Physics with Photonics (MPhys) at University of Southampton

About

This course is closed and has been replaced by Physics with Quantum Science and Technologies (MPhys).

On this MPhys degree you’ll explore photonics – the science of light – while deepening your knowledge in the core areas of physics. An unrivalled range of specialist modules will allow you to fine-tune skills that are in high demand in this well-paid, rapidly expanding industry. According to government agency Innovate UK, the nation’s photonics sector is now worth over £12 billion a year.

We’re home to the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) - the largest photonics research institute in the UK.

We’re also the only UK university to offer an undergraduate physics degree with photonics and you’ll join a research community with a history of revolutionary discoveries. These include the optical fibres and amplifiers that make the internet possible.

Our direct link with the ORC, a global hub for photonics research, gives you a unique opportunity to explore all the possibilities in depth.

As part of your course you’ll also:

learn key skills in computer modeling, mathematics and statistical analysis
use the latest equipment in our physics and photonics labs
develop problem-solving skills to test theories and conduct experiments

Additionally, you’ll spend time in one of our research groups in year 4. Past projects have included holography, photosensitive materials, nanoscale x-rays, optical fibre and silicon photonics.

High-performing students are eligible to apply to one of our flagship programmes.

The course is accredited by the Institute of Physics and there's an academic scholarship scheme worth up to £20,000, plus an unconditional offer based on a competitive exam taken at applicant visit days.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Requirements

Entry Requirements

For Academic year 202425

A-levels

A*AA-AAA including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A)
or
AABB-AABC including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A)

A-levels additional information

Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to a lower offer.

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed.

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

Applicants who have not studied mathematics/further mathematics and/or physics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to three A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAA including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A), plus grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows: AAA or AABC including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A)

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 38-36 points overall, with 19-18 points required at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) and 6 at Higher Level in physics

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to a lower offer.

Applicants who have not studied mathematics and/or physics at Higher Level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

or

BTEC

D*-D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA-A*A in A-level physics and A-level mathematics or further mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC National Diploma if it has been studied alongside A-levels in mathematics/further mathematics and physics.

We will consider the BTEC National Extended Diploma if it has been studied alongside A-levels in mathematics/further mathematics and physics.

RQF BTEC

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Additional information

Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

QCF BTEC

D*-D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA-A*A in A-level physics and A-level mathematics or further mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma if it has been studied alongside A-levels in mathematics/further mathematics and physics.

We will consider the BTEC Diploma if it has been studied alongside A-levels in mathematics/further mathematics and physics.

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Show more entry requirements

Access to HE Diploma

Irish Leaving Certificate

Scottish Qualification offers

Cambridge Pre-U

Welsh Baccalaureate

T Level

Access to HE Diploma

Not accepted for this course. Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

H1,H1,H1,H2,H2,H2- H1,H1,H2,H2,H2,H2 including mathematics, applied mathematics and physics

Irish certificate additional information

Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to a lower offer. Applicants who have not studied mathematics and/or physics can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

Scottish Qualification

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.

Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

Cambridge Pre-U

D2 D3 D3 - D3 D3 D3 in three Principal subjects including physics (minimum grade D3) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade D3)

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of A Level grade B.

Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to a lower offer.

Applicants who have not studied the required Principal subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

Welsh Baccalaureate

A*AA-AAA including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A)
or
A*A-AA from two A-levels including physics and either mathematics or further mathematics and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
or
AAAB-AABB including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A)
or
AA from two A-levels including physics and either mathematics or further mathematics, plus grades AB-BB from a third A-level and the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to a lower offer.

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed.

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

Applicants who have not studied mathematics/further mathematics and/or physics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

T-Level

Not accepted for this course. Applicants with a T level Technical Qualification in a relevant subject can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

Career

Careers

The UK has a thriving photonics sector and there is a shortage of trained photonics experts.

This means you’ll be sought after for industry research and development roles, where your knowledge of lasers, optical components and nanofabrication techniques will be in great demand.

You’ll also be well equipped for further research at PhD level. Many of our Physics with Photonics students continue their studies within Southampton’s prestigious Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) before going on to successful industry careers.

A physics degree also opens up a huge range of other career options.

Roles include:

astrophysicist
air traffic controller
bioinformatics specialist
data analyst
government science policy officer
medical physicist
satellite engineer
systems analyst

If you decide on a career outside physics, you’ll be able to demonstrate transferable skills such as computation and coding, statistical analysis, communication and project management skills.

We work hard to help you get the career of your choice and make the process easier and more enjoyable.

During year 2 you’ll have access to a programme of physics-focused career sessions, timetabled to fit in with your studies. These include application and interview workshops and talks from visiting professionals.

Careers services at Southampton

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Work in industry

We can help you find a paid summer placement to give you valuable hands-on experience and the chance to make industry contacts.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

GBP 31,000

Application Fee

GBP

Physics with Photonics (MPhys)

University of Southampton

University of Southampton

Key Facts

Start & Deadlines