Physics with Computing
Combine the latest ideas in physics with cutting-edge techniques in computing in our world-class physics department.
Highly ranked
Bristol is ranked in the UK top five for Physics research (THE analysis of REF 2021) and in the UK top 10 for Physics (Complete University Guide 2027).
Apply your knowledge
Gain expertise and practical skills in programming, data science, machine learning and more, alongside innovative and research-intensive physics teaching.
Friendly community
Chaos, our vibrant and award-winning physics society, organises social and educational activities, trips, and a 'parenting' scheme to help new students feel welcome.
Physics with Computing courses for 2027
Physics with Computing at Bristol
Physics with computing is an exciting subject area that combines understanding how the universe works with the digital skills shaping the future.
You’ll explore big questions about the world around you - from the tiniest particles to the largest galaxies - while learning how to use powerful computational tools. Through real examples, you can build skills in coding, data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and high-performance computing.
These skills are at the heart of modern physics. Computers are used to control advanced equipment, analyse huge amounts of data and run simulations that help scientists make discoveries. From predicting how stars form to designing new technologies, physics and computing work hand in hand.
Studying these areas together helps you develop strong problem-solving, analytical and technical skills. You’ll learn not just the theory, but also how to apply it in practical and creative ways - skills that are highly valued in many careers.
As you progress, you can explore more advanced topics and deepen your knowledge, creating opportunities in areas such as technology, finance, engineering and beyond.
You’ll also be part of a friendly and supportive community, with opportunities to collaborate and get involved in student activities including Chaos, our vibrant, award-winning society for Physics students.
We also offer Physics.
Think Big bursaries are available to support first-year international undergraduate students in this subject area.
Bristol is unique in its ability to be a place where you are accepted for every aspect of yourself, students are uplifted and motivated by the amazing staff and students around all the time, and you are always put to the challenge of pushing yourself to do your best.
Bethan
MSci Physics
Career prospects
Graduates of these degrees are well placed to follow careers in a diverse range of areas, from physics research to computing and data science.
These courses address the demand for skilled practitioners in research and industry by developing strong computing skills with a solid foundation in physics and, above all, an understanding of how to combine these areas to best effect.
We work closely with our Industrial Advisory Board to understand the needs of industry and shape our courses to boost our graduates' employability. Our curriculum is designed to help you develop important scientific and technical skills including coding and data analysis combined with transferable skills such as problem-solving, presenting, communicating, numeracy, creativity and resilience.
Career opportunities may include:
- scientific research
- chemical industry
- engineering industry
- computing
- data science
- finance.
Course structures
You will gain a comprehensive grounding in classical and quantum physics and will develop the mathematical and computational skills needed to solve problems ranging from the quantum realm to galaxy formation.
Our Physics with Computing courses cover the same core content as other Physics degrees, but they also have a significant emphasis on computing.
We will introduce you to:
- coding
- data analysis and visualisation
- high-performance computing
- machine learning
- modern hardware and computing methods
- programming
- software engineering
- virtual/augmented reality.
You will have plenty of opportunities to apply this knowledge to problems in physics.
For those wanting to gain more applied computing experience during their degree, we offer an MSci degree with industrial experience.
Advanced facilities
Physics is based at the heart of our campus in the beautiful environment of Green Flag Award-winning gardens. Within the Gothic architecture of our Grade II-listed Physics building are exceptional modern facilities, including state-of-the-art teaching labs, a dedicated physics library and a six-metre radio telescope.
Our student spaces also include Physbar, an entirely student-run cafe provided by Chaos, our award-winning physics society. Bristol is also home to the pioneering Centre for Nanoscience and Quantum Information.