| UCAS code | F300 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Physics and Astronomy |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAA-ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: ABB-ABC |
| UCAS code | F313 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Physics and Astronomy |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A level: AAA-ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: ABB-ABC |
| UCAS code | F311 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Physics and Astronomy |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAA-ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: ABB-ABC |
Overview
- Our programmes cover a wide range of topics, both applied and theoretical, directly developed from research taking place at Exeter
- Learn within a supportive community characterised by genuine student-staff relationships
- Our continuous skills development programme, designed with industry partners, will enable you to craft a digital portfolio and CV to showcase your skills to potential employers
- Option to combine your degree with a salaried research placement at companies such as Renishaw, the Home Office, and the Rutherford Appleton Laboratories
- Opportunity to join a close-knit student society with great social events throughout the year
- Benefit from access to advanced research facilities
Discover undergraduate Physics at the University of Exeter.
Top 10 in the UK for Physics and Astronomy
7th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
Extensive facilities in our dedicated building including advanced research and teaching labs, observatory and computer labs
We are passionate about training new physicists and believe that is done best via a supportive and inclusive student-staff environment
94% of graduates in or due to start employment/further study 15 months after graduation
Based on full-time, first degree, UK-domiciled graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes survey 2020/21
Top 10 in the UK for Physics and Astronomy
7th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
Extensive facilities in our dedicated building including advanced research and teaching labs, observatory and computer labs
We are passionate about training new physicists and believe that is done best via a supportive and inclusive student-staff environment
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | AAA - ABB | A in Mathematics and B in Physics, or B in Mathematics and A in Physics. Candidates may offer GCE A-Level Maths, Pure Maths or Further Maths. |
| IB | 36/666 – 32/655 | HL6 in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) and HL5 in Physics, or HL5 in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) and HL5 in Physics. |
| BTEC | DDD-DDM | Applicants studying a BTEC Extended Diploma are also required to achieve Grades A and B in A-Level Mathematics and Physics. |
| GCSE | 4 or C | Grade 4/C in GCSE English language |
| Access to HE | 30 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade - 24 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 21 L3 credits at Merit Grade | 15 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 12 L3 credits at Merit Grade in acceptable Mathematics and Physics subject areas. An additional Maths Test may be required. |
| T-Level | T-Levels not accepted | N/A |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: ABB-ABC |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
Physics is our chance to touch the hidden beauty of the world and its mechanism, studying physics can be compared to reading detailed description of a painting written in the universal language – math.
I really enjoy my time in Exeter. University provides great facilities and study ambience, along with a huge support in building your future career. The course material itself is nicely structured and being taught by wonderful people. I really like group tutorials, where I get to practice my skills and learn from dedicated research scientists.
Apart from main studies, physics breakfasts are amazing opportunity to gather with professors, possible supervisors, students of all years of study and have a nice chat over the cup of coffee, everybody loves physics breakfasts! The campus is very green and peaceful, it’s easy to find a great spot to take a break in between hard work. I enjoy the area a lot! I want to advise future students to make the most of being in Devon; join societies, travel, meet interesting people, have fun and, of course, master your studies.
Aleksandr
studying BSc Physics and Astrophysics
Course content
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHY2039 | From Fields to Quanta | 60 |
| PHY2040 | Mathematics for Physicists | 15 |
| PHY2041 | Experimental Physics II | 15 |
| PHY2042 | Employability and Professional Skills Development II | 0 |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 30 credits of optional modules: | ||
| PHY2027 | Scientific Programming in C | 15 |
| PHY2029 | The Physics of Living Systems | 15 |
| PHY2030 | Observing the Universe | 15 |
| PHY2032 | Analytical and Chaotic Dynamics | 15 |
| PHY2037 | Nonlinear Optics and Imaging | 15 |
| PHY2222 | Physics of Climate Change | 15 |
If you choose the 'with Professional Placement' or 'with Study Abroad' variant of this degree, your placement will take place in your third year. See the course variants for further information.
With Study Abroad
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHY3221 | Study Abroad Options | 120 |
With Professional Placement
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHY3308 | Professional Placement | 120 |
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHY3052 | Nuclear and High Energy Physics | 15 |
| PHY3073 | States of Matter | 15 |
| PHY3072 | Physics Project | 30 |
| PHY3074 | Employability and Professional Skills Development III | 0 |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 60 credits of optional modules: | ||
| PHY3051 | Electromagnetism II | 15 |
| PHY3061 | The Biophysics of Cells and Tissues | 15 |
| PHY3062 | Methods of Theoretical Physics | 15 |
| PHY3064 | Nanostructures and Graphene Science | 15 |
| PHY3066 | Galaxies and High Energy Astrophysics | 15 |
| PHY3068 | Principles of Theoretical Physics | 15 |
| PHY3070 | Stars from Birth to Death | 15 |
| PHY3071 | Soft Matter | 15 |
| PHY3075 | Introduction to Quantum Technology | 15 |
| PHY3220 | Fluid Dynamics in Physics and Astronomy | 15 |
| PHY3222 | Energy, Materials and Sustainability | 15 |
Course variants
UCAS code: F313
We strongly encourage you to consider spending a year studying abroad as part of your degree, taking place in your third year. We have agreements with universities across the globe, giving you a huge range of amazing and exciting locations to choose between.
Your degree takes an extra year to complete, and your time abroad is recognised in your degree title, which will include the words ‘with Study Abroad’ for future employers to see.
Destinations may vary and we encourage you to view our study abroad webpages for up to date information.
Does it count towards my degree?
