Course overview
Our Physics MPhys degree extends our Physics BSc by a year.
This extra year is for your integrated Master’s. Our MPhys provides a deeper understanding of advanced physics concepts and includes an extended project.
Compared to our Physics BSc, this degree offers unique modules in:
- variational methods and lagrangian dynamics
- quantum fluids
- quantum information and technology
- quantum modelling of molecules, solids and nanostructures
You’ll also get hands-on experience, and improve your practical skills, by working in our high-spec facilities. By the end of your degree, you’ll have a strong understanding of physics and advanced mathematics.
BSc or MPhys?
Physics is offered at two levels:
- three-year Bachelor of Science (BSc)
- four-year Master of Physics (MPhys)
Our MPhys degree has an extra year of advanced study at Master’s level. You’ll study more advanced topics and work on an extended project. You’ll learn about research methodology and work with experts in their field.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Quality and ranking
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
Professional accreditation and recognition
- Institute of PhysicsThis degree is professionally accredited by the Institute of Physics.
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you’ll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions
During this year, you’ll study more advanced modules and work on a group project.
You must choose four optional modules.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
You’ll be taught via a range of approaches, including:
- lectures and seminars
- small group tutorials
- problem classes
- laboratory sessions
- practical computing sessions
In Stage 1, you’ll work on experiments and projects in our labs. These practical sessions will be about 45 hours in total.
Skills and experience
Practical experience
This degree will give you the skills employers are looking for.
Using our high-spec facilities, and working alongside our expert staff, you’ll:
- learn how physics is used in modern technology and advanced engineering
- develop practical skills and expertise in experimental techniques
- conduct research at a leading Russell Group university
- showcase your research and presentation skills
- work on lab-based and project-based modules
- improve your skills in experiments, analysis, computing, and research
Business skills
In Stage 3 you’ll work on a group project, helping you improve your teamwork and practical skills.
Research skills
In your final year, you’ll work on an extended research project. You’ll work with one of our research staff, learn about research methodology and carry out the project in a research environment.
We have an interdisciplinary approach to research. Our academic staff are experts in their field, with a diverse range of research strengths.
We have research expertise in:
- novel electronic materials
- semiconductor devices
- computational physics
- quantum fluids
- astrophysics
- relativity
- nanoscale properties of materials
Opportunities
Work placement
Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.
You’ll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.
If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Your degree title will show you have achieved the placement year. Placements are subject to availability.
Find out more about work placements.
Facilities and environment
Facilities
As a physics student at Newcastle University, you’ll be based at our city-centre campus in the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics’ Herschel Building.
The School has high-specification laboratory facilities equipped with leading experimental and computational physics capabilities, such as:
- cryogenics labs
- semiconductor labs
- High-Performance Computing
- data from the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope
The Herschel Building also has dedicated study and social spaces, and a computing area.
Support
You’ll have the support of an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues.
Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have when starting university.
There’s also a dedicated member of staff whose responsibility is to help our students manage the transition from A Levels to undergraduate study.
The Transition Officer works with Stage 1 undergraduates to provide:
- Stage 1 pastoral and academic support
- attendance and academic performance monitoring
- Stage 1 induction
- weekly drop-ins
Your future
Graduating with a degree in physics
Our graduates have gone on to work as:
- project scientists
- solutions engineers
- data analysts
- financial services consultants
- postdoctoral researchers
Possible career paths for physics graduates can also include:
- engineering
- medicine
- finance
- nanotechnology
- oil, gas and renewable energy
- telecommunications
You’ll gain transferable skills that are highly valued by employers such as problem-solving, analytical, mathematical, communication, presentation, teamwork and computing skills.
Further study, including postgraduate courses for secondary school teaching and PhD courses, is also available to physics graduates.
Our links with industry
We have research links with the following companies and external organisations:
- Littelfuse
- De Beers Group
- Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
- Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
- NASA
- LOFAR
- Intel
- CPI
Careers support
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Check the government’s website for more information.
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2025 entry.
| A-Level | |
|---|---|
| AAB including Mathematics and Physics, excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking, OR ABB including Mathematics and Physics if a third A level is from: Further Maths, Biology, Chemistry, English Literature, Geography, History and Modern/Classical Languages or grade 2 in any STEP paper.
For Biology, Chemistry and Physics A Levels, we require a pass in the practical element where offered. Equivalent A level grades will be considered on a case-by-case basis. |
|
| International Baccalaureate | |
|---|---|
| 34 points with Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) and Physics at Higher Level grade 6. | |
