MSci Physics (F303)

2027 entry | view 2026 entry

Course summary

Choose Bristol for your MSci Physics degree and join a university with an excellent reputation, ranked in the UK's top five for physics research (THE analysis of REF 2021).

Physics deals with the big questions, uncovering the building blocks and forces of nature. You'll explore how quantum physics and relativity help us understand our world. We cover topics ranging from the infinitesimal scale of particle and nuclear physics to the cosmic scale of galaxies and the Universe.

Our MSci courses delve into advanced, research-led material in your final year. You'll develop originality in your application of knowledge and advanced problem-solving techniques.

In year one, your journey begins with a comprehensive foundation in physics and mathematics, plus the practical and computing skills every physicist needs. In year two, you'll develop a fundamental understanding of the principles of physics. This includes investigative work in the laboratory and further computational physics.

Flexibility is at the heart of MSci Physics at Bristol. In your third and fourth years, you can choose from a wide range of units, tailoring your studies to the topics that spark your curiosity most.

In your final year you'll undertake a major project. Working in a research group, supervised by an expert academic, you'll explore questions at the frontier of our research fields. Some of our most successful student projects have been published in scientific journals.

Join our friendly department with an active, award-winning student society. During your studies, we'll support you to develop experimental, theoretical and analytical skills, and learn how to apply them creatively in different contexts. These skills are highly valued by employers in research and industry, and our graduates have an excellent employment record across a wide range of sectors.

Our Think Big international scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students could help you fund your UK study at the University of Bristol.

Accreditations

Our Physics MSci is accredited by IOP.

Course structure

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Go to programme catalogue

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

A*AA including A*A (in any order) in Mathematics and Physics
D*DD in Engineering BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in four specified Physics units, AND A in Mathematics at A-level (or equivalent).

Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
38 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 7, 6 (in any order) at Higher Level in Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) and Physics
34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level, including 6, 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) and Physics

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
Advanced Higher: AA in Mathematics and Physics, and Standard Higher: AAAAA
Access to HE Diploma in Engineering, Science, or Computing (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: at least 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or above; and at least 12 credits at Distinction from Mathematics units (including algebra, calculus and trigonometry); and at least 12 credits at Distinction from specified Physics units. plus successful completion of a University of Bristol test and interview (or A at A-Level or equivalent in Mathematics and Physics).

More about Access to HE entry requirements
Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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More about UK qualifications.