BSc Physics (Extended Degree)
About this course
This BSc (Hons) Physics (Extended Degree) is a physics degree that includes a compulsory foundation year before progressing to study physical principles, mathematical techniques, and experimental methods. Core topics include Programming, Microelectronics, Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, Project Management, Engineering Design, Communication & Writing, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. Students have the option to undertake a work placement year or a study abroad year. The course begins with foundational modules covering calculus, mechanics, electricity, and basic laboratory techniques. The subsequent stage advances mathematical and computational methods through modules such as Advanced Mathematics for Physics, Space-Time and Electromagnetism, Theory, Computation and Experiment, and Semiconductor Physics. In the final year, students complete an Individual Physics Project alongside compulsory advanced topics including Quantum Devices, Advanced Photovoltaics, and Quantum and Molecular Photonics. Optional modules in the final year allow students to study further topics such as Fluid Dynamics, Dynamical Systems, and Satellite Systems and Space Environment.
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
UCAS Tariff: 56 to 72 Tariff Points Subject requirements: There are no specific subject requirements for this course.
See the highest paying Physics & Chemistry degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 21 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 96%
- Learning opportunities: 90%
- Assessment and feedback: 83%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 91%
- Learning resources: 98%
- Student voice: 92%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 75%
- Left higher education: 15%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 9 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Further study: 30%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 25%
- Engineering professionals: 15%
- Information Technology Professionals: 15%
- Skilled trades occupations: 10%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 50%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 50%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 155 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 60%
- North West: 8%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 14%
- East Midlands: 4%
- West Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 2%
- South East: 3%
- South West: 2%
- Scotland: 3%
- Northern Ireland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 80%
- Access course: 5%
- Foundation course: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 10%
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, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Foundations of Mathematical Methods
- Applications of Physics
- Introduction to Logic and Algorithms
- Foundation Trigonometry and Calculus
- Principles of Electricity
- Introduction to Mechanics and Energy
- Calculus
- Dynamics
- Particles, Waves and the Big Bang
- Electricity, Magnetism and Electronics
- Research, Analysis and Presentation
- Experiments and Discovery
- Skills for Academic Success in a UK University
- Advanced Mathematics for Physics
- Space-Time and Electromagnetism
- Theory, Computation and Experiment
- Quantum Universe
- Semiconductor Physics
- Thermal and Nuclear Energy
- Skills for Academic Success in a UK University
- Work placement year
- Study abroad year
- Work placement semester
- MPEE - Study Abroad Semester
- Fluid Dynamics
- Dynamical Systems
- Individual Physics Project
- Quantum Devices
- Advanced Photovoltaics
- Quantum and Molecular Photonics
- Satellite Systems and Space Environment
- Skills for Academic Success in a UK University
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Physics (Extended Degree) at Northumbria University earn?
The median salary is £27,500 after 15 months, £22,000 after 3 years, £26,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £22,500 and £32,000. The £26,500 median after five years is £12,000 less than the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of BSc Physics (Extended Degree) at Northumbria 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 (Extended Degree) at Northumbria University?
96% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Physics (Extended Degree) at Northumbria University?
The typical offer is CA at A level. The average entrant had 111 UCAS points.
Is BSc Physics (Extended Degree) at Northumbria University accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
Does BSc Physics (Extended Degree) at Northumbria 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 (Extended Degree) at Northumbria University?
75% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.