Physics BSc (Hons)
Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad
Study
Interested in studying at Northumbria? With 31,500 students, Northumbria is one of the largest universities in the country, offering courses on either a full-time, part-time or distance learning basis.
Discover moreInternational
Northumbria’s global footprint touches every continent across the world, through our global partnerships across 17 institutions in 10 countries, to our 277,000 strong alumni community and 150 recruitment partners – we prepare our students for the challenges of tomorrow. Discover more about how to join Northumbria’s global family or our partnerships.
Discover moreBusiness
The world is changing faster than ever before. The future is there to be won by organisations who find ways to turn today's possibilities into tomorrows competitive edge. In a connected world, collaboration can be the key to success.
Discover moreResearch
Northumbria is a research-rich, business-focused, professional university with a global reputation for academic quality. We conduct ground-breaking research that is responsive to the science & technology, health & well being, economic and social and arts & cultural needs for the communities
Discover moreAlumni
Northumbria University is renowned for the calibre of its business-ready graduates. Our alumni network has over 237,000 graduates based in 178 countries worldwide in a range of sectors, our alumni are making a real impact on the world.
Discover moreIf you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.
* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here
Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad
Physicists are problem solvers, future shapers, and at Northumbria we empower our Physics students to think creatively about how to tackle the challenges we put in front of them.
Research strengths in areas such as quantum devices, smart and nano materials, soft matter, chaos theory and dynamical systems underpin our Physics course, giving you the opportunity to learn some of the most up-to-date and topical research.
The breadth of topics provides you with a chance to customise your degree in the final year – focusing on what matters to you most.
A Physics BSc from Northumbria is highly valued by employers and cuts across disciplines, giving you a vital edge in a competitive job market. Throughout your time here, you will learn from world-leading experts and develop transferable skills including problem solving, data analysis, computer programming and communication. You will also learn practical skills such as laboratory skills, software knowledge, and research techniques, which will be especially useful for your success as a physicist. Northumbria has recently invested more than one million pounds into Physics facilities and learning environments, further enhancing our reputation for innovation and excellence.
Physicists are problem solvers, future shapers, and at Northumbria we empower our Physics students to think creatively about how to tackle the challenges we put in front of them.
Research strengths in areas such as quantum devices, smart and nano materials, soft matter, chaos theory and dynamical systems underpin our Physics course, giving you the opportunity to learn some of the most up-to-date and topical research.
The breadth of topics provides you with a chance to customise your degree in the final year – focusing on what matters to you most.
A Physics BSc from Northumbria is highly valued by employers and cuts across disciplines, giving you a vital edge in a competitive job market. Throughout your time here, you will learn from world-leading experts and develop transferable skills including problem solving, data analysis, computer programming and communication. You will also learn practical skills such as laboratory skills, software knowledge, and research techniques, which will be especially useful for your success as a physicist. Northumbria has recently invested more than one million pounds into Physics facilities and learning environments, further enhancing our reputation for innovation and excellence.
UCAS Code
F300
Level of Study
Undergraduate
Mode of Study
3 years full-time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department
Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering
Location
City Campus, Northumbria University
City
Newcastle
Start
September 2024 or September 2025
Fees
Fee Information
Our Department includes the subject areas of Maths, Physics, Astrophysics, Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Find out more about the department below.
Our current and future projects work towards establishing the North East as a world-renowned hub for agile, dynamic, cutting-edge space research and development.
Find out what our Maths, Physics and Electrical Engineering students and staff are taking part in and achieving.
Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study Physics. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.
Physics students at Northumbria are taught through a wide range of methods, including directed learning, laboratory experiments and self-directed research. There is a strong emphasis on problem solving, ranging from laboratory sessions and seminars to develop solutions to ideal problems, to applying computational techniques to multi-variable constrained problems.
You will be exposed to and encouraged to use the latest technology, through dedicated facilities, to study and understand complex physical concepts.
Our assessment philosophy is to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and application in a variety of ways and settings including laboratory experiments, presentations, assignments, exams, reports and project work.
Assessments will develop your communication skills while also testing your grasp of the learning outcomes for each module.
Find out how research is brought into teaching on the BSc (Hons) Physics.
Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study Physics. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.
With a large number of staff linked to our BSc (Hons) Physics programme, each with their own specialist areas of interest, you will learn from some truly world-leading experts. Within a field as diverse as Physics, you will be exposed to an inspiring array of innovative thinkers working on cutting edge research into the biggest challenges humanity faces.
Whether you are interested in quantum physics, soft and biological matter, or theoretical physics, our staff are not only teaching their specialist subjects but also writing textbooks and adding new knowledge and perspectives to our understanding of the world around us.
We are an enthusiastic, committed, knowledgeable and likeable staff team, who are here to motivate you and propel you through your degree and beyond.
Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study Physics. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.
Northumbria has recently invested more than one million pounds into Physics facilities, meaning our students have access to the state-of-the-art learning environments.
The Smart Materials and Surfaces Lab supports research into many specialist fields including super-water repellent surfaces and microfluidics. The Microwave Technology Lab is at the centre of exciting research into breast cancer detection and security screening for concealed weapons. The New and Renewable Energy Lab is closely connected to future-changing research into wind power, photovoltaics and electric vehicle battery testing.
The core Physics Teaching Lab contains a variety of cutting-edge equipment to measure and experiment on invisible forces and physical phenomena.
Technology Enhanced Learning is core to the Physics course. You will undertake online tests and self-guided exercises, which have a positive impact on your formation as they enable you to work independently and to develop innovative thinking.
