BSc Physics with Philosophy (with a year abroad)
About this course
BSc (Hons) in BSc (Hons) Physics with Philosophy (with a year abroad), a Physics and Philosophy degree exploring the intersection of scientific theory and philosophical inquiry. Core topics include Statistics and Research Methods. The course includes a year spent studying abroad at a partner institution and is accredited by the Institute of Physics. The first year covers foundational modules such as Classical and Quantum Waves, Knowledge and Perception, and Logic. The second year progresses through Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism, Statistical and Solid State Physics, and Philosophy of Science, alongside optional modules including Astrobiology and Religious Ethics. The fourth year features the compulsory BSc Research Project and Skills and Philosophy of Physics, while options span areas such as Medical Physics, Quantum Mechanics, and The Nature of Time.
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 160 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 94%
- Left higher education: 3%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 3%
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 155 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 96%
- Baccalaureate: 1%
- Access course: 1%
- Other HE qualification: 1%
- No formal qualifications: 1%
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
- Astrobiology
- Religious Ethics
- Politics and Freedom: Anarchism and Conservatism
- Applied Ethics
- Logic and Paradox
- Love, Law, and Solidarity: Recognition from Rousseau to Honneth
- Aesthetics
- Being and Reason
- Knowledge and Social Sciences
- The Limits of Reason: Kant's Theoretical and Practical Philosophy
- BSc Research Project and Skills
- Philosophy of Physics
- Classical Mechanics and Advanced Laboratories for Physics iwth Philosophy
- Mind and Morality
- Causation and Laws
- Experimental Philosophy: The Philosophy of Psychology
- World and Mind
- Buddhism as Philosophy
- Philosophy of Christianity
- Consciousness
- Theories of Social Justice
- Topics in Feminist Philosophy
- Cognitive Anomalies, Decision-Making, and Democracy
- Nine Artworks, Nine Philosophical Problems
- Property and Self-Ownership
- The Nature of Time
- Advanced Sensors and Instrumentation
- Advanced Theoretical Techniques and Modelling Matter
- Condensed Matter Physics: Electrons in Solids
- Contemporary Issues in Bioethics
- Foundations of Mathematics
- Introduction to Clinical Engineering and Physiological Systems
- Medical Physics
- Nuclear and Particle
- Plasma Physics and Fusion
- Quantum Mechanics
- Quantum Science and Technologies
- Relativity and Cosmology
- Stars and Galaxies
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Physics with Philosophy (with a year abroad) 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 (with a year abroad) 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 (with a year abroad) 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 (with a year abroad) at University of York?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 35 points in the IB. The average entrant had 142 UCAS points.
Is BSc Physics with Philosophy (with a year abroad) 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 (with a year abroad) at University of York include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Physics with Philosophy (with a year abroad) at University of York?
94% of students continued into their second year, and 3% left higher education.