BSc (Hons) Physics with a Year Abroad
Key details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- F30A
- Typical Offer
- AAB (specific subjects required)
- Contextual Offer
- BBB (specific subjects required)
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
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Course Overview
Studying abroad is a fantastic life experience, and you can combine this with a highly flexible BSc Physics degree. Our BSc Physics with a Year Abroad degree is a highly flexible course directly influenced by the research taking place at UEA.
You'll begin with the first two years of the standard BSc route, where you'll get to explore a wide range of subjects, including astrophysics, quantum physics, geophysics, fluid mechanics and computing. Following that, you'll move abroad to your international year, learning Physics at a Higher Education institution overseas and getting a deeper knowledge of the subject and the new skills and experiences that come from international study. Finally, you'll return to UEA for the final year of your degree.
Our four-year degree programme introduces you to many of the major themes in physics in your first year, before providing more advanced teaching in the subsequent years, when you can specialise in a particular field. Your course will end in a final year project, giving you the chance to research a topic that interests you most. It could be in line with the research taking place at UEA or an idea you have in mind.
You’ll use our top-class laboratories and high-tech equipment. Through experiments, you’ll gain a practical understanding of the subjects, and you’ll find them even more fascinating.
By the time you graduate, you’ll have skills that are much in demand by employers. You'll excel in analytical problem-solving, data analysis, and solid research techniques. You’ll be ready to set foot on a career as a professional scientist or work in finance, high-tech start-up companies, or science-based industries.
Year Abroad
On this four-year degree programme, you’ll study overseas for a year at one of a broad range of partner universities in North America, Europe, Australia, or Asia. Here you’ll study advanced level modules from the core subjects as well as some elective modules to suit your interests.
You’ll be able to choose modules from the partner institution in consultation with your adviser or Course Director. It’s also a fantastic chance to show future employers you have what it takes to succeed in an international setting.
For further details, visit the Study Abroad section pages.
Careers
Career Pathways
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Research scientist
- Actuary astronomer
- Space scientists
- Data analyst
- Air traffic control
- Programmer
- Teacher
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
After the Course
You’ll have many career opportunities as a physics graduate. You can work in science-based industries or pursue academic and research careers. Other careers include nanotechnology, energy, space research, engineering, telecommunications, education, defence, data science, science journalism, finance, medicine and government agencies. You could also choose to continue your studies to a Master’s or doctorate level.
We work with UEA’s Careers Service to support you at every stage of the course, from choosing a career through to applying for graduate jobs.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies(opens in a new window) page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes(opens in a new window).
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
AAB including Mathematics and Physics
Contextual offer: BBB including Mathematics and Physics.
Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
BTEC
Not accepted.
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Science Pathway. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3 including 12 credits in Mathematics and 12 credits in Physics.
T levels
Not accepted.
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - BSc Physics with a Foundation Year.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall including HL 6 Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation or Analysis and Approaches) and HL 5 Physics, or HL 5 Mathematics and HL 6 Physics.
Irish Leaving Certificate
4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H3 including Mathematics and Physics
Scottish Highers
AAAAA including Mathematics and Physics
Scottish Advanced Highers
BBC including Mathematics and Physics. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies(opens in a new window) page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes(opens in a new window).
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students(opens in a new window).
A levels
AAB including Mathematics and Physics.
Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall including HL 6 Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation or Analysis and Approaches) and HL 5 Physics, or HL 5 Mathematics and HL 6 Physics.
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
-
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
)
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships(opens in a new window) for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
You’re eligible for reduced fees during the year abroad. Further details are available on our Tuition Fees pages.
There’ll be extra costs related to items such as travel and accommodation during your year abroad, which will vary depending on location.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: