Physics and Astronomy 2023

Through a variety of teaching methods ranging from lectures to lab work, you will learn exciting new concepts in physics and astronomy, develop highly valued skills in problem-solving, and become proficient at using advanced mathematics to describe the universe and all it contains. From fundamental particle physics, through nanoscience, our everyday world, all the way up to the structure of the universe, explore how the diverse areas of physics fit together.

• Participate in lectures, lab work, tutorials and problem classes
• Develop scientific skills via small-group projects and short dissertations
• Undertake an original research project in the fourth year of the MSci degree

What's an MSci?

MSci degrees are undergraduate-level courses which last for four years and have an integrated masters qualification. They are the equivalent to a bachelors degree plus a masters level qualification. These courses usually provide additional industry and/or research experience to enhance your future prospects. An MSci is excellent preparation for further study such as a PhD.

If you choose to study an MSci, your student loan will cover tuition fees and living costs for the additional year too (home/EU students only).  If you are unsure on whether to choose an MSci or BSc, we recommend you choose the MSci to secure your funding. Transfer to the BSc is possible.

A significant number of our graduates remain in higher education, with many taking PhDs. Many embark on careers in financial services or information technology, or in industry, as engineers or scientific researchers. The remainder enter a wide array of careers ranging from meteorology to the media.

Inspiring research

Nottingham was ranked joint third out of 42 university physics departments in the recent national Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014). This confirms the excellence of its research across a very broad spectrum of physics activity.

The prominence of the school's research was underlined by the award of a Nobel Prize in 2003 to Sir Peter Mansfield for his work in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). You will be taught by the school's leading researchers and have the opportunity to get involved in their research activities.

73.9% of undergraduates from the School of Physics & Astronomy secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £27,714.*

*HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

Our Physics with a European Language degrees allow you to spend a year at a university in Europe.

For other students, you will have the opportunity to apply to study abroad at an English-speaking university. You can choose from many universities across the globe through the university-wide exchange programme.

For MSci students, options also exist for shorter periods abroad, such as a research project in China or Brazil.

Further information can be found on our study abroad web pages.

Selected UCAS candidates will be invited for a comprehensive visit day where you will have the opportunity to visit the school, tour its excellent facilities and meet with academic staff and students.

Candidates with non-standard entry qualifications, including those who have had a break in their education, may be invited for a more formal meeting with the school.

Visit days for students offered a place are held between November and March.

For details of University-wide open days, please see our Visiting us pages. 

You can also explore campus life at the University of Nottingham with our virtual tour.