Welcome to the School of Physics & Astronomy

We run a popular undergraduate physics programme. Our teaching has been rated 'excellent' and in the recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2014), in which the research quality of all UK higher education institutions has been assessed, we have been placed joint 3rd of all the Physics departments in the country. We pride ourselves on being a centre that is internationally recognised for the quality of teaching and research and hope that you will enjoy learning a little more about us through this site.

Coronavirus (Covid-19)

See latest advice for UoN community and details of how to report symptoms or test results

Physics BlogKeep up-to-date with what's happening around the School with this new blog written by our staff and students.

UoN Physics YouTube channel

Physics Foundation ProgrammeHave you decided you would like to study physics but don't think you have the right qualifications? Check out our Foundation Programme.

Based on the evidence available, the TEF Panel judged that the University of Nottingham delivers high quality teaching, learning and outcomes for its students. It consistently exceeds rigorous national quality requirements for UK higher education.

Research Excellence Framework 2014

The Research Excellence Framework (REF), assesses all subjects in all universities across the UK, based on submissions describing their research and the wider societal impact that it has had. We are delighted to announce that the latest assessment placed the School of Physics and Astronomy in 3rd place of all the physics departments in the country.

In addition to being delighted that our research and the associated societal impact has been recognized in this way, we take pride in the close link that we make between the research and the teaching that we undertake at all levels, from outreach activities in schools to the advanced research projects that our undergraduates carry out as part of their courses. Indeed, one of the “impact case studies” that we included as a key part of our submission for REF2014 described the work we have undertaken explaining physics research on the Sixty Symbols YouTube channel.

Excellent performance in NSS (National Student Survey): We are delighted that our graduating students rated us at 95% for ‘overall satisfaction’ with their physics degree course. This is reflected in our high position (5th) in the recently published Times national league table for Physics.

Events

Undergraduate students are welcome to attend all seminars.

There are no results that match your criteria.

See all events

Latest News

Hyperchaos possibilities for modelling complex quantum systems

Description: School physicists, with colleagues at Loughborough and Innopolis universities, have discovered a potentially game changing feature of quantum bit behaviour which would allow scientists to simulate complex quantum systems without the need for enormous computing power.
Date:: 27/01/2021

School spin-out company signals quantum leap for brain imaging

Description: School researchers in collaboration with neuroscientists at UCL and Kent based company Magnetic Shields Limited have partnered to develop and market a new type of wearable brain scanner. The device will be brought to market by a new spin-out company Cerca Magnetics Limited.
Date:: 07/12/2020

Institute of Physics Medals and Prizes to three members of School staff

Description: Three members of staff in the School of Physics and Astronomy have been awarded 2020 Institute of Physics Medals and Prizes:
Date:: 30/10/2020

Professor Juan Garrahan awarded prestigious Visiting Fellowship

Description: The School is delighted to announce that Professor Juan P. Garrahan has been elected to a prestigious Visiting Fellowship at All Souls College, Oxford, for the Michaelmas Term 2020. His research during this time will focus on the topic "Unifying Ideas Between Classical and Quantum Non-Equilibrium".
Date:: 27/10/2020