BSc Philosophy and Physics
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Philosophy and Physics, a natural sciences degree combining physics with the philosophical study of science and knowledge. Core topics include programming, data analysis, mathematical modelling, laboratory techniques and research methods. The third year includes a compulsory Capstone Project, taken either as a dissertation in philosophy or as a research project in physics. Students choose between two mathematics pathways in the first year. Year 1 covers both subjects together through The Philosophical Traditions, which grounds philosophical reasoning and research writing, and Foundations of Physics 1, covering classical waves, electromagnetism, Newtonian mechanics, quantum mechanics and special relativity, supported by either Single Mathematics A and B or Calculus and Linear Algebra. Year 2 develops physics through Foundations of Physics 2A, covering quantum mechanics and electromagnetism, alongside Mathematical Methods in Physics and Discovery Skills in Physics, which introduces laboratory work, measurement uncertainty, data analysis and programming. Optional modules in this year span areas such as philosophy of mind, philosophy of religion, philosophy of science and epistemology. Year 3 advances physics through Foundations of Physics 2B on thermodynamics, condensed matter and optics, and Foundations of Physics 3A on quantum mechanics, nuclear and particle physics. Laboratory Skills and Electronics 3 builds experiment planning, data analysis, scientific communication and computational techniques. Capstone Project(s) provides a dissertation or physics research project, while further optional modules cover topics such as metaphysics, formal logic, Planets and Cosmology, Science Enterprise and Physics into Schools.
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 including either A*A in any order in Mathematics and Physics. IB: 37 including 76 in Higher Level in any order in Mathematics (maths analysis & approaches) and Physics 6 in one other Higher Level subjects.
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What students say
Based on about 88 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 87%
- Assessment and feedback: 82%
- Academic support: 93%
- Organisation and management: 90%
- Learning resources: 92%
- Student voice: 83%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 210 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 4%
What graduates do next
Based on about 81 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 13%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Finance Professionals: 20%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 11%
- Information Technology Professionals: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 8%
- Find their work meaningful: 78%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 71%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 48%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 345 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 10%
- North West: 9%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 7%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 31%
- South East: 17%
- South West: 5%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 295 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- The Philosophical Traditions
- Choose one of the following two modules:
- EITHER Science, Medicine and Society
- OR The Philosophical Traditions
- Foundations of Physics 1
- Choose one of the following two Mathematics pathways:
- EITHER Single Mathematics A and B
- OR Calculus and Linear Algebra
- Foundations of Physics 2A
- Mathematical Methods in Physics
- Discovery Skills in Physics
- Example optional modules
- Capstone Project(s) (20 or 40 credits)
- Foundations of Physics 3A
- Foundations of Physics 2B
- Laboratory Skills and Electronics 3
- Example optional modules
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Philosophy and Physics at Durham University earn?
The median salary is £34,000 after 15 months, £35,000 after 3 years, £44,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £32,000 and £61,500.
What do graduates of BSc Philosophy and Physics at Durham University do next?
88% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Philosophy and Physics at Durham University?
93% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Philosophy and Physics at Durham University?
The typical offer is A*AA at A level. The average entrant had 196 UCAS points.
Does BSc Philosophy and Physics at Durham University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Philosophy and Physics at Durham University?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 4% left higher education.