BSc Physics
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Physics, a physics degree grounded in mathematical and computational approaches to physical theory. Core topics include Programming, Microelectronics, Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Laboratory Techniques and Research Methods. The programme is accredited by the Institute of Physics, and the first-year curriculum is shared with the MPhys routes, allowing students to switch courses until the end of the second year. Students may also apply to add a placement year or a year abroad, extending the programme to four years. Year 1 lays the foundations through Foundations of Physics 1 (mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, special relativity) and Discovery Skills in Physics, introducing laboratory measurement, data analysis and programming. Mathematics is compulsory, taken via one of two pathways: Single Mathematics A with Single Mathematics B, or Linear Algebra I with Calculus I. Year 2 advances quantum mechanics and electromagnetism in Foundations of Physics 2A, covers optics, thermodynamics and condensed matter in Foundations of Physics 2B, and develops mathematics and laboratory electronics skills through Mathematical Methods in Physics and Laboratory Skills and Electronics; past options have included Stars and Galaxies, Theoretical Physics 2 and Physics in Society. Year 3 deepens quantum mechanics, nuclear and particle physics in Foundations of Physics 3A, and semiconductors, superconductors and magnetism in Foundations of Physics 3B. Students then complete either Computing Project or BSc Project, plus one or both of Team Project and Advanced Laboratory. Final-year options have included Planets and Cosmology 3, Theoretical Physics 3, Condensed Matter Physics 3 and Modern Atomic and Optical Physics 3.
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*A*A including Mathematics and Physics. IB: 38 with 776 in higher level subjects, including Mathematics (maths analysis & approaches) and Physics.
See the highest paying Physics & Chemistry degrees in the UK →
Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 53%: 145 offers from 275 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 11 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 100%
- Learning opportunities: 92%
- Assessment and feedback: 92%
- Academic support: 94%
- Organisation and management: 92%
- Learning resources: 96%
- Student voice: 88%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 45 students who started
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 56 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 56%
- Working and studying: 16%
- Further study: 18%
- Unemployed: 3%
Most common jobs
- Engineering professionals: 18%
- Finance Professionals: 18%
- Information Technology Professionals: 12%
- Natural and social science professionals: 11%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 175 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 10%
- North West: 7%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 7%
- East Midlands: 6%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 6%
- London: 31%
- South East: 17%
- South West: 6%
- Wales: 2%
- Scotland: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 50 students who started
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of partially meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Foundations of Physics 1
- Discovery Skills in Physics
- Mathematics Modules (40 credits) - Please choose one of the following two pathways:
- EITHER Pathway 1: Single Mathematics A and Single Mathematics B
- Pathway 1: Single Mathematics A
- Pathway 1: Single Mathematics B
- OR Pathway 2: Linear Algebra I and Calculus I
- Pathway 2: Linear Algebra I
- Pathway 2: Calculus I
- Example optional modules
- Foundations of Physics 2A
- Foundations of Physics 2B
- Mathematical Methods in Physics
- Laboratory Skills and Electronics
- Example optional modules
- Foundations of Physics 3A
- Foundations of Physics 3B
- Choose one of the following two modules:
- EITHER Computing Project
- OR BSc Project
- Choose one or both of the following two modules:
- EITHER Team Project
- AND / OR: Advanced Laboratory
- Example optional modules
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Physics at Durham University earn?
The median salary is £35,000 after 15 months, £36,000 after 3 years, £44,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £32,000 and £65,500. The £44,000 median after five years is £5,500 more than the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of BSc Physics at Durham University do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Physics at Durham University?
100% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Physics at Durham University?
The typical offer is A*A*A at A level. The average entrant had 200 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BSc Physics at Durham University?
53% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 145 offers from 275 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Is BSc Physics at Durham University accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of partially meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
Does BSc 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 Physics at Durham University?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.