- UCAS course code
- F346
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Overview
- Degree awarded
- MPhys
- Duration
- 4 years
- Typical A-level offer
-
A*A*A, including A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
- Typical contextual A-level offer
-
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.
- Refugee/care-experienced offer
-
AAA, including Physics and Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
Find out more about contextual admissions .
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 .
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.
We do not consider the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) for entry onto our undergraduate programmes.
- Number of places/applicants
For September 2025 entry, we received over 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
- F346
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course overview
- Develop at a Department associated with no fewer than 13 Nobel Prize winners, ranked joint 1st in the UK for research by REF (2021), and 2nd in the UK and Top 10 globally by ARWU (2024).
- Study at a university with outstanding facilities, including the world-famous Jodrell Bank Observatory.
- Enjoy lots of choice and flexibility with our wide ranging undergraduate curriculum covering all areas of physics, allowing you to explore and specialise in the areas you're most passionate about.
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 .
Fees
Fees for entry in 2027 have not yet been set. For entry in 2026 the tuition fees were £9,790 per annum for home students, and are expected to increase slightly for 2027 entry.
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.
Entry requirements
A-level
A*A*A, including A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
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.
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 .
Contextual offer
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 .
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 .
Duration of A-level study
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).
GCSE
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.
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.
We do not consider the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) for entry onto our undergraduate programmes.
Other international entry requirements
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 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
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).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification, please contact the admissions team.
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 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.
Pearson BTEC qualifications
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.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification, please contact the Admissions Team.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
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.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification, please contact the Admissions Team.
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.
T Level
|
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.
|
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
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.
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 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.
You can find further information for mature students on our how to apply page .
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, or;
- IELTS Academic or IELTS UKVI 6.0 overall with no sub-skill below 5.5, 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 we accept in-person IELTS tests taken in official IELTS test centres only. You should review our English Language requirements page for a list of acceptable IELTS tests.
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 academic School/Department for clarification.
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 to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
In addition, our academic Schools/Departments may require applicants to demonstrate English proficiency above the B2 level. Read further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept .
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 first year Physics-based undergraduate course offered by The University of Manchester. Applicants to this course can typically 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. However, this will be at the discretion of the admissions team, depending on capacity limits of individual courses.
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.
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.
Further guidance on how to apply can be found on our How to Apply webpage .
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 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 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 .
Interview requirements
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.
Overseas (non-UK) applicants
ATAS Information
This course requires ATAS. You should apply for an ATAS clearance certificate unless you are exempt because you are a national of the UK, EU, EEA, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea or the USA. Find more information on ATAS and check if you need an ATAS certificate .
If you require a Student Route Visa, your visa application, or extension of stay, will automatically be refused if you need an ATAS certificate and cannot provide one. For further guidance on obtaining an ATAS certificate, please see the information in our ATAS guidance.
Please DO NOT apply for ATAS until contacted by your admissions team, as the information you are required to submit is subject to change each year.
Failure to obtain a correct and valid ATAS certificate will prevent our ability to issue a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies).
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 UCAS Clearing, you are required to meet the Clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and Clearing, places will be subject to availability.
Transfers
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.
Course details
Course description
Explore the more mathematical and theoretical aspects of physics through our Physics with Theoretical Physics MPhys course.
We will provide you with a solid grounding in all aspects of physics - both theoretical and experimental - with lectures and project work forming a significant portion of the theoretical physics component.
In the first two years you will study the topics of advanced mechanics, advanced mathematics and computational physics, while in the third and fourth year you will have the opportunity to study, in greater depth, the topics that are of particular interest to you. Examples include quantum theory, electrodynamics and general relativity.
Our Department of Physics and Astronomy is renowned around the world, and our facilities are second to none. Working with leading academics, you will be well placed to progress along your physics journey from here.
Aims
- You will delve deep into all aspects of physics - both theoretical and experimental - achieving master's level qualification.
- We will teach you mostly via lecture courses and project work to help you really get to grips with theoretical physics.
- You will have the opportunity to study the topics that interest you most in the third year of the course.
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
At the beginning of your third year there is the possibility of transferring to the three-year BSc course.
Outstanding reputation
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Manchester has an excellent international reputation, and a master's 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 |
| Introduction to Astrophysics and Cosmology | PHYS10191 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Year 1 Lab Work (One Semester) | PHYS10280 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Vibrations & Waves | PHYS10302 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Electricity & Magnetism | PHYS10342 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Introduction to Programming | PHYS10362 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Mathematics 2 | PHYS10372 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Random Processes in Physics | PHYS10471 | 10 | Mandatory |
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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 (One Semester) | PHYS20280 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Quantum Mechanics 2 | PHYS20302 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Electromagnetism 2 | PHYS20342 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Statistical Mechanics | PHYS20352 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Lagrangian Dynamics | PHYS20402 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Complex Variables and Vector Spaces | PHYS20672 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Physics | PHYS30021 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Condensed Matter Physics | PHYS30151 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Third Year Laboratory (S5) | PHYS30181 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Particle Physics | PHYS30221 | 10 | Mandatory |
| General Physics Skills | PHYS30302 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Fluid Mechanics and Phase Transitions | PHYS30352 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Cosmology | PHYS30392 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Electrodynamics (M) | PHYS30441 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Advanced Quantum Mechanics | PHYS30602 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Mathematical Methods for Physics | PHYS30672 | 10 | Mandatory |
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Project | PHYS40180 | 45 | Mandatory |
| Launch and Re-entry Gas Dynamics | AERO42111 | 15 | Optional |
| Nuclear Fuel Cycle | CHEN40221 | 15 | Optional |
| Computational Finance | MATH40082 | 15 | Optional |
| Frontiers of Particle Physics | PHYS40021 | 15 | Optional |
| Advanced Quantum Matter | PHYS40071 | 15 | Optional |
| Frontiers of Astrophysics | PHYS40462 | 15 | Optional |
| Quantum Field Theory | PHYS40471 | 15 | Optional |
| Radio Astronomy | PHYS40491 | 15 | Optional |
| Physical Biology and Medicine | PHYS40531 | 15 | Optional |
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Scholarships and bursaries
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 Analyst for Accenture
Your 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 university in the country by employers*. 90% of graduates from the Department of Physics and Astronomy are in work or further studies 15 months after graduating with a median salary of £31,000**.
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.