BSc Physics (with a foundation year)
About this course
BSc (Hons) Physics (with a foundation year), a physics degree centred on fundamental physical principles. Core topics include Statistics, Research Methods, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. Students complete a foundation year before progressing to standard degree content. The unstated year establishes baseline competencies through Mathematics 1, Physics 1, and Skills for Engineering and the Physical Sciences 1. The first year introduces Classical Mechanics and Laboratories, Classical and Quantum Waves, and Mathematical, Computational and Professional Skills 1 alongside Electromagnetism and Relativity. The second year advances through Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism, Statistical and Solid State Physics, and Quantum, Atomic, Nuclear and Particle Physics alongside Advanced Mechanics, Physics Laboratories and Skills. The final year centres on the BSc Research Project and Skills. Optional modules span Plasma Physics and Fusion, Quantum Mechanics, Relativity and Cosmology, and Medical 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: BBB If you already have, or are currently studying A level Maths and Physics you should apply for one of our degree programmes without a foundation year. IB: 31 points. If you are studying Mathematics - Applications and Interpretation at Higher Level or Mathematics - Analysis and Approaches at Standard Level or Higher Level, and Physics at Higher Level, please apply for one of our degree courses without a foundation year. BTEC: DDM We consider a range of BTEC qualifications equivalent to 3 A Levels, or in combination with A Levels or other qualifications. For example: Distinction, Merit in BTEC Level 3 National Diploma plus B at A Level Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate plus BB at A level Distinction, Merit in 2 BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificates plus B at A level
See the highest paying Physics & Chemistry degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 83 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 86%
- Learning opportunities: 85%
- Assessment and feedback: 71%
- Academic support: 92%
- Organisation and management: 75%
- Learning resources: 90%
- Student voice: 74%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 60%
- Left higher education: 25%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 15%
What graduates do next
Based on about 37 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 45%
- Working and studying: 16%
- Further study: 25%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Engineering professionals: 25%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 15%
- Natural and social science professionals: 15%
- Information Technology Professionals: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 145 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 6%
- North West: 9%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 29%
- East Midlands: 7%
- West Midlands: 6%
- East of England: 10%
- London: 14%
- South East: 9%
- South West: 7%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 80%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
- No formal qualifications: 15%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of partially meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Mathematics 1
- Physics 1
- Skills for Engineering and the Physical Sciences 1
- Mathematics 2
- Physics 2
- Skills for Engineering and the Physical Sciences 2
- Classical Mechanics and Laboratories
- Classical and Quantum Waves
- Mathematical, Computational and Professional Skills 1
- Electromagnetism and Relativity
- Mathematical, Computational and Professional Skills 2
- Mapping the Universe and Laboratories
- Theoretical Skills and Laboratories
- Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism
- Mathematics, Professional Skills and Laboratories
- Statistical and Solid State Physics
- Quantum, Atomic, Nuclear and Particle Physics
- Advanced Mechanics, Physics Laboratories and Skills
- Mathematical Techniques and Machine Learning
- Astrophysical Technologies and Space Science
- BSc Research Project and Skills
- Plasma Physics and Fusion
- Quantum Mechanics
- Advanced Theoretical Techniques and Modelling Matter
- Stars and Galaxies
- Condensed Matter Physics: Electrons in Solids
- Relativity and Cosmology
- Medical Physics
- Nuclear and Particle
- Quantum Science and Technologies
- Advanced Sensors and Instrumentation
- Astrobiology
- Scientific Supercomputing
- Introduction to Clinical Engineering and Physiological Systems
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Physics (with a foundation year) at University of York earn?
The median salary is £34,000 after 15 months, £30,000 after 3 years, £37,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £26,500 and £51,500. The £37,500 median after five years is £1,000 less than the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of BSc Physics (with a foundation year) at University of York 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 (with a foundation year) at University of York?
86% 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 a foundation year) at University of York?
The typical offer is BBB at A level, or 31 points in the IB. The average entrant had 144 UCAS points.
Is BSc Physics (with a foundation year) at University of York accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of partially meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
How many students continue on BSc Physics (with a foundation year) at University of York?
60% of students continued into their second year, and 25% left higher education.