BSc Physics with Astronomy with placement
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Physics with Astronomy with placement, an undergraduate degree combining core physical sciences with astrophysical theories of the universe, stars and galaxies. Core topics include Programming, Microelectronics, Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, Communication & Writing, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. Students complete a professional training module allowing for a work placement, study exchange abroad, or a combination, and conclude their studies with a substantial final-year project. The first year establishes core foundations through modules such as Fundamentals Of Physics, Essential Mathematics, Scientific Investigation Skills, and The Universe, introducing classical mechanics, waves, astronomy, and Python programming. The second year advances scientific competencies through Energy, Entropy And Numerical Physics, Electromagnetism, Scalar And Vector Fields, Quantum Physics, and Introduction To Astronomy, exploring thermodynamic descriptions, vector calculus, and modern astrophysics. The final year involves specialized study and advanced research methods via compulsory topics like Research Techniques In Astronomy and Frontiers In Physics, alongside a 30-credit Final Year Project. Optional modules allow further specialization in areas such as Modern Methods In Experiment And Modelling, Superconducting Quantum Processors, Medical Imaging, Advanced Nuclear Astrophysics, Semiconductor Devices And Optoelectronics, Quantum Computation, and Radioactivity And Nuclear Metrology.
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: ABB / Required subjects: mathematics and physics. IB: 33 / Required subjects: Physics HL5/SL6 and either Mathematics Analysis and Approaches HL5/SL6 or Mathematics Applications and Interpretations HL5. BTEC: DDD. Additionally, A-level mathematics grade B. / Required subjects: BTEC Extended Diploma must be in a relevant subject.
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What students say
Based on about 16 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 96%
- Learning opportunities: 86%
- Assessment and feedback: 85%
- Academic support: 95%
- Organisation and management: 82%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 88%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 14 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Business and public service associate professionals: 25%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 15%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Finance Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 100%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 85%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 65%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 75 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 1%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- West Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 31%
- South East: 45%
- South West: 9%
- Wales: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Fundamentals Of Physics
- Essential Mathematics
- Scientific Investigation Skills
- Oscillations And Waves
- The Universe
- Mathematical And Computational Physics
- Properties Of Matter
- Atoms And Quanta
- Energy, Entropy And Numerical Physics
- Electromagnetism, Scalar And Vector Fields
- Solid State Physics
- Quantum Physics
- From Atoms To Lasers
- Electromagnetic Waves
- Nuclear And Particle Physics
- Introduction To Astronomy
- Research Techniques In Astronomy
- Frontiers In Physics
- Modern Methods In Experiment And Modelling
- Superconducting Quantum Processors
- Financial Methods And Quantum Optimisation
- Mathematical Methods
- Final Year Project
- Medical Imaging
- Advanced Nuclear Astrophysics
- Stem Education And Public Engagement
- Semiconductor Devices And Optoelectronics
- Quantum Computation
- Radioactivity And Nuclear Metrology
- Professional Training Module
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Physics with Astronomy with placement at University of Surrey earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £30,500 after 3 years, £41,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £33,000 and £55,500. The £41,000 median after five years is £2,500 more than the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of BSc Physics with Astronomy with placement at University of Surrey do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Physics with Astronomy with placement at University of Surrey?
96% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Physics with Astronomy with placement at University of Surrey?
The typical offer is ABB at A level. The average entrant had 126 UCAS points.
How many students continue on BSc Physics with Astronomy with placement at University of Surrey?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.