MPhys Physics with Year of Experimental Research
About this course
Master of Physics in Physics with Year of Experimental Research, a physics degree centred on experimental methods and physical theory. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Laboratory Techniques, and Research Methods. The course is accredited by the Institute of Physics and incorporates a dedicated fourth-year research project completed within specialized facilities. The first year establishes core foundations through modules such as Electricity and Magnetism, Energy and Matter, Motion and Relativity, and Physics Skills - Programming and Data Analysis. The second year progresses with Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Quantum Physics, and Statistical Mechanics, alongside optional choices including Concepts of Quantum Science and Nano-technology and Lasers and Quanta 2. The third year continues with Atomic Physics, Crystalline Solids, Nuclei and Particles, and Theories of Matter, Space and Time, while offering various optional modules like Computer Techniques in Physics, Galaxies, and Medical Physics. The fourth year concludes the programme with the Research and Thesis on Experimental Physics module, occupying the entire final year with practical research work.
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-AAA including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A) or AABB-AABC including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A) IB: Pass, with 38-36 points overall, with 19-18 points required at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) and 6 at Higher Level in physics
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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
- 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
- Global Sustainability Challenges
- Intercultural Communication in a Global World
- Introduction to Energy in The Environment
- Lasers and Quanta 2
- Mathematical Methods for Scientists
- Reason and Argument
- Atomic Physics
- Crystalline Solids
- Dissertation
- Nuclei and Particles
- Theories of Matter, Space and Time
- Advanced Quantum Physics
- Computer Techniques in Physics
- Galaxies
- 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
- Physics from Evidence II
- Quantum Optics
- Relativity, Black Holes and Cosmology
- Vector Calculus and Complex Variable Theory
- Research and Thesis on Experimental Physics
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MPhys Physics with Year of Experimental Research 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 MPhys Physics with Year of Experimental Research 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 MPhys Physics with Year of Experimental Research 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 MPhys Physics with Year of Experimental Research at University of Southampton?
The typical offer is A*AA at A level, or 38 points in the IB. The average entrant had 147 UCAS points.
Is MPhys Physics with Year of Experimental Research 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 MPhys Physics with Year of Experimental Research at University of Southampton?
80% of students continued into their second year, and 20% left higher education.