MPhys Physics with Study in Europe

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 .

A*A*A, including A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

We do not require an A Level in the relevant European language at the point of application for this course. However, applicants applying to this course should have prior knowledge of the relevant European language, and must have a CEFR B2 Level qualification or equivalent upon the start of the placement in Year 3.

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore 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 offer you will receive.

Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, any offer will be based on three A Levels, and any additional A Levels won’t be included in your offer. Any offer will normally be based on three A Levels taken in the same sitting and based on your qualification portfolio. Your offer will stipulate which subjects and the grades required.

If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider our integrated foundation year.

A*AA, including Physics and Mathematics or Further Mathematics. The A* must be in Physics, Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

Find out more about contextual admissions .

We do not require an A Level in the relevant European language at the point of application for this course. However, applicants applying to this course should have prior knowledge of the relevant European language, and must have a CEFR B2 Level qualification or equivalent upon the start of the placement in Year 3.

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore 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 offer you will receive.

Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, any offer will be based on three A Levels, and any additional A Levels won’t be included in your offer. Any offer will normally be based on three A Levels taken in the same sitting and based on your qualification portfolio. Your offer will stipulate which subjects and the grades required.

If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider applying to our integrated foundation year .

If you have studied an advanced curriculum, where the examinations are spread over three years or more, please contact the academic School/Department for clarification on acceptability prior to applying. For some courses, offer will normally be based on three A Levels taken in the same sitting (normally within a two-year period).

AS-level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

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.

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education, typically a minimum of five GCSE/IGCSEs, including acceptable levels of literacy and numeracy, equivalent to at least grade 4/C in GCSE/IGCSE English Language, including grade 1 or 2 in the oral exam component if applicable, and grade 4/C in GCSE/IGCSE Mathematics.

GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.

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 English Language qualifications  or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the admissions team in your academic School/Department for clarification.

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.

We do not require a Higher Level in the relevant European language at the point of application for this course. However, applicants applying to this course should have prior knowledge of the relevant European language, and must have a CEFR B2 Level qualification or equivalent upon the start of the placement in Year 3.

We do not consider the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) for entry onto our undergraduate programmes.

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. Detailed information on our international entry criteria is available on the Department of Physics and Astronomy website .

For general English Language requirements, and general academic entry requirements for countries not listed above, see accepted entry qualifications from your country . Please note that these general requirements may differ from the Department's 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 grade3).

We do not require an Advanced Higher in the relevant European language at the point of application for this course. However, applicants applying to this course should have prior knowledge of the relevant European language, and must have a CEFR B2 Level qualification or equivalent upon the start of the placement in Year 3.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Department Admissions Team.

We welcome and recognise the value of the Baccalaureate Wales and accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.

We would consider this qualification at grade A when taken with two A Levels at grades A*A* in Physics and Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

For applicants who have studied the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (pre-2023), this qualification will still be accepted in lieu of one A Level (normally the lowest A Level grade listed).

We do not require an A Level in the relevant European language at the point of application for this course. However, applicants applying to this course should have prior knowledge of the relevant European language, and must have a CEFR B2 Level qualification or equivalent upon the start of the placement in Year 3.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification, please contact the admissions team.

Typically we require 88% overall with 9.0, 9.0, 8.5 in three written subjects, including 9.0 in both Physics and Mathematics.

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 Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further 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.

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 Science and Engineering are required to achieve grades A*A*A with A* in Physics and A* in Technical Mathematics or Further Mathematics, and grade C overall with no component below C in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) or English for Academic Purposes for Proficient Users (EAPPU). Integrated Mathematics is not considered an acceptable mathematics subject. INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester students are required to attend an interview.

Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year in Science and Engineering are required to achieve grades A*A*A with A* in Physics and A* in Technical Mathematics or Further Mathematics, and grade C overall with no component below C in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) or English for Academic Purposes for Proficient Users (EAPPU). Integrated Mathematics is not considered an acceptable mathematics subject.

Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the academic School to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.

