The Department of Physics has some amazing facilities and provides students with a wide variety of opportunities. There is something to suit every style of learning.
Students studying astronomy are challenged to consider questions such as ‘How did the universe begin?’, ‘What is a black hole and does it have structure?’, or ‘How did our galaxy form?’ Physics with Astronomy is an exciting new course at Surrey that covers topics from the study of galaxies and the universe, to planetary and space science. You will get hands-on experience of astronomy observation using our new University Observatory.
In the final year, you can choose from a range of optional modules in astronomy and astrophysics, covering both observational and theoretical topics. If you take our four-year MPhys programme, you will carry out an extended research project, with the option of a research placement at a major international astronomy laboratory.
We can boast extensive facilities within the Department of Physics. The undergraduate teaching laboratories were recently extensively refurbished. In 2013, the Department installed a new student observatory for astronomy – this will be used by students both for assessed laboratory experiments and also for informal use by enthusiasts.
The Department has also benefited from a £3.5 million refurbishment of its research laboratories. Each year, these labs host our undergraduate students as they carry out their final-year research projects. The Department’s new Astrophysics Research Group supports computational and observational projects in astronomy and astrophysics.
Our Physics degree programmes reflect the huge diversity of modern physics, with modules ranging from General Relativity to Nuclear Astrophysics to Medical Imaging. We prize our flexibility, which allows you to switch between any of the specialist Physics degrees during your first year, and even to change between some programmes as late as the second year. A particularly attractive aspect of these modular programmes is that you can select options in all years to complement the core subjects.
Year 1 gives you the core physics and mathematics you need. You will get to grips with the fundamental principles of physics and be introduced to modern physics, from quantum mechanics to relativity. Building on these principles, you will explore the breadth of the world of physics, looking at atoms, star formation, cosmology, the Schrödinger equation, and even measure the speed of light. You will also be introduced to the theories developed to deal with physical processes beyond the normal speeds and sizes of everyday life. See our world through Schrödinger’s eyes.Modules include:
In Year 2, you will continue to expand your understanding of and experience with both classical and modern physical theories and concepts. In addition, you will be able to choose the areas that you want to specialise in and tailor your degree pathway to suit your interests by selecting from a choice of optional modules. Modules include:
Specialist and optional modules include:
Taking a Professional Training year can add real value to your experience and will allow you to make your theoretical understanding come alive in the world outside university. This experience will not only be important when you graduate, but will also help you get the most from the final year of your undergraduate degree. If you decide not to do the Professional Training year, you proceed directly to Year 3 to complete your taught modules and graduate in your third year.
Year 3 will see you specialise in your chosen field and deliver your final-year project. Through your work on this final-year project, you will develop your scientific writing skills, as well as your communication and presentation style. BSc students undertake an extended research project in their final semester and can currently choose up to six optional modules. Modules include:
Modules include:
Our MPhys programmes are four-year programmes with an integrated research year that is unique in the UK. MPhys students undertake a problem-solving module and choose up to five optional modules. The range of modules available may vary from year to year, but your freedom to choose which options to study remains our priority. The unique research year begins after you have completed half of your Year 3 taught modules, at the end of the Autumn semester.Modules include:
If you are studying a BSc programme, you will discuss your particular interests and abilities with your personal tutor and the Professional Training tutor during Year 2.
The Department looks closely at your CV and helps you with all aspects of applying to potential employers. Every October, a Professional Training conference allows the previous year’s students to tell you about their experience first-hand. The Department will help you to apply to companies in our extensive database.
Over the years, we have placed our students with many companies and laboratories. Here is just a small selection: BAE Systems, BT, HMS Sultan, INAF – Osservatorio Astronomico di Roma, Instituto de Carboquimica (Spain), Jaguar Cars, the National Physical Laboratory, the National Radiological Protection Board, Royal Surrey County Hospital, the Science Museum and Southampton Oceanography Centre. Our students gain huge experience of a wide range of employment skills during their placement year, giving them a significant advantage when applying for jobs after graduation.
