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How do I choose my physics degree?

The following are examples of undergraduate degrees available in Great Britain. Click here for details of where to look for these courses.

Before beginning University you may wish to take a Gap Year. Year in Industry is one organisation that links you to paid industry opportunities before you even begin your degree.

Bachelor of Science, BSc

These first degree courses are usually three years full-time (four years in Scotland) based in universities. Some courses, known as sandwich courses, are four years long with the extra year spent abroad or working in the industry. This is normally done between the second and third years of study. Degrees can be done in physics alone or as a 'with' or 'and' degree. 'And' generally denotes a 50:50 split between, for example, physics and philosophy, whereas 'with' would indicate that philosophy comprised less than half the course.

Master of Physics, MPhys or MSci

Some Masters degrees in science and engineering are awarded after extended undergraduate programmes that last, typically, a year longer than the corresponding BSc programmes. In the final year the students undertake a research project and study sophisticated physics topics in some depth. Some institutions award MSci rather than MPhys first degrees. Despite their title these are first degrees and should not be confused with postgraduate qualifications such as an MSc. MPhys/MSci courses offer enhanced practical work, with the fourth year devoted to an extended project or projects. General professional skills such as IT and communication skills are reinforced throughout the course. The same 'with' and 'and' terminology applies.

If you would like more information on postgraduate degrees click here.

The Institute of Physics accredits undergraduate degrees. For more information click here.  

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