Yes, during your time abroad you’ll cover 120 credits, the same as you would if you were studying in Exeter.
How do I apply?
You can apply directly to this programme through UCAS using the code at the top of this page. It is also possible to transfer on to the 'with Study Abroad’ programme variant at the end of your first year of BSc Physics.
How does it affect my tuition fee?
During this year you will pay a reduced tuition fee. In 2023/24 the fee was £1,385 (or 15 per cent of the maximum fee for that year). Visit the Tuition Fees page for more information.
What else do I need to know?
Our Study Abroad degrees are specifically structured to retain full professional accreditation. This is achieved by assessing the work you complete while abroad and by taking a credit-rated language module appropriate to your chosen study destination prior to travelling.
Assessment of all overseas modules takes place in English but some host destinations occasionally require presentations and a synopsis of work in their language, so a good knowledge of that language is essential.
Once registered as studying with your overseas host university you will receive primary support from them with full access to the facilities they provide to all students. You are required to maintain contact with the overseas coordinator and Student Services at Exeter through your Exeter email account and of course you have continuing access to all our facilities via your iExeter account.
The marks awarded to you by your host institution are subject to a moderation process at Exeter that ensures uniformity and fairness.
UCAS code: F311
Experience of working in your chosen field is a real advantage when entering the graduate job market. It’s also a great way to try out different jobs and to make contacts within companies you’re interested in working for.
What is a professional placement?
A full year’s work placement, undertaken as part of your course, taken in your third year. Your degree takes an extra year to complete, and the words ‘with Professional Placement’ appear in your degree title for future employers to see. The placement takes place in your third year and usually lasts at least nine months.
Does it count towards my degree?
Yes, it’s worth 120 credits.
How does it affect my tuition fee?
During this year you will pay a reduced tuition fee. In 2023/24 the fee was £1,850 (or 20 per cent of the maximum fee for that year). Visit the Tuition Fees page for more information.
How do I apply?
You can apply for this programme through UCAS using the code at the top of this page, or transfer onto this option at the end of your first year in BSc Physics.
Preparation and support
We will help you to prepare for your work placement from early in your studies. You will also be invited to attend workshops offering guidance and support such as ‘Making the most of your placement’ and ‘How to use your placement as an individual project’.
Fees
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
UK students: £9,535 per year
International students: £30,900 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students, such as our Global Excellence Scholarships*. Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Learning and teaching
Learning and teaching at Exeter is undertaken in a variety of ways, ranging from classic style lecturing, weekly problem-solving classes, computing practical sessions, and laboratory sessions
You will be fully supported during your jurney as a student in a variety of ways, in a friendly and relaxed environment. You will have weekly skills development sessions where you will have the chance to develop the transversal skills needed for you academic, personal and professional development. They will occur in a variety of settings, ranging from full lectures to small group seminars.
You will also have access to personal academic and pastoral mentoring, fully embedded within the structure of our department.
A research and practice-led teaching
We believe that every student benefits from being part of a culture that is inspired by research and being taught by experts. Not only do we teach you about our pioneering research, we teach you how to undertake the research yourself. Experimental skills are acquired in the laboratories and astronomical observatory, and here you are introduced to a wide range of apparatus and techniques. Training in theoretical techniques is provided by our methods and computational modules. By the time you reach the start of your extended project work, you will have received the necessary preparation to undertake it with confidence in either experimental or theoretical topics, and these projects are tackled with great enthusiasm and energy.
Assessment
Assessment in Exeter is performed via a combination of exams and continuous assessments, including problem sets, reports, multimedia presentations, posters and vivas. You will be able to find a variety of modules with different approaches, ranging from 100% exam-based ones to 100% coursework ones.
Optional modules outside of this course
Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.
Proficiency in a second subject
If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.
- A Foreign Language
- Law
- Social Data Science
- Entrepreneurship
- Leadership
Your future
Employability skills are an integral part of the physics curriculum. The flexibility and adaptability of a well-trained physicist is appreciated by employers: they acknowledge the benefits of excellent problem solving skills, an educated scientific intuition, and the confidence to be able to grasp new concepts quickly.
Our degree programmes include:
- A continuous Skills Development programme that will lead to the creation of a professional portfolio
- Extensive problem-solving skills training
- Development of group working skills
- Training in scientific communication
- Scientific data analysis training.
In addition, the purpose of the extended project work in both the BSc and MPhys programmes is for you to develop research skills. You will learn to present and scientifically defend your work and ideas in a variety of ways. The experience and skills developed not only form a valuable basis for a research career, but are also known to be highly valued by employers.
The most academically-able graduates are normally strongly encouraged to apply for a fully-funded PhD studentship in physics or astrophysics. Visit the Physics postgraduate research degrees page for details.
Career paths
The largest proportion of our graduates enter science-based industries in positions involving research and development, production and management. Other careers include scientific work in government establishments (e.g., QinetiQ or Harwell Laboratories), hospital physics in the NHS, and technical management in broadcasting and the communications sector. Some work in high-tech start-up companies.
The broad-based skills acquired during your degree will give you an excellent grounding for a wide variety of careers, not only those related to Physics but also in wider fields. Examples of roles recent graduates are now working as include:
- Academic Researcher
- Actuary Astronomer
- Chartered and Certified Accountant
- Cyber Security Professional
- Engineer
- Financial Accounts Manager
- IT Business Analyst and Systems Architect
- Programmer
- Software Developer
- Teacher
94% of graduates in or due to start employment/further study 15 months after graduation
Based on full-time, first degree, UK-domiciled graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes survey 2020/21