You will have a stimulating mixture of lectures, laboratory work, tutorials, practical exercises and computational classes. There will be assigned coursework, problem solving and projects. Computers are used extensively, as teaching aids via self-learning packages, in the laboratory for experimental control and data analysis, in modelling of physical problems and for effective communication.
Eight practical laboratory half-modules are designed to introduce particular elements of physics, experimental design, data analysis, background research and technical writing. A ninth module introduces computational modelling, the topic of which can be based upon your personal interests.
All modules are assessed by written examination, coursework or, most commonly, a combination of the two.
For the MPhys degrees, 30 per cent of the degree is awarded for the Year 2 modules, 30 per cent for the research year and associated dissertation, and 40 per cent for the Year 3 modules.
For the BSc degrees, 35 per cent of the degree mark is awarded for the Year 2 modules with 65 per cent awarded in Year 3. If, however, students choose the four-year BSc, including a Professional Training year, then the marks are distributed as follows: 25 per cent for Year 2, 10 per cent for the Professional Training year and 65 per cent for Year 3.
Coursework accounts for about 30 per cent of the overall degree mark.
We can boast extensive facilities within the Department of Physics. The undergraduate teaching laboratories were recently extensively refurbished.
The Department has also benefited from a £3.5 million refurbishment of its research laboratories. Each year, these labs host our undergraduate students as they carry out their final-year research projects. In the last Research Assessment Exercise, more than half of the Department’s research was rated internationally excellent or world leading.
Physicists are highly sought after in industry, research, education, management, medicine, law and business, because of their broad practical skills and knowledge of fundamental theory. Our degrees will provide you with the analytical, experimental and computational skills valued in a wide range of career opportunities.
All Surrey Physics students learn a range of employability skills during their studies. These include a dedicated Year 1 module, Scientific Investigation Skills, which covers key communication skills, group work and presentations, problem solving in the laboratory environment, plus sessions on interview techniques, CV preparation and job applications. Students who take either the Professional Training or research year placements also get invaluable employment experience at their host institution.
Many of our graduates, particularly those with an MPhys degree, go on to postgraduate degrees in order to become researchers. Other graduates have launched careers with multinational companies (such as Shell International Petroleum, 3M, GEC Marconi Research, Nokia and BT), with public bodies (such as the National Physical Laboratory, the BBC, the NHS and the Defence Research Agency), and with small enterprises (such as Surrey Medical Imaging Systems and private consultancies). Starting salaries are in the region of £20,000 per annum.
Graduates have entered employment in roles such as research physicists, consultants, engineers, teachers and bankers in companies such as the BBC, BAE Systems and Astrium. Many have gone on to take Masters degrees in a range of subjects, such as geophysics, nanotechnology, meteorology, quantum field theory, education management and science communication, while others have gone on to study for PhDs in astrophysics, semiconductors or photonics.
Come to one of our Open Days, when you can tour the campus, speak to students and academic staff, see our student accommodation and ask as many questions as you like. In the meantime, order a personal prospectus – tailored to only include the subjects that interest you.
GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above (or equivalent).
For all programmes: Mathematics and Physics required to A-level (or equivalent).
Offers are normally made in terms of grades. Suitable candidates may be invited to an Applicant Day. During the visit to the University the candidate can find out more about the programme and meet staff and students.
Non-native speakers of English will normally be required to have IELTS 6.5 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-skill (or equivalent).
We offer intensive English language pre-sessional courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
| Award | Course Length | Professional Training | UCAS code | KIS code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) | 3 years | F3FN | View KIS data set | |
| BSc (Hons) | 4 years | F3FN | View KIS data set | |
| MPhys (Hons) | 3 years | FHF5 | View KIS data set | |
| MPhys (Hons) | 4 years | FHF5 | View KIS data set |
We offer a range of bursaries, scholarships and other financial support.
See course information for students applying to start in September 2013.
Phone: +44 (0)1483 681 681
