Physics with a Foundation Year BSc MPhys

Course description

This Physics with a Foundation Year course will give you the skills and knowledge you’ll need for a successful career.

If you don't have the usual scientific or mathematical background for a physics degree, the four year BSc Physics with a Foundation Year or five year MPhys Physics with a Foundation Year course is exactly the place to begin.

The foundation year gives you a broad spectrum of modules in chemistry, physics and mathematics. Complete this with an average mark of 60 or above, and you’re guaranteed entry into this or any physics degree.

Following your successful transition from the foundation year to one of our accredited physics degrees, you’ll focus on fundamental theories in level one, exploring topics such as heat, motion and quantum mechanics.

From the start of your degree you’ll gain hands-on experience in our specialist teaching lab, developing lab skills and learning how theories can be applied in the real world. You’ll also take part in programming classes, which will teach you skills that are valuable in a variety of graduate careers, ranging from data science to computer game design.

In level two, you’ll explore essential physics concepts in even more detail. You’ll also have the flexibility to tailor your degree to your interests and career goals through a range of optional modules across areas such as particle physics, computer programming and astrophysics.

In level three, you’ll have the opportunity to branch out into a variety of areas with more in-depth optional modules on topics like dark matter, nuclear physics and semiconductor technologies. You’ll also get the chance to complete a research project, a Quantum Information Laboratory project, a physics education and outreach project, or work with an external partner on an industrial group project. Through your project, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience in an area of your choosing.

If you choose to transition to an MPhys, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your research skills through advanced study and a year-long research project in your final year. In addition to a range of optional modules, you’ll work with academic researchers who are experts in their field to investigate a real scientific question.

Alongside research experience, you’ll also gain time management, project planning and analysis skills, which are valuable for careers in research or industry.

English language requirements |

You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification

If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school/department.

Equivalent English language qualifications

Visa and immigration requirements

Other qualifications | UK and EU/international

Graduate careers

School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

You won’t be short of career options with a degree in physics from Sheffield. Our courses are designed to give you the skills that will help you succeed in your chosen career. Employers hire our graduates because of their ability to plan projects, work to deadlines, analyse data and solve complex problems, independently and as part of a team

A physics degree from Sheffield can take you far, whatever you want to do. Whether you want a job that involves developing renewable energy technologies, improving medical treatments, creating quantum telecommunications systems or exploring outer space.

We have graduates putting their skills to use in computer programming, software engineering, data science, and research and development roles for companies such as BT, EDF energy, HSBC, IBM, Nissan, the NHS and the Civil Service.

Many of our graduates also choose to pursue a research career. Students who want to work as a physics researcher often do a PhD, which can lead to a career at a top university or a major international research facility such as CERN.

We are part of the White Rose Industrial Physics Academy (WRIPA), a partnership with other universities and technical industries. Our students benefit from collaborations with industrial partners through internships, year in industry placements, final-year projects and careers activities. WRIPA also organises the UK’s largest physics recruitment fair, where our students can meet potential employers.