Physics & Astronomy

One of the most popular in the UK, Nottingham’s School of Physics and Astronomy is committed to excellence and innovation in teaching and research.

About the subject
Perhaps the most fundamental of the sciences, physics interacts strongly with all the other science subjects, and is particularly attractive to students who want to really find out how our world and universe works. Not only is physics a fascinating and rewarding subject in its own right, a physics degree also affords entry into a wide range of prestigious careers.

Teaching and learning
Our teaching was rated ‘excellent’ in the latest independent review of teaching quality. Our modular degree structure provides great flexibility in choosing or changing between different courses. In addition to lectures and laboratory work, students participate in tutorials and problem classes, which offer the opportunity to practise solving physics problems in a less formal environment. The teaching structure culminates in the final year of the MSci degree, where students use their scientific skills for project work.

Special features
Our courses offer a number of unique opportunities, such as undertaking research in a low-temperature physics laboratory, working together with industry to solve a physics problem, or even visiting China for three months in a collaborative project.

One important feature of our degrees is the ‘synoptic’ element that runs throughout our core modules. This is designed to help you understand how the diverse areas of physics you have studied fit together, and you will undertake small-group projects and short dissertations to develop scientific skills. Another unique feature is the MSci project work. As well as the option to undertake cutting-edge scientific research projects, there are opportunities to act as consultants to a variety of companies.

Research
The School undertakes world-class research across a wide array of areas, ranging from nanotechnology to cosmology. The prominence of the work carried out in the School was underlined by the award of the 2003 Nobel Prize for Medicine to Sir Peter Mansfield, a member of our academic staff, for work in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Assessment and progression
Most theory modules are assessed by an exam at the end of the academic year. There are no exams in the MSci fourth year; instead, activities are continuously assessed and develop key transferable skills including presentation skills, teamwork, communication and problem-solving.

Study abroad
The Physics with a European Language degree allows you to spend a year working at a university in Europe. For other students we have arranged an exchange programme with the University of Toronto, Canada. There are also options for shorter periods abroad, such as undertaking a research project in China.

Career opportunities
A number of our graduates remain in higher education, with many taking PhDs. Many embark on careers in financial services, information technology, or in industry, as engineers or scientific researchers and the remainder enter a range of careers including teaching, the armed forces, and the media.

Application and interview
We select candidates on the basis of their UCAS form, usually without interview. Successful applicants will be invited to visit the School. Mature candidates or candidates without standard entry requirements may be invited for interview.

Scholarships and bursaries
We offer Sir Peter Mansfield High-Achiever Scholarships to all well-qualified candidates on admission to a physics degree. We also reward high-achievement in the first year with a range of industry-sponsored prizes and scholarships. Means-tested bursaries are also available. Additional scholarships are offered to well-qualified international students.

Opportunities to visit
Visit days for students offered a place are held between December and March. You are welcome to visit at other times – please contact us or visit www.nottingham.ac.uk/opendays for dates of our open days.

A copy of the brochure can be downloaded in pdf format:

Physics brochure in pdf format