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.

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.

Learn about the structure and life cycle of stars, as well as their formation and interactions with their local environments. This will include an introduction to radiative transfer as it applies to the interstellar medium and stellar interiors, formation and evolution timescales in multiple stellar and nebular contexts, and coverage of the key factors driving the formation, structure and evolution of stars at different masses. By studying the end-to-end life cycle of stars of all types, as well as the environments in which they form, live and die, you will develop an understanding of the processes that give rise to the objects that we observe across the universe. You’ll apply concepts from quantum, nuclear, particle, condensed and relativistic physics to explain the stellar remnants at the end of a star’s life such as white dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes.

Study at one of our approved international partner universities in your year abroad. This will help you to develop your global outlook, expand your professional network, and gain cultural and personal skills. It is also an opportunity to gain a different perspective on your major subject through studying the subject in another country.

You will choose specialist modules relating to your degree and also have the opportunity to study modules from other subjects offered by the host university.

Places at overseas partners vary each year and have previously included universities in Australia, USA, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and Asia.

Explore astrophysical observations, measurements, and simulations, gaining hands-on experience in their analysis and interpretation. Building on your programming knowledge, you will manipulate data and develop tailored analyses to answer questions and draw conclusions. Varied investigations will provide opportunities to study topics such as stars, galaxies, and solar-planetary physics while enhancing your analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, you will refine your contemporary record-keeping techniques and strengthen your scientific writing for effective communication.

Work together in a group with other students to conduct open-ended research tackling a current question in astrophysics and learn how to plan, execute and conclude a project. You will research the literature and propose a suitable topic to investigate, set objectives and identify appropriate data and tools. You will apply astrophysics and space physics knowledge to state-of-the-art astrophysical observations, including imaging and spectroscopic datasets, to make discoveries. You will develop professional data analysis and programming skills that will be useful for future careers in industry and research. Finally, you will communicate your findings by writing a scientific report, producing a summary for a general audience, and giving a presentation at the annual Department of Physics’ student conference.

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.

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.

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.

Study the evolution of galaxies, from the early universe to the present, linking with stellar physics and the latest discoveries in observational cosmology across the electromagnetic spectrum. Explore how astrophysical plasmas characterise the environments of remote and local regions of space, including the plasma structures found in solar and planetary systems. As you advance through the module, you will gain insight of current research in these fields and the observations on which our understanding is based.

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.

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 both semesters, 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.