BSc Physics
About this course
BSc Physics, a physics degree centred on fundamental principles, mathematical tools, and laboratory skills. Core topics include Programming, Circuit Design, Microelectronics, Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. This accredited undergraduate course examines the laws that shape the universe and explores the topics behind major technological advancements. The first year covers core topics through Fundamental Physics and Mathematics I: Mechanics, Oscillations, Waves and Thermal Physics, Fundamental Physics and Mathematics II: Electricity, Magnetism and Quantum Physics, and Investigating Nature: the Physicist's Toolbox, alongside optional modules such as Frontiers of Physics, Introduction to Astrophysics, Introduction to Electric and Electronic Circuits, and Mathematical modelling. The second year continues with Fundamental Physics and Mathematics III, Fundamental Physics and Mathematics IV, and Scientific Data Processing and Python, while optional choices include Stars and Galaxies, Differential equations, and Detection and Imaging in Physics. The final year centres on Mathematical and Physical Sciences Projects and Professional Skills, alongside optional modules spanning Atomic and Particle Physics, Semiconductor Photonics and Quantum Technologies, Experimental Nuclear and Particle Physics, Dark Matter and Cosmology, Sustainable Energy Technologies and Systems, Solid State and Statistical Physics, Biological and Soft Matter Physics, Machine Learning, Quantum Theory and Electrodynamics, Mathematical Physics and Analytical Dynamics, and Planets and Astrobiology.
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: AAB IB: 34, with 6, 5 (in any order) in Higher Level Maths and Physics; 33, with 5 in Higher Level Maths and Physics, and B in a physics-based extended essay
See the highest paying Physics & Chemistry degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 5 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 84%
- Learning opportunities: 85%
- Assessment and feedback: 80%
- Academic support: 91%
- Organisation and management: 73%
- Learning resources: 97%
- Student voice: 94%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 9 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 45%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 25%
- Unemployed: 15%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 25%
- Teaching Professionals: 20%
- Engineering professionals: 10%
- Information Technology Professionals: 10%
- Secretarial and related occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 55%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 35%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 105 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 15%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 32%
- East Midlands: 7%
- West Midlands: 8%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 13%
- South East: 7%
- South West: 5%
- Wales: 4%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 35 students who started
- A levels: 90%
- 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, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Fundamental Physics and Mathematics I: Mechanics, Oscillations, Waves and Thermal Physics
- Fundamental Physics and Mathematics II: Electricity, Magnetism and Quantum Physics
- Investigating Nature: the Physicist's Toolbox
- Frontiers of Physics
- Introduction to Astrophysics
- Introduction to Electric and Electronic Circuits
- Mathematical modelling
- Fundamental Physics and Mathematics III
- Fundamental Physics and Mathematics IV
- Scientific Data Processing and Python
- Stars and Galaxies
- Differential equations
- Detection and Imaging in Physics
- Mathematical and Physical Sciences Projects and Professional Skills
- Atomic and Particle Physics
- Semiconductor Photonics and Quantum Technologies
- Experimental Nuclear and Particle Physics
- Dark Matter and Cosmology
- Sustainable Energy Technologies and Systems
- Solid State and Statistical Physics
- Biological and Soft Matter Physics
- Machine Learning
- Quantum Theory and Electrodynamics
- Mathematical Physics and Analytical Dynamics
- Planets and Astrobiology
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Physics at University of Sheffield earn?
The median salary is £29,000 after 15 months, £29,500 after 3 years, £38,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £29,000 and £53,000. The £38,500 median after five years is the same as the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of BSc Physics at University of Sheffield do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Physics at University of Sheffield?
84% 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 University of Sheffield?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 158 UCAS points.
Is BSc Physics at University of Sheffield accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
Does BSc Physics at University of Sheffield 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 University of Sheffield?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.