Physics & Astrophysics

A physics education helps you to develop problem-solving skills, and imparts a firm knowledge of basic science and the ability to apply and adapt that knowledge within the workplace. An education in Physics provides problem-solving, analytical, computational, mathematical and IT skills and can lead to a wide range of careers.

Our BSc Physics and Astrophysics course is internationally accredited by the Institute of Physics. Staff across disciplines, including physics, mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics teach modules on this course.

We have a very active research programme, with access to research groups located in the School of Physics and the Tyndall National Institute – UCC’s largest research institute.

UCC is also home to the Crawford Observatory which remains the only observatory on any university campus in Ireland.

Non-EU applicants are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such applicants are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.

To verify if you meet the minimum academic and language requirements visit our qualification comparison page and refer to our International Office page for more information.

Graduate Study Options

There are many options for further study. Many graduate courses – both taught and research-based – look for students with undergraduate degrees in Physics. 

The School of Physics offers postgraduate research programmes to MRes (Masters by Research) and PhD level and welcomes applications from suitably qualified graduates. Postgraduate studies are completed in conjunction with one of the research groups in the School. Much of the research is performed collaboratively and there are excellent opportunities for students to broaden their skills and experience by spending time in one of their collaborating institutions in Europe, the USA, Asia or Australia.

Career Opportunities

An education in physics provides problem-solving, analytical, computational, mathematical, and IT skills and can lead to a wide range of careers. The emphasis on developing problem-solving skills across a range of disciplines is highly regarded by employers. The career fields to choose from include computer science, data science and analysis, education, the environment, medicine, space science, climate science, sustainability, IT management, banking and finance, engineering, meteorology, astronomy, health, marketing, and technology.

Our students have an excellent track record in both career development following graduation and in postgraduate study. For further information on career opportunities from each area of study, please see the information for the relevant degree course. You will find that the education covered in all streams of this course develops skills that are in high demand by employers and University research teams across the board.