Course overview
This degree provides a broad knowledge of theoretical and experimental physics and astronomy. You will undertake projects in astronomy, either using the School's optical telescopes or its radio telescopes, or analysing data brought in from state-of-the-art facilities like the Hubble Space Telescope. Theoretical project work can make use of the School's astrophysical supercomputing facilities.
Year one
This degree follows the same syllabus as the BSc Physics programme with an introduction to astronomy and other cutting-edge research provided by the Frontiers in Physics module.
Year two
Again, you will pursue the same core as for the F300 programme (BSc Physics), but with astronomy modules, The Structure of Stars and The Structure of Galaxies, replacing two of the options in the BSc Physics degree.
Year three
The final year adopts the same core physics as F300, but with modules entitled Extreme Astrophysics and Cosmology replacing two of the options. This still leaves plenty of flexibility for you to choose other optional modules; you might, for example, choose one in the related field of theoretical particle physics. You will also undertake a year-long astronomical research project.
Entry requirements
A levels: A*AA-AAA, including physics and maths at A level
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element)
TOEFL iBT 87 (minimum 19 with 20 in speaking)
Alternative qualifications
For details please see the alternative qualifications page
Flexible admissions policy
We may make some applicants an offer lower than advertised, depending on their personal and educational circumstances.
Notes for applicants
Scholarships - we offer a range of scholarships designed to assist you in settling in to your studies and meeting the financial requirements of your course. Some of these are means-tested but we also offer special scholarships that reward academic achievement.
One is offered on the basis of performance in the qualifying examinations for university entrance (eg A levels). A scholarship package is also offered to reward good performance in the qualifying (first-) year examinations. This scheme includes special prizes that have been inaugarated in collaboration with our commercial partners. Full details of all scholarship prizes will be provided at the UCAS open days.
Each year we also offer scholarships to well-qualified international applicants. These are worth approximately £2,500 in each year of study.
For more details about scholarships, please see www.nottingham.ac.uk/physics
Modules
The modules we offer are inspired by the research interests of our staff and as a result, may change from year to year. The following list is therefore subject to change but should give you a flavour of the modules we offer.
Typical year-one modules
-
Mathematics for Physics and Astronomy
-
From Newton to Einstein
-
Introductory Experimental Physics
-
Computing for Physical Science
-
Frontiers in Physics
Typical year-two modules
-
The Structure of Stars
-
The Quantum World
-
Thermal and Statistical Physics
-
Classical Fields
-
The Structure of Galaxies
Typical year-three modules
-
Introduction to Cosmology
-
Atoms, Photons and Fundamental Particles
-
Introduction to Solid State Physics
-
Extreme Astrophysics
-
Physics Project A
Typical optional modules
Here is a small sample of modules you will be able to choose from:
-
Atmospheric Physics
-
From Accelerators to Medical Imaging
-
Scientific Computing
-
Functional Medical Imaging
-
Quantum Coherent Phenomena
-
Imaging and Manipulation at the Nanoscale
-
Health Physics
-
Principles of Dynamics
-
Molecular Biophysics
-
Symmetry and Action Principles in Physics
Careers
You will have developed a thorough understanding of physics and astronomy, both through study and practical work. You will be prepared for employment in a range of areas, as well as for a career as a professional astronomer or physicist.
Professional accreditation
The Institute of Physics accredits bachelor and integrated masters degree programmes for the purposes of the professional award of Chartered Physicist. Chartered Physicist requires an IOP accredited degree followed by an appropriate period of experience during which professional skills are acquired.
An accredited bachelor degree partially fulfils the academic requirement for Chartered Physicist status. Further study to masters level, or equivalent work-based experience, is required to achieve Chartered Physicist.
Average starting salary
The average starting salary for 2010/11 full-time graduates of the School of Physics and Astronomy was £21,708.*
*Average starting salary from known destinations of first-degree leavers who studied full-time, 2010/11.
Careers Support and Advice
Studying for a degree at The University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take. Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.
Have a look at our Careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.