ÃÛÌÒTV this course
This specialist course offers a unique opportunity to advance our understanding of nanoscience, photonics and quantum physics through your own experimental physics research. These closely related fields have the power to change our world - from tackling climate change to saving lives through quantum computing.
We offer this flagship course to the best students on these degrees:
You’ll work alongside professional researchers in our highly regarded based in our materials and photonics labs.
Previous projects have involved exploring the properties of carbon nanotubes and optimising holograms for use in quantum computing.
During your year in research you’ll have access to specialist facilities such as:
- the Nanomaterials Rapid Prototyping facility, for building and testing nanodevices
- a photonics lab with the latest laser equipment
- a cleanroom complex for fabrication at the atomic level
- one of the world’s most powerful supercomputers
This course is accredited by the .
Physics offers an academic scholarship worth up to £20,000, based on submission of a short essay and an interview at one of our applicant visit days.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Accreditations
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the ÃÛÌÒTV.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202526
A-levels
A*AA-AAA including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A)
or
AABB-AABC including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A)
A-levels additional information
Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to a lower offer.
A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed.
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Applicants who have not studied mathematics/further mathematics and/or physics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to three A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAA including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A), plus grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
or
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 38-36 points overall, with 19-18 points required at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) and 6 at Higher Level in physics
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to a lower offer.
Applicants who have not studied mathematics and/or physics at Higher Level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the ÃÛÌÒTV International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
or
BTEC
D*-D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA-A*A in A-level physics and A-level mathematics or further mathematics.
We will consider the BTEC National Diploma if it has been studied alongside A-levels in mathematics/further mathematics and physics.
We will consider the BTEC National Extended Diploma if it has been studied alongside A-levels in mathematics/further mathematics and physics.
RQF BTEC
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Additional information
Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
QCF BTEC
D*-D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA-A*A in A-level physics and A-level mathematics or further mathematics.
We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma if it has been studied alongside A-levels in mathematics/further mathematics and physics.
We will consider the BTEC Diploma if it has been studied alongside A-levels in mathematics/further mathematics and physics.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
or
Show more entry requirements
Access to HE Diploma
Irish Leaving Certificate
Scottish Qualification offers
Cambridge Pre-U
Welsh Baccalaureate
T Level
Access to HE Diploma
Not accepted for this course. Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1,H1,H1,H2,H2,H2- H1,H1,H2,H2,H2,H2 including mathematics, applied mathematics and physics
Irish certificate additional information
Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to a lower offer. Applicants who have not studied mathematics and/or physics can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D2 D3 D3 - D3 D3 D3 in three Principal subjects including physics (minimum grade D3) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade D3)
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of A Level grade B.
Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to a lower offer.
Applicants who have not studied the required Principal subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
Welsh Baccalaureate
A*AA-AAA including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A)
or
A*A-AA from two A-levels including physics and either mathematics or further mathematics and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
or
AAAB-AABB including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A)
or
AA from two A-levels including physics and either mathematics or further mathematics, plus grades AB-BB from a third A-level and the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to a lower offer.
A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed.
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Applicants who have not studied mathematics/further mathematics and/or physics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
T-Level
Not accepted for this course. Applicants with a T level Technical Qualification in a relevant subject can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
- our Ignite your Journey scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
- skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
You don’t need to choose your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you to customise your course.
For the first 3 years you’ll follow the structure of the following MPhys degree programmes:
- Physics
- Physics with Photonics
- Physics with Nanotechnology
Alongside your core physics studies you’ll choose from a range of optional modules, including Advanced Mathematics, Photonics and Nanoscience. These will equip you for the research year.
The will help you to choose a topic for your fourth-year project in the areas such as photonics, nanoscale, condensed matter physics and the interaction of light and matter at the quantum level.
Past projects have involved:
- working with lasers on squeezed light quantum experiments
- nanoparticle manipulation using optical tweezers
- looking at the localisation of light in photonic crystals
- hologram optimisation for polariton condensation for quantum computing
- examining the properties of filled carbon nanotubes using Raman scattering
You’ll work under the supervision of an expert academic, conducting original research that you will write up, present and be tested on in an oral exam.
Year 1 overview
Through theoretical and lab-based work, year 1 will introduce you to fundamental areas of physics such as special relativity, quantum physics and electromagnetism.
You’ll gain more in-depth knowledge as you progress through the degree, applying your learning in more advanced areas including particle and atomic physics.
You can also choose from a range of optional modules covering topics like photonics and linear algebra.
Year 2 overview
Core modules include topics on:
- electromagnetism
- quantum physics
- mechanics
- wave physics
You can choose from a range of optional modules covering topics like:
- mathematical models
- photonics
- medical physics
- galaxies
- energy in the environment
Year 3 overview
Core modules in year 3 cover everything from particle physics to theories of matter, space and time and atomic physics.
You’ll be encouraged to pursue your own interests by choosing from a wide range of advanced optional modules and completing a dissertation.
Year 4 overview
You’ll join the Quantum, Light and Matter research group from September to May in year 4.
