In this module you will explore electromagnetism through the beauty of Maxwell’s equations and the mathematical tools of vector calculus. Using these, you will be able to describe electromagnetic fields and waves created by simple configurations of charges and currents, and to model the effects of media on the propagation of electromagnetic waves. You will investigate the basic properties of wave propagation, diffraction and interference, and of simple optical instruments. This will enable you to make connections between the many different phenomena in nature that share the mathematical model of a harmonic oscillator or of a wave.

Develop your experimental and problem-solving skills as you complete more advanced laboratory experiments. During extended laboratory sessions, you will learn to systematically set-up and validate equipment, then use it to study exciting phenomena such as two slit single photon diffraction, the Zeeman effect and momentum conservation in positronium decays. The experiments cover multiple areas of physics including optics, condensed matter and particle physics. Throughout the module you will improve your ability to collect and process data, identify sources of uncertainty and present quantified scientific results. You will prepare a report on your investigations, developing your skills in communicating your findings and discussing their significance.

Learn the basic mathematical techniques required for studying physics at degree level and beyond. In particular, you will develop skills in linear algebra and matrices, Fourier analysis, and solving differential equations. You will be able to determine eigenvalues and eigenvectors of linear operators and be able to manipulate the algebra of Pauli matrices and commutation relations. The module will allow you to express a periodic function as a Fourier series and to find the Fourier transform of a function. As an application of these skills and techniques, you will solve various common types of linear equations, ordinary differential equations and partial differential equations.

In this module you will exploit advanced programming concepts to model a physical system. You will explore advanced Python topics and numerical algorithms for scientific modelling and engage in data visualisation and analysis techniques to interpret physical data effectively. You will also be introduced to essential software development tools such as version control, code repositories, and automated testing, fostering collaboration and professional coding practices. A final project will involve designing and implementing a physics simulation and validating its outputs. Throughout, ethical considerations in programming and scientific integrity will be emphasised to ensure responsible and reproducible research practices.

Learn how physics principles, including quantum mechanics and many-particle statistics, underpin the properties of materials. This will allow you to relate features of atoms, electrons and phonons in solids to their macroscopic properties including electrical, magnetic and thermal. You will be able to connect the microscopic and macroscopic pictures of the thermal properties of solids, and to describe the quantum statistics of degenerate Fermi gases, Bose-Einstein condensation, superfluidity in liquid helium and black body radiation.

Learn the fundamentals of quantum theory and how it applies to concrete physical systems. The module begins by establishing a basic working knowledge of nonrelativistic quantum mechanics based on the Schrödinger equation. You will develop skills necessary to apply quantum mechanics to simple, exactly solvable problems, as well as finding approximate descriptions of more complex quantum systems. This will enable you to make precise predictions for the behaviour of realistic quantum systems, and to understand the significance of the predictions for experimental observations. As a major application, you will use these skills to describe the basic characteristics of atomic structure, the processes of atomic transitions, and to explain the origin of selection rules. The module also covers the concept of spin, its fundamental role in quantum mechanics, and its effects on atomic structure and spectra.

Develop industrially relevant project skills as you apply your physics knowledge to a real-world contemporary problem. Projects vary from year to year, depending on the particular challenges set by industrial partners. For example, you could be undertaking an initial investigation of a proposed new idea or concept, or testing and improving devices or materials already under development.

At the beginning of the module, you will be taught about the fundamentals of project management and teamwork, then putting them into practice as you work in a group. The module will also develop your skills in communicating scientific concepts and solutions through a written report, a summary for general audiences, and a presentation at the annual Physics student conference.

Work in a group to tackle an open-ended physics question. With the support of the module leader, you will learn to research the field, plan and execute group work and communicate your conclusions. Dividing tasks amongst your group, you will apply your laboratory skills, physics knowledge and computer modelling techniques to undertake in-depth investigations.

