Physics
UK physics departments have produced Nobel laureates and lead in areas from quantum mechanics to astrophysics.
Notable Physics Programmes
A curated selection of top-ranked, distinctive and interesting physics programmes across UK universities.
Physics
#1 in the UK for physics — tutorial-based teaching and world-class facilities
Oxford's MPhys covers classical and quantum mechanics, electrodynamics, thermodynamics and particle physics through lectures, problem sheets and the famous tutorial system. The department's Beecroft Building provides state-of-the-art research facilities. Students can specialise in astrophysics, condensed matter, particle physics or atmospheric physics in later years.
Physics with Astrophysics
Home of Jodrell Bank — exceptional astrophysics research and observatory access
Manchester's astrophysics programme gives students access to Jodrell Bank Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's leading radio astronomy facilities. The programme covers core physics with dedicated astrophysics modules in stellar evolution, cosmology and observational techniques. The department has a strong heritage — Rutherford split the atom here.
Physics
Top-5 physics department with the ICC (Institute for Computational Cosmology)
Durham's physics department houses the Institute for Computational Cosmology, which created the famous Eagle simulations of the universe. The MPhys programme is rigorous and research-led, with final-year projects supervised by active researchers. Durham's collegiate system provides a supportive social framework, and the compact city makes for an outstanding student experience.
Physics and Astrophysics
Key contributor to gravitational wave detection (LIGO) and CERN experiments
Birmingham's physics department played a crucial role in the discovery of the Higgs boson at CERN and gravitational waves through LIGO. Students study core physics with specialist astrophysics and particle physics modules. The department's involvement in cutting-edge international experiments means undergraduates can contribute to genuine research discoveries during their final-year projects.
42 universities offer this subject
Imperial College London
London · England · UK Rank #1
University of Oxford
Oxford · England · UK Rank #2
University College London
London · England · UK Rank #4
King's College London
London · England · UK Rank #5
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University of Manchester
Manchester · England · UK Rank #7
University of Bristol
Bristol · England · UK Rank #8
University of Warwick
Coventry · England · UK Rank #10
University of Birmingham
Birmingham · England · UK Rank #11
University of Glasgow
Glasgow · Scotland · UK Rank #12
University of Leeds
Leeds · England · UK Rank #13
University of Southampton
Southampton · England · UK Rank #14
University of Sheffield
Sheffield · England · UK Rank #15
Durham University
Durham · England · UK Rank #16
University of Nottingham
Nottingham · England · UK Rank #17
Queen Mary University of London
London · England · UK Rank #18
University of St Andrews
St Andrews · Scotland · UK Rank #19
University of Bath
Bath · England · UK Rank #20
Newcastle University
Newcastle upon Tyne · England · UK Rank #21
University of Liverpool
Liverpool · England · UK Rank #22
Lancaster University
Lancaster · England · UK Rank #24
University of York
York · England · UK Rank #25
Cardiff University
Cardiff · Wales · UK Rank #26
University of Reading
Reading · England · UK Rank #27
Queen's University Belfast
Belfast · Northern Ireland · UK Rank #28
University of Loughborough
Loughborough · England · UK Rank #29
University of Strathclyde
Glasgow · Scotland · UK Rank #30
University of Aberdeen
Aberdeen · Scotland · UK Rank #31
University of Surrey
Guildford · England · UK Rank #32
University of Sussex
Brighton · England · UK Rank #33
Heriot-Watt University
Edinburgh · Scotland · UK Rank #34
Swansea University
Swansea · Wales · UK Rank #35
University of East Anglia
Norwich · England · UK Rank #39
University of Essex
Colchester · England · UK Rank #43
University of Kent
Canterbury · England · UK Rank #43
University of Dundee
Dundee · Scotland · UK Rank #44
Royal Holloway, University of London
Egham · England · UK Rank #46
University of Stirling
Stirling · Scotland · UK Rank #49
University of Hull
Hull · England · UK Rank #51
Bangor University
Bangor · Wales · UK Rank #54
Aberystwyth University
Aberystwyth · Wales · UK Rank #63
Keele University
Keele · England · UK Rank #66
University of Winchester
Winchester · England · UK Rank #97
Career Pathways
Where a UK Physics degree can take you — typical graduate starting salaries: £28,000–£50,000
Professional Accreditation
IOP (Institute of Physics) accredited programmes are the gold standard for professional recognition.
Subject Overview
Featured
MSci Physics
World-class research in quantum, astrophysics, and condensed matter. Four-year integrated masters.
Compare Universities
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Compare Tool →Programs at Top UK Universities
26 programs across 25 universities
Covers quantum mechanics, astrophysics, and condensed matter. Strong links to CERN and national laboratories.
One of the most flexible science degrees in the world — students choose from Physics, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, and other disciplines in years 1–2 before specialising. Requires the NSAA.
Covers mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum physics, and thermodynamics.
Covers particle physics, astrophysics, and condensed matter. Jodrell Bank Observatory access.
Covers astrophysics, particle physics, and theoretical physics. Fusion research at Warwick Plasma Physics Group.
Covers mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum physics, and thermodynamics.
Covers mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum physics, and thermodynamics.
Covers astrophysics, quantum physics, and photonics. Optical fibre research world-leading.
Covers particle physics, astronomy, and condensed matter. Access to Ogden Centre for Fundamental Physics.
Covers astrophysics, condensed matter, and photonics. Observatory and research telescope access.
Covers mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum physics, and thermodynamics.
Our Physics programme provides a rigorous foundation with opportunities for independent research and professional development.
Covers mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum physics, and thermodynamics.
Covers mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum physics, and thermodynamics.
Covers mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum physics, and thermodynamics.
Covers mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum physics, and thermodynamics.
Covers mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum physics, and thermodynamics.
Covers mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum physics, and thermodynamics.
Our Theoretical Physics programme provides a rigorous foundation with opportunities for independent research and professional development.
Our Theoretical Physics programme provides a rigorous foundation with opportunities for independent research and professional development.
Covers mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum physics, and thermodynamics.
Covers mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum physics, and thermodynamics.
Covers mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum physics, and thermodynamics.
Covers mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum physics, and thermodynamics.
The Theoretical Physics programme at Middlesex University offers an engaging curriculum designed to prepare graduates for diverse career paths.
The Physics programme at Middlesex University offers an engaging curriculum designed to prepare graduates for diverse career paths.
Related Subjects
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