The department of Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering has modern laboratory and computing resources for learning, teaching, research, innovation and business engagement.
Come and explore our outstanding facilities in this interactive virtual tour.
At the heart of each Northumbria campus, our libraries provide a range of study space and technology to suit every learning style.
Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study Physics. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.
At Northumbria your learning will be enhanced through one-to-one contact with the Physics staff. Key research interests of staff include:
Research in Physics is fundamental to the distinctive learning experience at Northumbria. You will be surrounded by research opportunities and actively encouraged to contribute to developing new knowledge.
The strong research expertise includes:
From statistics to complex and nonlinear phenomena, astrophysics to smart materials, and communications to renewable energy, the pioneering research in the Department of Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering focuses on a wide range of issues.
Research
Electrical Power and Control Systems
Renewable Energy Technologies and Materials
Smart Materials and Surfaces Laboratory
Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study Physics. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.
From the first day of your Physics degree to the last, you will be empowered to take responsibility for and develop your own learning. This experience will equip you with a valuable range of transferable skills from the analytical to the practical and interpersonal.
Our industry partners tell us they value highly the analytical skills of Northumbria Physics students such as estimation, quantitative modelling and statistical analysis, and these skills can be deployed across a wide range of disciplines in addition to research, such as healthcare, energy, electronics and finance.
Whatever you decide to do, you will have a strong employability potential as a result of having acquired the characteristics of a Northumbria graduate. These include the ability to think creatively while at the same time applying rigorous structure to solve complex problems.
A work placement is the ideal way to gain experience in your chosen career and will enable you to apply what you have learnt in the lecture theatre and lab in the real world. Typically, students will opt for a year in industry or study abroad between their second and final year.
If you opt to take a placement year during your studies, you will be able to work alongside, and learn from, professionals in the Physics field, building up vital networking contacts and developing key skills such as time management, communication, problem solving and self-management.
You can boost your CV and develop your experience whilst studying at Northumbria.
From first year through to final year and beyond graduation, we are here to help.
We have a fantastic service for students' to use to gain advice and tips on furthering careers and enhancing their employability.
Careers and Employment Services
Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study Physics. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.
112 UCAS Tariff points
From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.
Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator
Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our University regardless of personal circumstances or background. To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo
Subject Requirements:
Applicants will need Grade B in A-level Mathematics and Physics, or recognised equivalents.
GCSE Requirements:
Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.
Additional Requirements:
There are no additional requirements for this course.
International Qualifications:
We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.
If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
English Language Requirements:
International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
112 UCAS Tariff points
From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.
Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator
Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our University regardless of personal circumstances or background. To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo
Subject Requirements:
Applicants will need Grade B in A-level Mathematics and Physics, or recognised equivalents.
GCSE Requirements:
Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.
Additional Requirements:
There are no additional requirements for this course.
International Qualifications:
We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.
If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
English Language Requirements:
International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
UK Fee in Year 1: £9,250
* The maximum tuition fee that we are permitted to charge for UK students is set by government. Tuition fees may increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, these are subject to government regulations and in line with inflation.
EU Fee in Year 1: £19,750
International Fee in Year 1:
ADDITIONAL COSTS
There are no Additional Costs
UK Fee in Year 1*: TBC
* The maximum tuition fee that we are permitted to charge for UK students is set by government. Tuition fees may increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, these are subject to government regulations and in line with inflation.
EU Fee in Year 1: **TBC
International Fee in Year 1:
TBC
ADDITIONAL COSTS
TBC
* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here
Please use the Apply Now button at the top of this page to submit your application.
Certain applications may need to be submitted via an external application system, such as UCAS, Lawcabs or DfE Apply.
The Apply Now button will redirect you to the relevant website if this is the case.
You can find further application advice, such as what to include in your application and what happens after you apply, on our Admissions Hub Admissions | Northumbria University
To start your application, simply select the month you would like to start your course.
Home or EU applicants please apply through UCAS
International applicants please apply using the links below
Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help. They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.
Northumbria University is committed to developing an inclusive, diverse and accessible campus and wider University community and are determined to ensure that opportunities we provide are open to all.
We are proud to work in partnership with AccessAble to provide Detailed Access Guides to our buildings and facilities across our City, Coach Lane and London Campuses. A Detailed Access Guide lets you know what access will be like when you visit somewhere. It looks at the route you will use getting in and what is available inside. All guides have Accessibility Symbols that give you a quick overview of what is available, and photographs to show you what to expect. The guides are produced by trained surveyors who visit our campuses annually to ensure you have trusted and accurate information.
You can use Northumbria’s AccessAble Guides anytime to check the accessibility of a building or facility and to plan your routes and journeys. Search by location, building or accessibility feature to find the information you need.
We are dedicated to helping students who may require additional support during their student journey and offer 1-1 advice and guidance appropriate to individual requirements. If you feel you may need additional support you can find out more about what we offer here where you can also contact us with any questions you may have:
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
Your Learning Experience
Find out about our distinctive approach at
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp
Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms
Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees
Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy
Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints
If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.
* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here
Open Days are a great way for you to get a feel of the University, the city of Newcastle upon Tyne and the course(s) you are interested in.
Information about all of our tuition fees, funding and scholarships.
Get an insight into life at Northumbria at the click of a button! Come and explore our videos and 360 panoramas to immerse yourself in our campuses and get a feel for what it is like studying here using our interactive virtual tour.
Back to top