MSci Physics (International Study)
About this course
Master in Science in Physics (International Study), a physics degree centred on understanding the fundamental laws of the universe. Core topics include Data Analysis and Statistics. The programme incorporates a year spent studying abroad at an international partner institution. The first year establishes fundamental mathematical and experimental competencies through Mathematics for Physicists 1, Classical Mechanics and Relativity, and Physics Laboratory 1. The second year continues this technical training with Mathematics for Physicists 2, Statistical Physics and Optics, and Physics Laboratory 2. The third year is spent studying physics abroad. The final year involves advanced theoretical and applied study culminating in the Year 4 Physics Project, alongside optional modules such as Advanced Condensed Matter, Advanced Particle Physics, and Applied Optics.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A Level: A*AA /AAAA to include A-level Mathematics and A-level Physics grades A*A (or AA as part of the four A level offer).. IB: 7,6,6 at HL, to include Mathematics and Physics, with a minimum of 32 points overall. 7 must be in Mathematics or Physics.. BTEC: options considered when combined with other Maths and Physics qualifications.
See the highest paying Physics & Chemistry degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 85 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 91%
- Assessment and feedback: 86%
- Academic support: 93%
- Organisation and management: 93%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 86%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 125 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 68 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 59%
- Working and studying: 11%
- Further study: 14%
- Unemployed: 11%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 16%
- Natural and social science professionals: 14%
- Engineering professionals: 13%
- Teaching Professionals: 9%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 9%
- Find their work meaningful: 74%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 74%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 67%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 155 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 6%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 10%
- West Midlands: 25%
- East of England: 8%
- London: 14%
- South East: 16%
- South West: 14%
- Wales: 2%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Bronze for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Statistics, Thermodynamics, and Electronics
- Quantum Mechanics, Optics, Waves, and Electromagnetism
- Classical Mechanics and Relativity
- Physics Laboratory 1
- Mathematics for Physicists 1
- Discover: Skills, Computing and Data Science
- Discover: Skills, Computing and Astrophysics
- Discover: Skills, Computing and Particle Physics and Cosmology
- Discover: Skills, Computing and Medical Physics
- Discover: Skills, Computing and Theoretical Physics A
- Mathematics for Physicists 2
- Statistical Physics and Optics
- Quantum Mechanics and Electromagnetism 2
- Modern Physics
- Physics Laboratory 2
- Challenge: Skills, Computing and Observational Astronomy
- Challenge: Skills, Computing and Medical Physics
- Challenge: Skills, Computing and Quantum Mathematics
- Challenge: Skills, Computing and Information Sciences
- Year Abroad (Physics)
- Year 4 Physics Project
- Advanced Condensed Matter
- Advanced Particle Physics
- Quantum Systems and Technologies
- Advanced Topics in Astrophysics
- Quantum Light and Matter
- Physics of Climate and Renewable Energy
- Applied Optics
- General Relativity and Advanced Statistical Physics
- Advanced Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Field Theory
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci Physics (International Study) at University of Birmingham earn?
The median salary is £34,000 after 15 months, £32,500 after 3 years, £43,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £33,500 and £53,500. The £43,500 median after five years is £5,000 more than the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of MSci Physics (International Study) at University of Birmingham do next?
84% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MSci Physics (International Study) at University of Birmingham?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MSci Physics (International Study) at University of Birmingham?
The typical offer is A*AA at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 176 UCAS points.
Is MSci Physics (International Study) at University of Birmingham accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
Does MSci Physics (International Study) at University of Birmingham include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on MSci Physics (International Study) at University of Birmingham?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.