BSc Physics (F300)

2025 entry

Course summary

Join a University ranked in the UK top five for Physics research (THE analysis of REF 2021) with an excellent reputation for teaching and learning.

Physics focuses on the fundamental building blocks and forces of nature. It explores how quantum physics and relativity help us to comprehend the world around us. Topics range from the infinitesimal scale of particle and nuclear physics to the cosmic scale of galaxies and the Universe.

Year one gives you a comprehensive grounding in physics and mathematics. In year two, you will develop a fundamental understanding of the principles of physics. This includes practical work in the laboratory and computational physics.

Flexibility and choice are key features of a Bristol Physics degree. A wide range of units in your final year means you can specialise in the topics that you find most fascinating.

In your third year, you will undertake a major project or dissertation. Project options include:

  • conducting original research as part of one of our research groups;
  • the Physics Education scheme centred on teaching in a school;
  • the Industrial Group Project, based on a real problem set by industrial partners. Past partners have included Sellafield, Bristol Zoo, Siemens and The Fat Duck restaurant.

Join our friendly department with a very active, award-winning student society. We provide physics-specific employability sessions and we support you to develop a broad range of transferable skills. These include problem-solving and the ability to communicate complicated concepts.

Our graduates have an excellent record of employment post-study. This is a testament to the value that employers place on these skills.

Think Big bursaries of £3,000 are available to support first-year international undergraduate students in this subject area.

Accreditations

Our Physics BSc is approved by major professional bodies in the UK (IOP) so as a graduate you can gain exemptions from a number of their examinations or credits for prior learning.

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
AAB including AA in Mathematics and Physics

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
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
88% overall, with 9.0, 8.5 in Mathematics and Physics (in any order)
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 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.