A-level
A*A*A, including A* in both Physics and Mathematics.
If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider our integrated foundation year .
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.
Contextual offer
A*AA, including Physics and Mathematics. The A* must be in Physics or Mathematics.
Find out more about contextual admissions .
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.
Duration of A-level study
Your application will be considered against the standard selection process of your chosen course if you either:
a) sat your examinations early;or
b) followed an accelerated curriculum and spent three years studying A-levels where the examinations were taken over two years.If you are studying an advanced curriculum where the examinations are spread over three years, consideration for an offer will be at the discretion of the admissions tutor for that subject.
AS-level
AS-level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.
Unit grade information
The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available. Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application. Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.
GCSE
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education, typically a minimum of five GCSEs/iGCSEs, including acceptable levels of literacy and numeracy, equivalent to at least grade 4/C in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics.
GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.
Including grade 1 or 2 in the oral exam component, if applicable.
International Baccalaureate
38 points overall with 7,7,6 at Higher Level, including 7 in both Physics and Mathematics.
We will accept Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.
Other international entry requirements
Scottish requirements
Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:
Three Advanced Highers with grades AAA, including Physics and Mathematics.
Or
Two Advanced Highers with grades AA in Physics and Mathematics and two Highers with grades AA in additional subjects.
English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Department Admissions Team.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and would consider this qualification at grade A when taken with Physics and Mathematics A-levels with grades A*A*.
European Baccalaureate
Typically we require 88% overall with 9.0, 9.0, 8.5 in three written subjects, including 9.0 in both Physics and Mathematics.
AQA Baccalaureate
The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.
In making offers, the University will focus on the three A-levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate.
The A-level requirements for the Department of Physics and Astronomy are A*A*A, including A* in both Physics and Mathematics.
The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.
Foundation year
The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:
Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester International Foundation Programme in are required to achieve grades A*A*A with A* in both Physics and Mathematics and grade C in English for Academic Purposes (EAP).
Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation Programme are required to achieve grades A*A*A with A* in both Physics and Mathematics and grade C in English for Academic Purposes (EAP).
Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the Department Admissions Team to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.
Pearson BTEC qualifications
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
We consider the National Extended Diploma in a relevant subject for entry with grades DDD when taken with Physics and Mathematics A-levels with grades A*A*.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma
We consider the National Diploma in a relevant subject for entry with grades DD when taken with Physics and Mathematics A-levels with grades A*A*.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma
We consider the National Foundation Diploma in any subject for entry with grade D when taken with Physics and Mathematics A-levels with grades A*A*.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate
We consider the National Extended Certificate in any subject for entry with grade D when taken with Physics and Mathematics A-levels with grades A*A*.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate
We do not consider the National Certificate for entry to this course.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Admissions Team for the academic department(s) you plan to apply to.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC)
We consider the Technical Extended Diploma in a relevant subject for entry with grades DDD when taken with Physics and Mathematics A-levels with grades A*A*.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC)
We consider the Technical Diploma in a relevant subject for entry with grades DD when taken with Physics and Mathematics A-levels with grades A*A*.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC)
We consider the Technical Foundation Diploma in any subject for entry with grade D when taken with Physics and Mathematics A-levels with grades A*A*.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC)
We consider the Technical Extended Certificate in any subject for entry with grade D when taken with Physics and Mathematics A-levels with grades A*A*.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate (CTEC)
We do not consider the Technical Certificate for entry to this course.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Admissions Team for the academic department(s) you plan to apply to.
Access to HE Diploma
Given that it is not possible to meet our published offer conditions within an Access to HE Diploma, we would not recommend this qualification as the best way of preparing for our courses. However, we would look very carefully at any applications from exceptional Access students, studying a relevant Access to HE Diploma, who were on track to gain the AAA equivalent (45 graded credits at Level 3 with Distinction grade).
We would treat any such exceptional students on a case-by-case basis, looking very carefully at past academic history and the academic reference; promising candidates would be invited to interview to add supplementary information. A decision would be made about entry holistically on the basis of all information (including details of the course undertaken) and would usually be conditional on the above standard.
As each application is considered individually, applicants should contact the Department Admissions Team to discuss their particular circumstances before applying.
Cambridge Pre-U
D2, D2, D3 in Principal subjects, including D2 in both Physics and Mathematics.
We also consider applicants offering a mix of Pre-U Principal Subjects and A-level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall are taken.
The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives and Research (GPR) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. However, the qualification will not form part of your offer conditions.
If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider our integrated foundation year .
T Level
We do not accept T Levels as entry onto this course. The University does accept specific T Level qualifications on a number of courses please review to our T Level information page for a full list.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Core Maths
The University welcomes and recognises the value of Level 3 core mathematics qualifications (e.g. AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies).
Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer made to the student. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider their application, particularly for certain non-science courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element.
We advise students to contact the academic Department, who will clarify whether their specific portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry on to their chosen course.
Core Mathematics will not be accepted in lieu of an A-level.
Home-schooled applicants
If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course.
We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. Please refer to UCAS for further information: UCAS reference guidelines.
If you are a home-schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the Admissions Team for the academic department for your chosen course.
Non-standard educational routes
Mature applicants who are returning to studies after a break from formal education will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the Department of Physics and Astronomy directly.
English language
All applicants to the University (from the UK and overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
- GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade 4/C
- IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each sub-skill
- TOEFL iBT 80 with no less than 20 in speaking and 18 in all other subscores
- An acceptable equivalent qualification
Please note that if you hold English as a Second Language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above.