Projects will be offered from the broad areas of quantum physics and particle physics, with specific titles updated from year to year. You will communicate your findings by writing a scientific report, producing a summary for a general audience, and giving a presentation at the annual Physics student conference.

We help you enhance your problem-solving abilities by applying fundamental physics principles across a range of real-world scenarios, including issues around energy, climate and sustainability. You will tackle open-ended challenges, solve problems in unfamiliar contexts, and apply knowledge from various physics topics. You’ll practice formulating logical solutions, using precise technical language, and justifying assumptions and approximations. With a focus on sharpening your mathematical skills and critical thinking, this module equips you to approach complex physics problems with confidence and creativity, preparing you for advanced studies and practical applications in diverse fields.

Explore the topics of relativity, nuclear physics and particle physics and learn about the principles of special relativity, Lorentz transformations and four-vectors. You will use relativity to understand topics such as particle decays and the doppler effect. In nuclear physics, you will study properties of nuclei, radioactive decay, nuclear fission and fusion. In particle physics, you will learn about the Standard Model, particle interactions, the structure of matter and modern particle physics experiments. Gain an understanding of the fundamental building blocks of the universe.

Explore the physics of semiconductors, superconductors and magnetic materials. You will learn how the properties of these materials arise from their microscopic structure and from interactions between atoms, electrons and phonons. You will gain a deeper understanding of the role of statistical concepts in understanding macroscopic systems and be able to solve selected model problems using advanced methods from condensed matter theory.

Cosmology treats the entire universe as a physical system. Investigate the evolution of the universe from the big bang, the cataclysmic explosion which started it all, through to its final fate in the distant future. Further areas of study include the dynamics of the universe as a whole, the initial singularity from which it originated, and the violent history of the early universe. You’ll also investigate the cosmic microwave background, the formation of structure (such as galaxies and galaxy clusters), cosmological horizons, dark matter and dark energy. You’ll consider the origin of matter, the age of the universe and the reason why is the sky is dark at night as you explore the limits of human knowledge and understanding.

Study advanced concepts and formalisms in quantum mechanics as used in quantum information, quantum communication and quantum computing. Learn about cutting-edge ideas in quantum mechanics including qubits and the Bloch sphere, entanglement, and pure and mixed states. As you progress through this module, you will develop skills in linear algebra techniques including matrix algebra, Dirac notation and density matrices.

Investigate the importance of conservation laws and discrete symmetries in particle interactions and experiments used to determine them. You will explore topics such as quark mixing, heavy-flavour physics, neutrino oscillations and particle interactions with matter. You will then use your knowledge of particle interactions with matter to understand the design of particle detectors and accelerators. Results and measurements from particle physics experiments will be used throughout the module to highlight the topics presented.

Dive into two of the Department’s top research fields, semiconductor device physics and ultra-low temperature physics, with significance placed on condensed matter science and emerging quantum technologies.

You will explore spontaneous and stimulated photon emissions in LEDs and lasers, and the characteristics of superconductivity and superfluidity at low temperatures. Building on earlier laboratory experience, you will plan and undertake more complex experiments, improving your ability to collect and process challenging data and to relate your findings to important research and technologies. Research lab tours and expert supervision will introduce you to the links between the experiments and ongoing research. The skills you will develop are valuable in research, engineering and technical careers.

From the birth of our solar system to the exploration of planetary environments, delve into the fundamental physics governing our local cosmic neighbourhood. You’ll study the formation of planetary bodies, their surfaces, atmospheres, and their interactions with space. Core physics principles - mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism - are applied to real-world observations, helping you analyse solar system dynamics and solve key problems in planetary science. A major focus is the interaction between the solar wind and planetary magnetospheres, leading to fascinating space weather phenomena like auroras. By the end of this module, you’ll have a strong foundation in space physics, an appreciation for the complexities of planetary evolution, and the ability to apply physics-based techniques to both our solar system and the study of exoplanetary systems and beyond.

