Physics and Philosophy
About this course
MPhysPhil / BA in Physics and Philosophy, a physics and philosophy degree centred on foundational questions in science and the humanities. Core topics include Mathematical Modelling. Philosophy of Physics runs through the first three years, and students may complete the course in three years for a BA or continue for a fourth-year MPhysPhil. The first year introduces foundational concepts through Classical mechanics and special relativity, Mathematical methods, Differential equations and waves, General philosophy, Introductory philosophy of physics, and Philosophical topics in logic and probability. The second year builds upon this with Thermal physics, Electromagnetism, Quantum physics, Physics practicals, Philosophy of Science, and Philosophy of special relativity. Year 3 involves modules such as Symmetry and relativity, General relativity, Classical mechanics, Philosophy of quantum mechanics, Atomic and laser physics, Condensed matter physics, Fluids, and Nuclear and particle physics, alongside computational and experimental projects. The fourth-year options allow specialisation in either Physics or Philosophy, or a continuation of combined study including advanced work in the Philosophy of 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)
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What students say
Based on about 6 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 94%
- Learning opportunities: 92%
- Assessment and feedback: 80%
- Academic support: 92%
- Organisation and management: 50%
- Learning resources: 97%
- Student voice: 63%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 7 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 40%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 40%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 20%
- Information Technology Professionals: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 55%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 140 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 64%
- South East: 16%
- South West: 2%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Classical mechanics and special relativity
- Mathematical methods
- Differential equations and waves
- General philosophy
- Introductory philosophy of physics
- Philosophical topics in logic and probability
- Thermal physics
- Electromagnetism
- Quantum physics
- Physics practicals
- Philosophy of Science
- Philosophy of special relativity
- Symmetry and relativity
- General relativity
- Classical mechanics
- Philosophy of quantum mechanics
- A choice of one from the following: Early Modern Philosophy; Knowledge and Reality; Philosophy of Mind; Philosophy of Logic and Language; Philosophy of Mathematics; Philosophical Logic
- The remaining core subject not chosen
- Atomic and laser physics
- Computational and experimental projects
- Condensed matter physics
- Fluids
- Nuclear and particle physics
- Or one Philosophy paper from a range of options
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of Physics and Philosophy at University of Oxford earn?
The median salary is £35,000 after 15 months, £38,000 after 3 years, £50,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £36,500 and £80,500. The £50,500 median after five years is £12,000 more than the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of Physics and Philosophy at University of Oxford do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on Physics and Philosophy at University of Oxford?
94% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for Physics and Philosophy at University of Oxford?
The typical offer is A*AA at A level. The average entrant had 214 UCAS points.
How many students continue on Physics and Philosophy at University of Oxford?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.