MSci Physics with Particle Physics and Cosmology
About this course
Master in Science in Physics with Particle Physics and Cosmology MSci, a physics degree focused on the fundamental building blocks of our universe through advanced study and independent research. Core topics include Statistics, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. The programme culminates in independent research projects during the third and fourth years. The first year covers foundational principles through modules such as Mathematics for Physicists 1, Classical Mechanics and Relativity, and Quantum Mechanics, Optics, Waves, and Electromagnetism. The second year continues with Mathematics for Physicists 2, Modern Physics, and specialized challenge modules including Challenge: Skills, Computing and Observational Astronomy. The third year incorporates core study in Particle Physics, Gravitation, Cosmology and Galaxies, and Machine Learning and Inference from Data, alongside a dedicated Year 3 Physics Project. The final year offers advanced optional study across areas such as Advanced Particle Physics, General Relativity and Advanced Statistical Physics, and Quantum Light and Matter, supported by a substantial Year 4 Physics Project.
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.
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What students say
Based on about 10 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 100%
- Learning opportunities: 95%
- Assessment and feedback: 89%
- Academic support: 93%
- Organisation and management: 90%
- Learning resources: 93%
- Student voice: 87%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
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: 85%
- Other qualifications: 15%
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 Particle Physics and Cosmology
- 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
- Quantum Mechanics and Statistical Physics
- Year 3 Physics Project
- Particle Physics
- Laboratory and Computing
- Laboratory
- Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Power
- Stars and Exoplanets
- Advanced Dynamics, and Relativistic Fields
- Chaos Dynamical Systems and Complex Variables
- Medical Physics
- Atomic, Condensed Matter and Photonic Physics
- Gravitation, Cosmology and Galaxies
- Professional Science Communication and Teaching
- Machine Learning and Inference from Data
- Year 4 Physics Project
- Advanced Particle Physics
- Advanced Condensed Matter
- 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 with Particle Physics and Cosmology 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 with Particle Physics and Cosmology 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 with Particle Physics and Cosmology at University of Birmingham?
100% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MSci Physics with Particle Physics and Cosmology at University of Birmingham?
The typical offer is A*AA at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 187 UCAS points.
Is MSci Physics with Particle Physics and Cosmology 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.
How many students continue on MSci Physics with Particle Physics and Cosmology at University of Birmingham?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.