Do you want to entertain and inspire children and the public in STEM? With an introduction to teaching as well as wider engagement opportunities, learn how to understand your audience and how to engage and enliven them. You will also learn how to balance this with educating them and presenting science in a way that’s appropriate to your audience. We include an introduction to pedagogy, how to inspire school pupils and how to use traditional and new media for science communication.

You will deliver an activity of your choosing to an audience. This could be a lesson at school, engaging with children at a large outreach event or delivering a public lecture. In addition, you will also reflect on your activity to discuss what you’ve learnt and what changes you would make. You can deliver this by either video, podcast or article.

You will spend this year working in a graduate-level placement role. This is an ideal opportunity to gain experience in an industry or sector that you might be considering working in once you graduate.

Although it's up to you to find your placement we'll support you all the way. Our Careers Service will provide guidance on CVs, applications, interview techniques and creating a digital profile.

The analysis of large datasets using numerical and statistical method is a rapidly growing field used extensively in the modern world to predict trends, inform decisions and solve complex problems. Data science is used in both scientific research and across industries including finance, healthcare, engineering, and technology. In this module, you will be introduced to, implement and apply data analysis techniques to both problems in modern physics and real-world scenarios. You'll explore state-of-the-art computational and numerical methods used to evaluate data, including hypothesis testing, posteriors, sampling, likelihoods, machine learning and data fitting techniques. By the end of the module, you will have developed skills in data analysis and visualisation as a means of understanding and efficiently conveying high-level information.

This individual project forms the exciting core of Year 4. Working across the year, you will experience cutting-edge research and complete a major open-ended investigation. The projects we offer are diverse and updated every year in line with current research activities, making use of available facilities and datasets. They are taught through individual supervision and training seminars to further develop your research and communication skills. To start the project, you will research the area and prepare a literature review. From this foundation you will plan, manage and execute your own investigative work. Throughout the project, you will use and develop your abilities to synthesise technical information, keep a contemporary record of your activity, and conduct research in a safe and ethical manner. The project is excellent preparation for research at postgraduate level or in an industrial setting, whilst also developing transferable skills in communication and project work, highly desired by employers.

Learn how complex phenomena in condensed matter physics are applied to create useful solid-state devices and nanoscale structures. You will explore physical concepts related to quantum transport and states of matter in low-dimensional systems and employ appropriate theoretical tools to describe their electronic behaviour. By the end of this module, you will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the physical effects underpinning the characteristics of common nanoscale devices, including quantum dots and nanomechanical structures, and discuss methods used in their fabrication and characterisation.

Learn about quantum technology applications in quantum optics and in solid state systems. Develop an understanding of the physics governing the characteristics of laser light, the foundations of atom-light interactions and their quantum-optical applications and technologies. You will describe how solid-state phenomena, including superconductivity, are employed for quantum technologies. You will also learn about practical techniques needed to produce the low temperatures required by such technologies. Throughout this module, you will develop your skills in linear algebra techniques, perform calculations and solve problems related to quantum technologies.

We introduce you to Einstein's theory of General Relativity, which is our current understanding of gravity, exploring the relationship between Newtonian mechanics and relativity. In general relativity there is no long-range gravitational force, only a local response to the curvature of spacetime. You will study black holes, gravitational waves, and cosmological phenomena such as cosmic inflation and the big bang. Key topics include the Einstein field equations, gravitational redshift and lensing, orbital precession, and relativistic electromagnetism. In this module you will also explore advanced concepts such as Hawking radiation, black hole thermodynamics and traversable wormholes. By the end, you will have developed strong problem-solving skills and a solid grasp of relativistic principles, enabling you to perform calculations and understand the geometry of spacetime and intense gravity.

Dive into transformations and corresponding symmetries, group theory and its applications in particle physics, and the basics of the gauge-invariant field theories. You will use these topics to understand the properties of the quarks and leptons and their strong, electromagnetic and weak interactions. You will explore topics such as spontaneous symmetry breaking and the Higgs mechanism. This module will describe the foundations of the Standard Model of particle physics and its possible extensions.