Applicants applying to this course should have prior knowledge of the relevant European language, and must have a CEFR B2 Level qualification or equivalent upon the start of the placement in Year 3.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
We consider the National Extended Diploma in any subject for entry with grades DDD when taken with two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma
We consider the National Diploma in any subject for entry with grades DD when taken with two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma
We consider the National Foundation Diploma in any subject for entry with grade D when taken with two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate
We consider the National Extended Certificate in any subject for entry with grade D when taken with two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 Nationals (AAQs) Extended Certificate
We consider the National (AAQ) Extended Certificate. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full BTEC National AAQ Extended Certificate with grade D, when taken with two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate
We do not consider the National Certificate for entry to this course.

Legacy BTEC qualifications
The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma and BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (with grade D or above) and two A- Level at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

We do not consider the BTEC Certificate for entry to this course.

We do not require an A Level in the relevant European language at the point of application for this course. However, applicants applying to this course should have prior knowledge of the relevant European language, and must have a CEFR B2 Level qualification or equivalent upon the start of the placement in Year 3.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification, please contact the Admissions Team.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC)
We consider the Technical Extended Diploma in any subject for entry with grades DDD when taken with two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC)
We consider the Technical Diploma in any subject for entry with grades DD when taken with two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC)
We consider the Technical Foundation Diploma in any subject for entry with grade D when taken with two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC)
We consider the Technical Extended Certificate in any subject for entry with grade D when taken with two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

Cambridge Advanced Nationals (AAQs) Extended Certificate
We consider the Advanced National (AAQ) Extended Certificate. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full CTEC Advanced National Extended Certificate with grade D, when taken with two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate (CTEC)
We do not consider the Technical Certificate for entry to this course.

Legacy CTEC qualifications
The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved Distinction(s) in legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma and CTEC Subsidiary Diploma, alongside two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

We do not require an A Level in the relevant European language at the point of application for this course. However, applicants applying to this course should have prior knowledge of the relevant European language, and must have a CEFR B2 Level qualification or equivalent upon the start of the placement in Year 3.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification, please contact the Admissions Team.

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.

D2, D2, D3 in Principal subjects, including D2 in Physics and D2 in Mathematics or Further 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, and specific subject and grade requirements are met. 

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 . 

We do not accept T Levels as entry onto this programme. The University does accept T Level qualifications on a number of courses. Please review our T Level information page for a full list.

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview, if applicable. 

A number of our academic Departments may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course. 

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.

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.

Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences. Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest. There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.

The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates.

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 Physics and Astronomy Admissions Team directly, before you apply.

Further information for mature students can be found here .

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 no sub-skill below 5.5,
• TOEFL iBT 80 overall with no less than 20 in speaking and 18 in all other sub-scores. We do not accept TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition, or;
• An acceptable equivalent qualification .

Where specified, we also require grade 1 or 2 in the Oral Exam component of the IGCSE English Language (first or second language) 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 qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above.

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student requiring a visa to study in the UK must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language (Common European Framework) (CEFR) B2 level) to be granted a Student Route visa (previously known as a Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level.

In addition, our academic Schools/Departments may require applicants to demonstrate English proficiency above the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found on our website .

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.

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 or required to take an academic skills diagnostic test.

All applicants should be aware that, if they are interviewed, information provided in the personal statement may be used as the basis for further discussion in an 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 .

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

Eligible UK-based applicants were required to attend an in-person academic interview as part of the selection process for 2026 entry. We are currently reviewing our interview requirements for 2027 entry. All updates will be posted here.

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.

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.

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

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 UCAS Clearing, you are required to meet the Clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and Clearing, places will be subject to availability. 

Transfers to the first year of this course from those on another course within the University, or from other institutions, are considered on a case-by-case basis.  

Transfers into the second year are not normally considered.   

If you wish to enquire about whether you would be eligible to apply for entry onto the first or second year, please contact the Admissions Team with full details of your qualifications and copies of your transcripts to date. 

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.

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 .

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Institute of Physics.