- UCAS course code
- F305
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Master of Physics (MPhys)
MPhys Physics
Join a physics Department of international renown that offers great choice and flexibility, leading to master's qualification.
- Typical A-level offer: A*A*A including specific subjects
- Typical contextual A-level offer: A*AA including specific subjects
- Refugee/care-experienced offer: AAA including specific subjects
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 38 points overall with 7,7,6 at HL, including specific requirements
Course description
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.
Aims
- 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.
Special features
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.
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 |
Biodiversity | BIOL10511 | 10 | Optional |
Atmospheric Physics and Weather | EART23001 | 10 | Optional |
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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 |
---|---|---|---|
Condensed Matter Physics | PHYS30051 | 10 | Mandatory |
Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics | PHYS30121 | 10 | Mandatory |
Yr3 Physics Laboratory Work (All Year) | PHYS30180 | 20 | Mandatory |
General Physics Skills | PHYS30302 | 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 |
Climate and Energy: Past, Present and Future | EART36002 | 10 | Optional |
The Nuclear Age: Global Nuclear Threats from Hiroshima to Today | HSTM31212 | 10 | Optional |
Displaying 10 of 38 course units for year 3 | |||
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Course content for year 4
Course units for year 4
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 |
---|---|---|---|
MPhys Project | PHYS40181 | 20 | Mandatory |
MPhys Project | PHYS40182 | 20 | 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 |
Climate and Energy: Past, Present and Future | EART36002 | 10 | Optional |
The Nuclear Age: Global Nuclear Threats from Hiroshima to Today | HSTM31212 | 10 | Optional |
Wave Motion | MATH35012 | 10 | Optional |
Mathematical Modelling in Finance | MATH39032 | 10 | Optional |
Displaying 10 of 44 course units for year 4 | |||
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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.