Physics
About this course
MPhys / BA in Physics, a physics degree examining fundamental concepts across the physical universe. Core topics include Mathematical Modelling. All applicants apply for the four-year MPhys in the first instance, with the option to complete a BA, and students undertake project work in the third and fourth years. The first year covers foundational topics through Classical mechanics and special relativity, Electromagnetism, circuit theory and optics, Mathematical methods I, Differential equations and waves, Astronomy, Complex analysis, and Quantum ideas. The second year progresses to Thermal physics, Electromagnetism and optics, Quantum physics, Mathematical methods II, Classical mechanics, Climate physics, and Introduction to biological physics. The third year introduces Fluids, Symmetry and relativity, Atomic and laser physics, Nuclear and particle physics, General relativity, Condensed-matter physics, Computational and experimental projects, Advanced quantum mechanics, and Plasma physics. The fourth year features an MPhys project alongside advanced options including Astrophysics, Laser science and quantum information processing, Condensed matter, Particle physics, Atmospheres and oceans, Theoretical physics, and Biological physics.
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 to include Mathematics and Physics. The A* must be in Mathematics, Physics or Further Mathematics. IB: 39 (including core points) with 766 at HL (the 7 should be in either Physics or Mathematics)
See the highest paying Physics & Chemistry degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 48 final-year students who answered
- Teaching on my course: 91%
- Learning opportunities: 87%
- Assessment and feedback: 77%
- Academic support: 91%
- Organisation and management: 71%
- Learning resources: 92%
- Student voice: 68%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 170 students who started
- Continued on course: 98%
- Left higher education: 2%
What graduates do next
Based on about 23 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 25%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 25%
- Information Technology Professionals: 20%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 140 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 6%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 41%
- South East: 31%
- South West: 5%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 170 students who started
- A levels: 98%
- Other HE qualification: 2%
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): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Classical mechanics and special relativity
- Electromagnetism, circuit theory and optics
- Mathematical methods I
- Differential equations and waves
- Astronomy
- Complex analysis
- Quantum ideas
- Thermal physics
- Electromagnetism and optics
- Quantum physics
- Mathematical methods II
- Classical mechanics
- Climate physics
- Introduction to biological physics
- Fluids
- Symmetry and relativity
- Atomic and laser physics
- Nuclear and particle physics
- General relativity
- Condensed-matter physics
- Computational and experimental projects
- Advanced quantum mechanics
- Plasma physics
- MPhys project
- Astrophysics
- Laser science and quantum information processing
- Condensed matter
- Particle physics
- Atmospheres and oceans
- Theoretical physics
- Biological physics
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of Physics at University of Oxford earn?
The median salary is £37,500 after 15 months, £43,000 after 3 years, £56,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £37,000 and £82,500. The £56,500 median after five years is £18,000 more than the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of Physics at University of Oxford do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on Physics at University of Oxford?
91% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for Physics at University of Oxford?
The typical offer is A*AA at A level. The average entrant had 223 UCAS points.
Is Physics at University of Oxford 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 Physics at University of Oxford?
98% of students continued into their second year, and 2% left higher education.