English language test validity
Some English language test results are only valid for two years. Your English language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.
Application and selection
How to apply
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
Returning to education
Overseas (non-UK) 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.
Course details
Course description
Take your studies sky-high with our BSc Physics with Astrophysics course - ideal if you want both a solid grounding in physics and a greater understanding of astronomy.
Astrophysics principally involves applying the laws of physics to distant regions where physical conditions can only be inferred from the emission of electromagnetic radiation. During the course you will learn about the Sun and the Solar System, the stars and the Galaxy, distant galaxies and quasars, and the beginning of the Universe.
You will learn how to apply basic physics in situations that are often extreme compared to those found on Earth.
Our Department of Physics and Astronomy is renowned around the world, and our facilities - including the famous Jodrell Bank - are second to none.
Special features
Incredible facilities
Make use of the fantastic, unique facilities available at Manchester - including the much-loved Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre.
A range of study options
You can extend your degree by a year to undertake an integrated master's: at the beginning of your third year there is the possibility of transferring to the four-year MPhys course.
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.
Teaching and learning
Coursework and assessment
Course unit details
You can find out more information about the course units included in your chosen degree course below.
Note that not every combination of option choices may be possible due to timetable clashes.
Course content for year 1
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Mathematics 1 | PHYS10071 | 10 | Mandatory |
Dynamics | PHYS10101 | 10 | Mandatory |
Quantum Physics and Relativity | PHYS10121 | 10 | Mandatory |
Year 1 Lab Work (All Yr) | PHYS10180 | 20 | Mandatory |
Introduction to Astrophysics and Cosmology | PHYS10191 | 10 | Mandatory |
Vibrations & Waves | PHYS10302 | 10 | Mandatory |
Electricity & Magnetism | PHYS10342 | 10 | Mandatory |
Introduction to Programming | PHYS10362 | 10 | Mandatory |
Mathematics 2 | PHYS10372 | 10 | Mandatory |
Fundamentals of Management | BMAN10011 | 10 | Optional |
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Course content for year 2
Course units for year 2
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics | PHYS20101 | 10 | Mandatory |
Electromagnetism | PHYS20141 | 10 | Mandatory |
Properties of Matter | PHYS20151 | 10 | Mandatory |
Mathematics of Waves and Fields | PHYS20171 | 10 | Mandatory |
Year 2 Lab Work (All Yr) | PHYS20180 | 20 | Mandatory |
Quantum Mechanics 2 | PHYS20302 | 10 | Mandatory |
Electromagnetism 2 | PHYS20342 | 10 | Mandatory |
Statistical Mechanics | PHYS20352 | 10 | Mandatory |
Galaxies | PHYS20491 | 10 | Mandatory |
Exoplanets | PHYS20792 | 10 | Mandatory |
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Course content for year 3
Course units for year 3
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics | PHYS30121 | 10 | Mandatory |
Yr3 Physics Laboratory Work (All Year) | PHYS30180 | 20 | Mandatory |
General Physics Skills | PHYS30302 | 10 | Mandatory |
Cosmology | PHYS30392 | 10 | Mandatory |
Stars and Stellar Evolution | PHYS30692 | 10 | Mandatory |
BSc dissertation | PHYS30880 | 10 | Mandatory |
Quantum Computing | COMP39112 | 10 | Optional |
Meteorology and Forecasting | EART31201 | 10 | Optional |
Origin of the Solar System | EART32201 | 10 | Optional |
Planetary Evolution | EART35202 | 10 | Optional |
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Scholarships and bursaries
The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.
For information about scholarships and bursaries please visit our undergraduate student finance pages and our Department funding pages .
What our students say
Find out what it's like to study at Manchester by visiting the Department of Physics and Astronomy blog .
Facilities
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.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
I attended some career fairs, I really recommend these.
You can speak to people who have been through the graduate schemes and get real, useful advice.
Ellen Leahy / Big Data Analyst for Apple
Day to day, I'm a full stack software engineer - the person that takes the architect's solution and builds it.
My team in particular focuses on building applications around emerging technologies like blockchain and quantum computing. All of my computing experience was from uni.
Wei Ann Heng / Software Engineer for Accenture
Your BSc Physics degree from Manchester will open up a whole world of opportunity.
In learning how to be a physicist you are a taught a set of highly valued skills:
- Rigorous and robust evidence-based reasoning
- How to analyse and assess data, and drawing meaning from it
- High degree of numeracy and mathematical ability
- Communication and team-working skills
This will prepare you for a broad range of careers, not just in physics but in other areas that need the in-demand skills you will learn.
The University of Manchester is one of the most targeted universities in the country by employers*. 80% of graduates from this course are in work or further studies 15 months after graduating**.
Plus, our award-winning careers services will support you on your journey to finding the right career path for you.
Our graduates often go on to do research in astrophysics or other branches of physics, including:
- Scientist/Engineer for Tech Company
- Finance/Banking/Management
- Information Technology
- Research scientist
- Medical Physics
- Scientific Publishing
- Teaching
- Science-related careers in the Civil Service
Below are just some of the employers that our graduates have gone on to work for:
- BAE Systems
- RAF
- Meteorological Office
- NHS
- Bank of England
- Deutsche Bank
- Merril Lynch
You can read more about the experiences our students and graduates have had on the Department of Physics blog.