Physics MPhys (Hons)
MPhys Hons Physics
Overview
Put your passion for physics into practice, develop your research skills and deepen your knowledge on this MPhys (Hons) Physics integrated Master's degree course.
You'll further your understanding of all things physics, from quantum theory to cosmology. When you finish the course you can apply what you’ve learned in roles across various industries or go on to do a PhD.
Professional recognition
Recognised by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of eligibility for Associate Membership.
What you'll experience
On this course you'll:
- Expand your knowledge of all aspects of physics, from the minutiae of quantum physics to the expanse of cosmology
- Investigate new technologies and theories alongside the University's research teams
- Use specialist scientific software, equipment and facilities to monitor and analyse the weather, pollutants and radiation levels
- Get to grips with exciting technologies including Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM)
- Use LabVIEW software – the same software CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research) use to run the Large Hadron Collider particle accelerator
- Visit companies such as BAE Systems, Airbus, QinetiQ and Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust
- Attend a programme of guest lectures hosted by experts including speakers from the medical physics department at Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth
- Study at a university where physics research was ranked in the top 10 nationally for quality of research outputs in the latest Government-backed REF (Research Excellence Framework)
Careers and opportunities
What can you do with a Physics degree?
After the course you could do further study or a PhD. Or you could apply your skills and knowledge in areas such as:
- aerospace
- energy
- medical instrumentation
- defence
- IT
- scientific journalism
- finance
Whatever your career choice, our Careers and Employability service will help you to get where you want to be in your desired career. You'll get advice and support for up to 5 years after you leave the University, to ensure you get the most out of your burgeoning post-academic career.
The opportunities granted to us at Portsmouth provide the backbone that inspires us to succeed. I am comforted to know that my career could go anywhere from here; there really are no limits to where a physicist can work.
What you'll study on this MPhys (Hons) Physics degree course
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 20 credits and 1 module worth 40 credits.
Modules
Core modules in this year include:
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Introduction to Computational Physics
- Introduction to Laboratory and Field Physics
- Introduction to Mathematical Physics 1
- Introduction to Mathematical Physics 2
- Space Science and Applications of Physics
There are no optional modules in this year.
Core modules in this year include:
- Introduction to Modern Physics and Astrophysics
- Mathematical Physics
- Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
Optional modules in this year currently include:
- Computational Physics
- Institution-wide Language Programme
- Mechanics and Dynamics
- Practical Laboratory and Field Physics
- Universe: Planetary Systems, Stars and Galaxies
After your second year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work and research experience in the industry.
Previous students have completed placements in well-known organisations such as:
- BAE Systems
- Airbus
- QinetiQ
We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your aspirations. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
Core modules in this year include:
- Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Information
- Solid State Physics and Detectors
Optional modules in this year currently include:
- Group Project
- Health Physics
- Introduction to General Relativity and Cosmology
- Introduction to Multiferroic Materials and their Applications
- Mathematical Methods for Physics
- Group Project
- Modern Astrophysics 1
- Nanoscale Surface Physics
- Particle Physics
- Physical Cosmology
- Project
- Undergraduate Ambassador
Core modules in this year include:
- Advanced Physics Research Project
Optional modules in this year currently include:
- Advanced Computational Techniques
- Contemporary Theoretical Physics
- Microwave and Highspeed Digital Design
- Modern Astrophysics 2
- Observational Astronomy and Cosmology
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry and some optional module may not run every year. If a module doesn’t run, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Work experience and career planning
Our Careers and Employability service can help you find relevant work experience and research opportunities during your course.
We can help you identify placements, internships and voluntary opportunities that will complement your studies and match your future ambitions.
Learning support
As well as support by faculty teaching staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University’s Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- academic writing
- note taking
- time management
- critical thinking
- presentation skills
- referencing
- working in groups
- revision, memory and exam techniques
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- practical work
- field work
- seminars
- workshops
- projects
The focus of teaching on this course is on active learning, so you'll have the practical skills you need to succeed in your career.
How you'll spend your time
Each academic year is divided into 2 teaching blocks and 2 assessment periods:
- September to December – teaching block 1
- January – assessment period 1
- January to May – teaching block 2 (includes Easter break)
- May to June – assessment period 2
Most teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. You may occasionally need to go to University and course events in the evenings and at weekends.
There’s usually no teaching on Wednesday afternoons.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- coursework
- practical work (both laboratory and field based)
- presentations
- production of posters and portfolios
- a research based final-year project
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
The way you’re assessed may depend on the modules you select. As a guide, students on this course last year were typically assessed as follows:
- Year 1 students: 28% by written exams, 0% by practical exams and 72% by coursework
- Year 2 students: 47% by written exams, 0% by practical exams and 53% by coursework
- Year 3 students: 33% by written exams, 11% by practical exams and 56% by coursework
- Year 4 students: 17% by written exams, 27% by practical exams and 56% by coursework
Entry requirements
MPhys (Hons) Physics Master’s degree entry requirements
Qualifications or experience
- 112-128 points to include 40 points from A Level Physics and 40 points from A Level Mathematics, or equivalent. For A levels which include a separate science practical component, a pass is desirable and may strengthen an application.
See the other qualifications we accept
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
Course costs
Tuition fees (2020 start)
- UK/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £16,400 per year (subject to annual increase)
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Additional costs
Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
The cost of travel or accommodation associated with compulsory fieldwork is included in the course fee. You will be expected to pay for meals and other subsistence costs associated with compulsory fieldwork.
Apply
How to apply
To start this course in 2020, apply through UCAS. You’ll need:
- the UCAS course code – F302
- our institution code – P80
If you’d prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can start your application now and submit it later if you want.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
How to apply from outside the UK
If you're from outside of the UK, you can apply for this course through UCAS or apply directly to us (see the 'How to apply' section above for details). You can also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to our terms and conditions as well as the University’s policies, rules and regulations. You should read and consider these before you apply.
- Subject area
- Mathematics and Physics
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