BSc (Hons) Physics 2024/25

Course Overview

Join our friendly community and explore some of the most fundamental questions, from the nature of matter to the origins of the Universe. Your degree in Physics will allow you to explore a wide range of subjects, including astrophysics, quantum physics, geophysics, fluid mechanics and computing, making use of our top-class facilities and high-tech equipment.

As well as core modules that give you a solid and broad foundation across Physics, we offer a rich variety of optional modules for you to shape your degree path. In the final year you will undertake a substantial project whose direction you get to control; many students use this opportunity to discover the research direction of our staff, whilst others already have their own idea they want to pursue. It is also possible to work on a medical physics project, in collaboration with the hospital next to campus.

Through your degree you'll develop a range of sought-after skills, ready to embark on the next phase of your life - perhaps an exciting career in industry or teaching, or postgraduate study to dive deeper into a specific topic and explore the cutting edge of research.

Physics At UEA

To study physics is to ask questions – to interrogate everything. What is the nature of matter? What are the origins of the universe? What is the basis for the mechanics of sound? And how will that ocean wave move next? Incredibly diverse, abstract and yet also creative, without physics, there would be no answers to many of the questions we face, from the smallest to the vastest.

Study physics at UEA and you’ll be joining a multidisciplinary faculty with a thriving research community that includes specialist groups with expertise in geophysics, astrophysics, fluid mechanics, chemical physics and quantum physics. You will take advantage of top-class facilities, including spectroscopy and ultrafast laser equipment, high-tech geophysics apparatus and experimental wave tanks. And you’ll be able to tailor your degree with a large range of optional modules.

About

Physics is concerned with the most fundamental questions about nature. It’s an inspiring subject that enables you to cultivate your abstract, creative reasoning and your practical, applied knowledge.

During the first two years of this three-year degree, you’ll explore some major themes in physics. And in your final year project, you’ll be given the chance to research a specific topic of your choice.

Throughout the course, you’ll develop an impressive range of transferable skills in mathematics, communication and collaborative work. You will also build practical professional skills in areas like academic research, analytical problem solving and computing. These are highly sought-after skills for which employers in several sectors specifically prefer physics graduates.

Physics is not only a fascinating discipline, but a highly regarded qualification too. Study with us at UEA and you’ll develop a deep curiosity about the workings of our universe at a wide range of scales and gain powerful scientific skills to employ in diverse areas, so you’ll leave as a highly employable graduate.

Employability

After the Course

Career opportunities in physics are almost as vast as the subject itself. They include everything from academic and research careers to positions in 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 offer you support at every stage of the course, from choosing a career to applying for graduate jobs.

Careers

A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.

Examples of careers that you could enter include:

Research scientist
Data analyst
Academic
Teacher

Discover more on our Careers webpages.

Entry Requirements

A Levels

ABB including Mathematics and Physics. A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer alongside an A in the EPQ.

T Levels

Not accepted.

BTEC

Not accepted.

Contextual Offer

A Level – BBC including Mathematics and Physics

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.

Scottish Highers

AAABB including A in Mathematics and Physics.

Scottish Advanced Highers

BCC including Mathematics and Physics.

Irish Leaving Certificate

3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3 including Mathematics and Physics.

Access to HE Diploma

Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3 including 12 credits in Mathematics and 12 credits in Physics.

International Baccalaureate

32 including HL5 Mathematics and Physics.

GCSE

You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.

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 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:

Interviews

Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Hub. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required, the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.

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.

Intakes

This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.

Additional Information or Requirements

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.

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.

We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, or are taking a combination of qualifications, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.

International Requirements

We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.

INTO University of East Anglia

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:

International Foundation in Mathematics and Actuarial Sciences

International Foundation in Physical Sciences and Engineering

Admissions Policy

Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

View our information for Tuition Fees.

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 for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.

Course Related Costs

Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.

How to Apply

Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.

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:

How to apply through UCAS

BSc (Hons) Physics

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