BSc Physics with Philosophy
About this course
BSc (Hons) Physics with Philosophy, a physics and philosophy degree exploring physical theory alongside philosophical inquiry. Core topics include Statistics and Research Methods. The course is accredited by the Institute of Physics. The first year introduces physical and logical foundations through modules such as Classical and Quantum Waves, Logic, and Knowledge and Perception. The second year builds competence via modules including Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism, Quantum, Atomic, Nuclear and Particle Physics, and Philosophy of Science, alongside optional choices like Aesthetics. The final year covers advanced concepts through compulsory modules such as BSc Research Project and Skills and Philosophy of Physics, while optional choices span topics including Relativity and Cosmology and Consciousness.
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 including Physics and Mathematics. IB: 35 points overall, including 5 in Higher Level Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) or 6 in Standard Level Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches), plus 5 in Higher Level Physics.
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What students say
Based on about 141 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 87%
- Assessment and feedback: 83%
- Academic support: 96%
- Organisation and management: 88%
- Learning resources: 92%
- Student voice: 79%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 15%
What graduates do next
Based on about 28 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 5%
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: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- 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: 4%
- North West: 10%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 22%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 6%
- London: 33%
- South East: 9%
- South West: 6%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
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
- Classical and Quantum Waves
- Mathematical, Computational and Professional Skills 1
- Knowledge and Perception
- Electromagnetism and Relativity
- Mathematical, Computational and Professional Skills 2
- Logic
- Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism
- Mathematics, Professional Skills and Introduction to Laboratories
- Statistical and Solid State Physics
- Quantum, Atomic, Nuclear and Particle Physics
- Philosophy of Science
- Aesthetics
- Applied Ethics
- Being and Reason
- Knowledge and Social Sciences
- Logic and Paradox
- Love, Law, and Solidarity: Recognition from Rousseau to Honneth
- Politics and Freedom: Anarchism and Conservatism
- Religious Ethics
- The Limits of Reason: Kant’s Theoretical and Practical Philosophy
- Astrobiology
- Advanced Sensors and Instrumentation
- BSc Research Project and Skills
- Philosophy of Physics
- Classical Mechanics and Advanced Laboratories for Physics with Philosophy
- Condensed Matter Physics: Electrons in Solids
- Relativity and Cosmology
- Nuclear and Particle
- Quantum Science and Technologies
- Mind and Morality
- Contemporary Issues in Bioethics
- Causation and Laws
- Experimental Philosophy: The Philosophy of Psychology
- World and Mind
- Buddhism as Philosophy
- Philosophy of Christianity
- Foundations of Mathematics
- Consciousness
- Theories of Social Justice
- Cognitive Anomalies, Decision-Making, and Democracy
- Nine Art Works, Nine Philosophical Problems
- Property and Self-Ownership
- The Nature of Time
- Action and Agency
- Topics in Feminist Philosophy
- Happiness, Utility and Wellbeing
- German Idealism: Moral, Legal & Political Philosophy
- Introduction to Clinical Engineering and Physiological Systems
- Scientific Supercomputing
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Physics with Philosophy at University of York earn?
The median salary is £27,000 after 15 months, £26,500 after 3 years, £33,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £24,500 and £45,500. The £33,000 median after five years is £5,500 less than the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of BSc Physics with Philosophy at University of York 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 with Philosophy at University of York?
93% 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 Philosophy at University of York?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 35 points in the IB. The average entrant had 164 UCAS points.
Is BSc Physics with Philosophy 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.
Does BSc Physics with Philosophy at University of York 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 with Philosophy at University of York?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.