You’ll then complete your final thesis and presentation, and prepare for an oral exam.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Electricity and Magnetism
The major concepts covered are: - The abstraction from forces to fields using the examples of the electric and magnetic fields, with some applications - The connection between conservative forces and potential energy - How charges move through electri...
Energy and Matter
This course introduces the ideas of thermal physics, contrasting the complexity of a world composed of huge numbers of sub-microscopic particles with the simplicity of the thermodynamic laws that govern its large-scale behaviour.
Mathematical Methods For Physical Scientists 1b
To provide students with the necessary skills and confidence to apply a range of mathematical methods to problems in the physical sciences. We build on the methods developed in MATH1006 (or MATH1008) but extend many of the ideas from ordinary functions to...
Mathematical Methods for Physical Scientists 1a
To provide students with the necessary skills and confidence to apply a range of mathematical methods to problems in the physical sciences. Both MATH1006 and MATH1008 cover essentially the same topics in calculus that are of relevance to applications in t...
Motion and Relativity
The first part of the module focuses on Newton’s laws of motion, potentials, conservation of energy, momentum and angular momentum, projectiles, circular motion, gravity and simple harmonic motion including damping. The second part of the module is an ...
Physics Skills - Programming and Data Analysis
The primary goal is to provide students with the practical programming and data analysis skills that are necessary for both their degree course and most careers in physics. Python is used as the introductory programming language, and numerical simulations...
Physics Skills 1
The Physics Skills units develop a range of skills needed by a professional physicist, including facility in conducting experiments and in analysing and reporting their results. Physics Skills 1 runs in first semester and its companion Physics Skills 2 (P...
Physics Skills 2
The Physics Skills units develop a range of skills needed by a professional physicist, including facility in conducting experiments and in analysing and reporting their results. Physics Skills 1 runs in first semester and its companion Physics Skills 2 (P...
Waves, Light and Quanta
It will arm students with a basic knowledge of optics, including ray propagation, polarization and diffraction, and introduce the dual wave and particle characteristics of light and matter. It provides a base for further study of optics, wave physics and ...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
Lasers and Quanta 1
After studying this course students should be able to: - Describe the interaction of light with atoms - Describe the interaction of light with solids (refractive index, non-linear optics) - Give basic descriptions of the operation and uses of lasers an...
Linear Algebra for Physics
Linear algebra is the branch of mathematics focused on linear equations, their solutions, and many topics naturally connected to these, such as matrices, vector spaces, inner products, and more. Physicists use linear algebra to describe an enormous number...
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
Classical Mechanics
Beginning with a review of Newton's Laws applied to systems of particles, the course moves on to rotational motion, dynamical gravity (Kepler's Laws) and motion in non-inertial reference frames. Systems of coupled oscillators are studied.
Electromagnetism
Electromagnetism is one of the brilliant successes of nineteenth century physics and the equations formulated by Maxwell are believed to account exactly for all classical electromagnetic phenomena. The aim of this course is to present the laws of elect...
Physics from Evidence I
The PHYS2022 Physics from Evidence I module consists of three parts: Teaching Lab, Computing Module and Student Conference. The Teaching Lab and Computing Modules run through the first 10 weeks of the semester and the Student Conference is in week 12.
Quantum Physics
After studying this course students should be able to explain the concept of quantum mechanical wave function and its basic properties, the Schrödinger equation, the concepts of operator, eigenstates and the significance of measurements, and describe the ...
Statistical Mechanics
Statistical mechanics links the microscopic properties of physical systems to their macroscopic properties. Thermodynamics, which describes macroscopic properties, can then be derived from statistical mechanics with a few well motivated postulates. It lea...
Wave Physics
This course introduces the properties and mechanics of waves, from the derivation and solution of wave equations, through the origins of the classical processes of refraction, dispersion and interference, to the quantum mechanical phenomenon of the uncert...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
Global Sustainability Challenges
The global challenge that is 'sustainability' impacts every dimension of all of our lives. Regardless of your degree, the social, cultural, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability have important implications for your studies, your daily ...
Introduction to the Nanoworld
The module will convey concepts and ideas involved in nanoscience and nanotechnology to a broad range of physical scientists. The course is intended to provide a guide to the ideas and physical concepts that allow an understanding of the changes that occu...
Mathematical Methods for Scientists
This is an optional module for second-year students in physical sciences. The module introduces a number of more advanced methods for solving linear matrix equations and ordinary differential equations, as well as introducing Fourier series, and partial d...
Practical Photonics
The course will guide the students through a series of experiments that will demonstrate key experimental techniques and illustrate basic principles of experimental laser science. The student will undertake a few experiments during the 12-week course. In ...
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
Atomic Physics
The aim of this course is to apply quantum physics to the study of atoms.
Crystalline Solids
This course builds upon the Statistical Mechanics Course (PHYS2024) to form a complete basic course on the fundamentals of the physics of solids. After the course the student should have developed the necessary theoretical knowledge to enable them to unde...
Dissertation
The first part of the course is devoted to exploring a given topic via group work, assessed via short, written summary (extended abstract) and oral presentation. The second part consists of an individual dissertation that is assessed via a written report...
