MPhys Physics
About this course
The MPhys (Hons) in Physics is a four-year integrated Master's degree in physics, accredited by the Institute of Physics and positioned as a route towards Chartered Physicist status. Core topics include Programming, Microelectronics, Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling and Laboratory Techniques. Subject to the optional modules chosen, students can switch to another of the physics courses until the end of the second year, and a one-year work placement or study abroad option can extend the course from four to five years. The first year covers core classical and quantum physics through Foundations of Physics 1, alongside Discovery Skills in Physics, which develops practical laboratory work, measurement uncertainty and data analysis, and an introduction to programming. Mathematics is compulsory and taken either through Single Mathematics A and Single Mathematics B, or through Linear Algebra I and Calculus I. The second year extends quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, optics, thermodynamics and condensed matter through Foundations of Physics 2A and 2B, supported by Mathematical Methods in Physics and Laboratory Skills and Electronics, with optional modules such as Stars and Galaxies, Theoretical Physics 2 and Physics in Society. Year 3 develops advanced quantum mechanics, nuclear and particle physics in Foundations of Physics 3A and deeper condensed matter in Foundations of Physics 3B, with options including Theoretical Physics 3, Planets and Cosmology 3, Modern Atomic and Optical Physics 3, Mathematics Workshop, Physics into Schools, and a choice between Team Project and Advanced Laboratory. The final year centres on a compulsory individual Project on an advanced aspect of physics, with optional modules such as Atoms, Lasers and Qubits, Advanced Condensed Matter Physics, Advanced Theoretical Physics or Particle Theory, and Advanced Astrophysics or Theoretical Astrophysics.
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 Physics and Mathematics. 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 64%: 210 offers from 330 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
- 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
- Example optional modules
- Project
- Example optional modules
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MPhys 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 MPhys 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 MPhys 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 MPhys 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 MPhys Physics at Durham University?
64% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 210 offers from 330 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Is MPhys 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 MPhys 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 MPhys Physics at Durham University?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.