Physics

MPhys Hons

  • UCAS code F303
  • Entry year 2025
  • A level requirements AAA
  • Duration Full time 4 years

Overview

Top reasons to study with us

  • 4

    4th for Physics

    The Guardian University Guide (2024)

  • 6

    6th for Physics and Astronomy

    The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide (2024)

  • 8

    8th for Physics

    The Complete University Guide (2025)

This is our flagship degree programme that offers you the flexibility to study the areas of physics that interest you the most, including Particle Physics and Quantum Technology. Physics is an exciting subject that underpins much of modern society, and you'll find yourself exploring matter, forces, and the universe around you. Our courses combine studying fundamental concepts with cutting-edge topics, ranging from understanding sub-atomic particles like the Higgs Boson to exploring how superfluids behave at the lowest temperatures.

We want your degree to work for you! That is why we offer you the flexibility to build your own physics degree by choosing from the broad range of modules that we teach.

How does this take shape?

There are two options:

Option 1

Keep your horizons open and explore your interests by selecting optional modules from across our broad spectrum of topics, subject to prerequisites in later years.

Option 2

We have grouped together a selection of modules to create pathways that help guide your choices so that you can focus on your specific area of interest. These pathways are:

  • Quantum Technology
  • Particle Physics
  • Particle Physics with Theoretical Cosmology

We'll ask you to indicate your preference for one of our pathways from Option 2 near the end of Year 1. The modules recommended for each pathway can be found in our subject brochure.

When do I study these modules?

In Year 1, everybody studies the same core curriculum, which provides a solid grounding in fundamental physics, covering topics such as mechanics, quantum physics, thermodynamics, and electricity and magnetism. his is complemented by laboratories where you will perform state-of-the-art experiments with sophisticated equipment and associated software.

The common core continues for the first term of Year 2. In Lent term, your degree really starts to flex in the way you want it to with modules starting to reflect your individual interests.

In Year 3, with fewer core modules, you can continue specialising within your chosen pathway or explore the full breadth of our modules. If you've chosen a pathway, you will take the Quantum Technology, Particle Physics or Cosmology Group Project module as appropriate. If you've selected Option 1, then the Industrial Group Project module, where you work with an industry partner to solve a real-world problem, is also open to you!

In Year 4 you will spend much of your time working on your independent research project. Our academics are experts in their fields so your project topic will be exciting and explore new research frontiers. In addition, you will take 6 Master's-level modules to reflect your interests. If you've chosen a pathway, then 3 or 4 of your options will be predetermined, with the remaining Master's-level modules left up to you. If you've elected for Option 1, then all 6 modules choices are up to you. Optional modules choices are subject to pre-requisites.

What if I want to change my choices?

That's fine! We are happy to guide you in choosing different modules. And, did you know that you can also switch to one of our other degrees at the end of Year 1 if you feel that it would suit you better?

Careers

Physics is an exciting subject that is fundamental to developments in modern society. Physicists have advanced problem-solving skills, programming knowledge, critical thinking abilities and project management experience, all of which are honed over the course of your degree. These skills open a wealth of career options from the very pure, such as expanding knowledge through scientific research or very practical like exploring the world of data science and software development. Many of our graduates continue their studies to PhD level and embark on a career in academia. A wealth of additional opportunities also exists, such as teaching or careers within the business and finance sectors. Our graduates are well-paid, with the median starting salary of our Physics degrees being £28,000 (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023).

Here are just some of the roles that our BSc and MPhys Physics students have progressed into upon graduating:

  • Graduate Systems Engineer – BAE Systems
  • Big Data Developer - SanTech UK
  • Graduate Software Engineer – Royal Bank of Scotland
  • PhD Candidate – Manchester University
  • Graduate Transport Modeller – Mott MacDonald
  • Postdoctoral Researcher – Lancaster University
  • Data Technician – S.E Recycling
  • Analyst Programmer – Dorset Software
  • PhD Researcher – University of Nottingham
  • Young Graduate Trainee (Space Weather) - European Space Agency

Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring you not only gain a highly reputable degree, you also graduate with the relevant life and work based skills. We are unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award which offers you the opportunity to complete key activities such as work experience, employability/career development, campus community and social development. Visit our Employability section for full details.

Entry requirements

Grade Requirements

A Level AAA

Required Subjects A level Mathematics grade A and A level Physics grade A

IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component. For other English language qualifications we accept, please see our English language requirements webpages.

Interviews Applicants may be interviewed before being made an offer.

Other Qualifications

International Baccalaureate 36 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 Higher Level subjects including 6 in Mathematics HL and Physics HL

BTEC May be considered alongside A level Mathematics and A level Physics.

We welcome applications from students with a range of alternative UK and international qualifications, including combinations of qualification. Further guidance on admission to the University, including other qualifications that we accept, frequently asked questions and information on applying, can be found on our general admissions webpages.

Contact Admissions Team + 44 (0) 1524 592028 or via ugadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk

International foundation programmes

Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored foundation pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University degrees. Visit the INTO Lancaster University website for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.

Contextual admissions

Contextual admissions could help you gain a place at university if you have faced additional challenges during your education which might have impacted your results. Visit our contextual admissions page to find out about how this works and whether you could be eligible.

Course structure

Lancaster University offers a range of programmes, some of which follow a structured study programme, and some which offer the chance for you to devise a more flexible programme to complement your main specialism.

Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, and the University will make every reasonable effort to offer modules as advertised. In some cases changes may be necessary and may result in some combinations being unavailable, for example as a result of student feedback, timetabling, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.

Core

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Core

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Core

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Optional

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Optional

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Fees and funding

We set our fees on an annual basis and the 2025/26 entry fees have not yet been set.

As a guide, our fees in 2024/25 were:

Home International
£9,250 £28,675

Fees and funding information

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Scholarships and bursaries

You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.

You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status:

Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.

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We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.

Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries.

Important information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2025/2026 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.

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We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.

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