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BSc Physics

University College London

About this course

BSc in Physics, a physics degree exploring the fundamental laws of nature and physical phenomena. Core topics include Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. The first year introduces foundational concepts through compulsory modules such as Classical Mechanics, Waves, Optics and Acoustics, and Mathematics for Physicists. The second year builds upon this knowledge with core studies including Quantum Physics, Electricity and Magnetism, and Statistical Physics of Matter, alongside optional choices like Environmental Physics. The final year involves advanced compulsory study in Solid State Physics, Nuclear and Particle Physics, and Quantum Mechanics, complemented by options such as Physical Cosmology and Lasers and Modern Optics, as well as a Physics Group Project or a Physics Project - BSc.

Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.

Institution
University College London
Level
undergraduate
Subject
Physics and Astronomy
Duration
3 years
UCAS code
F300
Typical offer
A-level A*AA, IB 39
Median salary
£49,500 after 5 years

Entry requirements

A level: A*AA (A*A in Mathematics and Physics required (in any order).) IB: 39 points (A total of 19 points in three higher level subjects including grade 7 and grade 6 in Mathematics and Physics, in any order, with no higher level score below 5. The programme will accept either ‘Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation’ at higher level.)

See the highest paying Physics & Chemistry degrees in the UK →

What students say

Based on about 43 final-year students who answered

  • Teaching on my course: 83%
  • Learning opportunities: 82%
  • Assessment and feedback: 78%
  • Academic support: 89%
  • Organisation and management: 88%
  • Learning resources: 88%
  • Student voice: 85%

Do students stay on the course?

Based on about 100 students who started

  • Continued on course: 94%
  • Left higher education: 3%
  • Moved to a lower qualification: 3%

What graduates do next

Based on about 17 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)

  • Working: 55%
  • Working and studying: 5%
  • Further study: 15%
  • Unemployed: 15%

Most common jobs

  • Finance Professionals: 20%
  • Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
  • Information Technology Professionals: 10%
  • Teaching Professionals: 10%
  • Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 10%
  • Find their work meaningful: 80%
  • Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
  • Use what they learnt on the course: 55%

Where graduates work (5 years on)

Based on about 140 graduates, across similar courses at this university

  • North West: 3%
  • Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
  • East Midlands: 5%
  • West Midlands: 1%
  • East of England: 11%
  • London: 61%
  • South East: 15%
  • South West: 3%

Who gets in

Based on about 70 students who started

  • A levels: 94%
  • Baccalaureate: 1%
  • A degree: 3%
  • Other HE qualification: 1%

Accreditation & quality ratings

  • Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.

TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.

Modules

  • Atoms, Stars and the Universe
  • Waves, Optics and Acoustics
  • Thermal Physics and the Properties of Matter
  • Classical Mechanics
  • Introductory Practical Skills for Physicists
  • Mathematics for Physicists
  • Electricity and Magnetism
  • Quantum Physics
  • Statistical Physics of Matter
  • Mathematical Methods III
  • Atomic and Molecular Physics
  • Practical Physics 2A
  • Practical Physics and Computing 2
  • Mathematics for Physics and Astronomy
  • Planetary Science
  • Environmental Physics
  • Physics Group Project
  • Electromagnetic Theory
  • Nuclear and Particle Physics
  • Solid State Physics
  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Ocean Physics and Climate Change
  • Physical Cosmology
  • Physics Education
  • Physics Project - BSc
  • Theory of Dynamical Systems
  • Climate and Energy
  • Experimental Physics
  • Lasers and Modern Optics
  • Materials and Energy Materials
  • Practical Machine Learning for Physicists

Questions about this course

How much do graduates of BSc Physics at University College London earn?

The median salary is £34,000 after 15 months, £42,000 after 3 years, £49,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £37,000 and £66,000. The £49,500 median after five years is £11,000 more than the UK median for Physics.

What do graduates of BSc Physics at University College London do next?

75% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2022-23).

Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Physics at University College London?

83% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2024-25.

What grades do I need for BSc Physics at University College London?

The typical offer is A*AA at A level, or 39 points in the IB. The average entrant had 175 UCAS points.

Is BSc Physics at University College London accredited?

Yes. Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.

How many students continue on BSc Physics at University College London?

94% of students continued into their second year, and 3% left higher education.