- Develop at a Department ranked joint 1st in the UK for our world-leading research (UK Research Excellence Framework, 2021) and associated with no fewer than 13 Nobel Prize winners.
- Join one of the top 5 Physics Departments in the UK (Academic Ranking of World Universities, 2023).
- Study at a university with outstanding facilities, including the world-famous Jodrell Bank Observatory.
- Enjoy lots of choice and flexibility with our wide ranging undergraduate curriculum covering all areas of physics, allowing you to explore and specialise in the areas you're most passionate about.
BSc Physics
University Rank:#35
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Duration3 year(s)
Tuition FeeGBP 51,026 / Year
Next IntakeSeptember 1, 2026
BSc Physics
About
Join one of the most respected Department of Physics in the country and enjoy the flexibility, choice and challenge of our BSc Physics degree.
In Years 1 and 2, the course provides a foundation in classical physics, including dynamics, waves, electromagnetism and thermodynamics. At the same time newer concepts are introduced, including the unification of space and time, the meaning of wave-particle duality and the relation between entropy and disorder. You will be taught this introduction through course units in special relativity, quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics.
These modern concepts and the techniques of classical physics lay the foundation for study in Year 3, during which you can choose from a wide range of options to develop your expertise in diverse topics that include: atomic and molecular structure, solid state electronic devices, electro-magnetic radiation, lasers, stars and cosmology, particle and nuclear physics, and the more advanced aspects of theoretical physics.
Working with leading academics and accessing our incredible facilities, you will be well placed to progress along your physics journey.
Requirements
Entry Requirements
38 points overall with 7,7,6 at Higher Level, including 7 in both Physics and Mathematics.
We will accept Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.
English Program Requirements
All applicants to the University (from the UK and overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency.
The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
- GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade 4/C
- IELTS 6.0 overall with no sub-skill below 5.5
- TOEFL iBT 80 overall with no less than 20 in speaking and 18 in all other subscores. We do not accept TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition.
- An acceptable equivalent qualification .
Where specified, we also require grade 1 or 2 in the Oral Exam component of the iGCSE English Language (first or second language) qualification.
Please note that if you hold English as a Second Language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above.
Career
Career opportunities
I attended some career fairs, I really recommend these.
You can speak to people who have been through the graduate schemes and get real, useful advice.
Ellen Leahy / Big Data Analyst at Apple
Day to day, I'm a full stack software engineer - the person that takes the architect's solution and builds it.
My team in particular focuses on building applications around emerging technologies like blockchain and quantum computing. All of my computing experience was from uni.
Wei Ann Heng / Software Engineer at Accenture
Your BSc Physics degree from Manchester will open up a whole world of opportunity.
In learning how to be a physicist you are a taught a set of highly valued skills:
- Rigorous and robust evidence-based reasoning
- How to analyse and assess data, and drawing meaning from it
- High degree of numeracy and mathematical ability
- Communication and team-working skills
This will prepare you for a broad range of careers, not just in physics but in other areas that need the in-demand skills you will learn.
The University of Manchester is the number 1 most targeted university in the country by employers*. 90% of graduates from the Department of Physics and Astronomy are in work or further studies 15 months after graduating with a median salary of £31,000**.
Plus, our award-winning careers services will support you on your journey to finding the right career path for you.
Our graduates often go on to do research in astrophysics or other branches of physics, including:
- Scientist/Engineer for Tech Company
- Finance/Banking/Management
- Information Technology
- Research scientist
- Medical Physics
- Scientific Publishing
- Teaching
- Science-related careers in the Civil Service
Below are just some of the employers that our graduates have gone on to work for:
- BAE Systems
- RAF
- Meteorological Office
- NHS
- Bank of England
- Deutsche Bank
- Merril Lynch
You can read more about the experiences our students and graduates have had on the Department of Physics blog.
Accrediting organisations
Institute of Physics.
Fee Information
Tuition Fee
51,026 / year
BSc Physics
The University of Manchester
United Kingdom, Manchester