Nuclei and Particles
Students will learn about Nuclear Scattering, various properties of Nuclei, the Liquid Drop Model and the Shell Model, radioactive decay, fission and fusion. By the end of the course, the students should be able to classify elementary particles into hadro...
Theories of Matter, Space and Time
Variational methods in classical physics will be reviewed and the extension of these ideas in quantum mechanics will be introduced.
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
Advanced Quantum Physics
This course will cover advanced topics of quantum mechanics including postulates of quantum mechanics, tools of quantum mechanics, Dirac notation, Simple Harmonic oscillator (studied using raising and lowering operators), orbital and spin angular momentum...
Applied Nuclear Physics
The aim of this course is to communicate knowledge of physical techniques which exploit nuclear particles, and to develop an understanding of the underlying physics. Important themes are nuclear processes and the interaction of nuclear radiation with the ...
Communicating and Teaching and The Undergraduate Ambassadors Scheme
Level of study (NQF Levels 1-4) This course provides an excellent opportunity for people who wish to gain experience in teaching. Some of the aims of the scheme are: - To develop a range of students' skills and to offer an early taste of teaching to t...
Computer Techniques in Physics
This Computational Physics course is designed for students with definite interest in tackling physics problems that are only tractable through the use of computers. It covers all types of application of computers by physicists, except the control of equip...
Lasers
Lasers and photonic techniques are used in all branches of science and technology. The principles of laser operation will be discussed, with reference to commonly used laser systems. The course provides knowledge of the laser as a fundamental tool of cont...
Light and Matter
The course provides an introduction to modern optical physics to arm students with a basic knowledge of light-matter interactions, electro-optics and nonlinear optics. It aims to provide a fundamental base for understanding the techniques and technologies...
Nanoscience: technology and advanced materials
This course aims to provide you with an insight into some of the current research in nanoscience and an understanding of the underlying nanophysics. The field of nanoscience is multidisciplinary covering materials science, photonics, chemistry and biology...
Physics of the Early Universe
Since the end of the 1990s, cosmology has experienced one of the most impressive advances among all scientific disciplines. This happened mainly because of astonishing progress in the precision and accuracy of astronomical and cosmological observations ...
Quantum Optics
While coherence phenomena have long been familiar in the context of light waves, their manifestation in the context of matter waves is an exciting development of modern quantum science. This course aims to introduce the basic concepts needed to understand...
Relativity, Black Holes and Cosmology
This is a module principally on Einstein's general theory of relativity, a relativistic theory of gravitation which explains gravitational effects as coming from the curvature of space-time. It provides a comprehensive introduction to material which is cu...
Year 4 modules
You must study the following module in year 4:
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
ÃÛÌÒTV time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
39%
Scheduled learning & teaching
61%
Independent learning
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
44%
Written exam
33%
Coursework
23%
Practical exam
Year 2
ÃÛÌÒTV time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
33%
Scheduled learning & teaching
67%
Independent learning
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
70%
Written exam
22%
Coursework
8%
Practical exam
Year 3
ÃÛÌÒTV time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
23%
Scheduled learning & teaching
77%
Independent learning
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
70%
Written exam
27%
Coursework
3%
Practical exam
Year 4
ÃÛÌÒTV time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 4:
18%
Scheduled learning & teaching
82%
Independent learning
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 4:
69%
Written exam
31%
Coursework
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Careers and employability
This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business. The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include: The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress. Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:
Information and Communication, Manufacturing, Education, Public Administration and Defence, Scientific and Technical. *Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course. Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton. We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes: We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, , is open to every student. Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University. Fees for a year's study: Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams. Find out how to: Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams. Explore: If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a ÃÛÌÒTV bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton. If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary. Get in touch for advice about student money matters. You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies. We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds. The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course. Find out about funding you could get as an international student. We will assess your application on the strength of your: If you’re successful, we’ll invite you to an optional applicant visit day. This will give the opportunity to learn more about the department and take an interview, which may lead to a lower offer. If you attend a visit day before Christmas, . We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time. We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement. Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course. Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Physics with Year of Experimental Research (MPhys) is a course in the
Physics and astronomy
subject area.
Here are some other courses within
this subject area:
Careers and employability
Employability skills
Career pathways
Careers directly related to this course:
See more
Wider career opportunities:
See more
Example job titles of Southampton MPhys Physics with a year of Experimental Research graduates*:
See more
Job prospects for MPhys Physics with a year of Experimental Research graduates
£35°ì
Average professional salary
88%
In a skilled profession or further study
96%
Graduate employment rate
Source
Work experience opportunities
Careers services and support
More about careers support
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
What your fees pay for
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
Scholarships and grants
Support during your course
Funding for EU and international students
How to apply
What happens after you apply?
Equality and diversity
Got a question?
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000Related courses
a
MPhys
Astrophysics with Year Abroad
p
MPhys
Particle Physics with Research Year Abroad
BSc
Physics
MPhys
Physics
MPhys
Physics with Artificial Intelligence
