BSc Physics
About this course
Bachelor of Science in Physics, a physics degree centred on the fundamental laws and principles governing our universe. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Laboratory Techniques, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. Students can switch to the four-year master's programme after two years, and the course is accredited by the Institute of Physics. The first year establishes core foundations through modules such as Energy and Matter, Motion and Relativity, Physics Skills - Programming and Data Analysis, and Waves, Light and Quanta, alongside optional choices like Concepts in Machine Learning for Physicists. The second year advances core knowledge via Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Quantum Physics, and Statistical Mechanics, with further study shaped by options including Global Health and Medical Physics. The final year focuses on advanced research and synthesis through compulsory modules like Atomic Physics, Bachelor of Science Project, Crystalline Solids, and Nuclei and Particles, while optional modules such as Computer Techniques in Physics, Particle Physics, and Stellar Evolution allow targeted specialisation.
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: AAA-AAB including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A) or AABC including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A) - ABBC including grades AB in physics and either mathematics or further mathematics IB: Pass, with 36-34 points overall with 18-17 points at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) and 6 at Higher Level in Physics
See the highest paying Physics & Chemistry degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 20 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 84%
- Learning opportunities: 77%
- Assessment and feedback: 77%
- Academic support: 74%
- Organisation and management: 83%
- Learning resources: 84%
- Student voice: 75%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 45 students who started
- Continued on course: 80%
- Left higher education: 20%
What graduates do next
Based on about 14 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 15%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 20%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 45%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 115 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 1%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 7%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 22%
- South East: 45%
- South West: 13%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 30 students who started
- A levels: 95%
- Foundation course: 5%
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
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Energy and Matter
- Mathematical Methods For Physical Scientists 1b
- Mathematical Methods for Physical Scientists 1a
- Motion and Relativity
- Physics Skills - Programming and Data Analysis
- Physics Skills 1
- Physics Skills 2
- Waves, Light and Quanta
- Concepts in Machine Learning for Physicists
- Introduction to Astronomy and Space Science
- Lasers and Quanta 1
- Linear Algebra for Physics
- Classical Mechanics
- Electromagnetism
- Physics from Evidence I
- Quantum Physics
- Statistical Mechanics
- Wave Physics
- Concepts of Quantum Science and Nano-technology
- Galaxies
- Global Health
- Global Sustainability Challenges
- Intercultural Communication in a Global World
- Introduction to Energy in The Environment
- Lasers and Quanta 2
- Mathematical Methods for Scientists
- Medical Physics
- Partial Differential Equations
- Reason and Argument
- Vector Calculus and Complex Variable Theory
- Atomic Physics
- BSc Final Year Synoptic Examination
- Bachelor of Science Project
- Crystalline Solids
- Nuclei and Particles
- Advanced Quantum Physics
- Computer Techniques in Physics
- Cosmology and the Early Universe
- Galaxies
- Global Sustainability Challenges
- Intercultural Communication in a Global World
- Introduction to Energy in The Environment
- Lasers
- Lasers and Quanta 2
- Light and Matter
- Mathematical Methods for Scientists
- Medical Physics
- Nanoscience: technology and advanced materials
- Numerical Methods
- Partial Differential Equations
- Particle Physics
- Photons in Astrophysics
- Physics of the Upper Atmosphere
- Quantum Optics
- Relativity, Black Holes and Cosmology
- Space Plasma Physics
- Stellar Evolution
- Theories of Matter, Space and Time
- Vector Calculus and Complex Variable Theory
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Physics at University of Southampton earn?
The median salary is £32,000 after 15 months, £32,000 after 3 years, £38,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £29,000 and £50,500. The £38,000 median after five years is £500 less than the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of BSc Physics at University of Southampton do next?
80% 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 Southampton?
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 Southampton?
The typical offer is AAA at A level, or 36 points in the IB. The average entrant had 147 UCAS points.
Is BSc Physics at University of Southampton 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 BSc Physics at University of Southampton?
80% of students continued into their second year, and 20% left higher education.