MSci Physics
About this course
MSci 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. This four-year course extends beyond the standard Bachelor level by providing an additional year dedicated to advanced elective modules and a substantive research project. Throughout the first year, studies centre on core foundations through modules such as Atoms, Stars and the Universe, Classical Mechanics, Mathematics for Physicists, and Introductory Practical Skills for Physicists. The second year progresses into more advanced concepts, featuring Electricity and Magnetism, Quantum Physics, Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Mathematical Methods III, alongside optional choices like Planetary Science and Environmental Physics. The third year involves compulsory study in Electromagnetic Theory, Nuclear and Particle Physics, Solid State Physics, and Quantum Mechanics, complemented by a group project and optional modules such as Physical Cosmology or Physics Education. The final fourth year is structured around an independent Physics and Astrophysics project, alongside advanced optional modules including Quantum Computation and Communication, Particle Physics, and Theoretical Condensed Matter.
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.
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 course 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 19 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 82%
- Learning opportunities: 74%
- Assessment and feedback: 68%
- Academic support: 83%
- Organisation and management: 80%
- Learning resources: 88%
- Student voice: 67%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 40 students who started
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 18 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 50%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Further study: 20%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 35%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 25%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Finance Professionals: 10%
- Sales occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 65%
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 50 students who started
- A levels: 90%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
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
- Atomic and Molecular Physics
- Statistical Physics of Matter
- Mathematical Methods III
- 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
- Experimental Physics
- Ocean Physics and Climate Change
- Physical Cosmology
- Physics Education
- Theory of Dynamical Systems
- Climate and Energy
- Lasers and Modern Optics
- Materials and Energy Materials
- Practical Machine Learning for Physicists
- Physics of the Earth
- Molecular Biophysics
- Physics and Astrophysics project
- Asymptotic Approximation Methods
- Physics of Advanced Materials
- Theoretical Condensed Matter
- Advanced Topics in Statistical Mechanics
- Galaxy Dynamics, Formation and Evolution
- Advanced Physical Cosmology
- Physics of Exoplanets
- Advanced Quantum Theory
- Quantum Computation and Communication
- Particle Physics
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci 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 MSci Physics at University College London do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2022-23).
Are students happy with the teaching on MSci Physics at University College London?
82% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2024-25.
What grades do I need for MSci Physics at University College London?
The typical offer is A*AA at A level, or 39 points in the IB. The average entrant had 203 UCAS points.
Is MSci 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 MSci Physics at University College London?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.