Studying this programme provides a route into any of the BSc (Hons) degree programmes offered by the Department of Physics.
Introduction
This programme provides a route into any of the BSc (Hons) degree programmes offered by the Department of Physics. You will undertake a foundation year at Carmel College, St Helens, where the class sizes are small and the standards of academic achievement high.
At Carmel College, you will take three foundation modules chosen from Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology or Geography, depending on which degree route you want to follow. In your second year, you will attend the University of Liverpool and take the same modules as other students on your chosen programme.
Find information about what essential and optional modules you will need to take during your Year Zero at Carmel College to progress to your chosen University of Liverpool degree programme in our guide to progression routes.
What you'll learn
Skills needed for independent study at undergraduate degree level
Undertaking a variety of learning methods and assessment tasks
Fundamental principles that underpin modern physics
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year zero
Students follow three foundation modules chosen from Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology or Geography. Module choice depends on the programme students wish to follow after the foundation year.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
Our research-led teaching ensures you are taught the latest advances in cutting-edge physics research. Lectures introduce and provide the details of the various areas of physics and related subjects. You will be working in tutorials and problem-solving workshops, which are another crucial element in the learning process, where you put your knowledge into practice. They help you to develop a working knowledge and understanding of physics. All of the lecturers also perform world class research and use this to enhance their teaching.
Most work takes place in small groups with a tutor or in a larger class where staff provide help as needed. Practical work is an integral part of the programmes, and ranges from training in basic laboratory skills in the first two years to a research project in the third or fourth year. You will undertake an extended project on a research topic with a member of staff who will mentor you. By the end of the degree you will be well prepared to tackle problems in any area and present yourself and your work both in writing and in person. In the first two years students take maths modules which provide the support all students need to understand the physics topics.
How you're assessed
Assessment is mainly by examination and coursework. Depending on the modules taken you may encounter project work, presentations (individual or group), and specific tests or tasks focused on solidifying learning outcomes.
Students are expected to score an overall mark of 50% to progress to the second year of the course. In year two, students will start the first year of their selected degree programme at the University of Liverpool.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
You will attend lectures, as well as working in tutorials and problem-solving workshops. Practical work is carried out in laboratories, starting with basic skills and progressing to a research project. Your course will be delivered by the Department of Physics.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
A physical sciences degree is a great starting point for a physics-related career, engineering and computing careers.
Physicists are trained to solve a wide range of problems. That is why graduates have gone on to explore careers in such diverse areas such as:
telecommunications
microelectronics
nuclear power and instrumentation
cryogenics
astronomy
geophysics
medical physics
materials science
computing
teaching
business, finance and management.
88% of physics students at the University of Liverpool find their main activity after graduation meaningful.
Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, how to pay, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£9,535
Foundation year fee
£7,500
Year abroad fee
£1,385
International fees
This course is not available to international students.
This course is not available to international students who require a visa to study in the UK. However, if you're a 'home' student and you've lived outside of the UK, you'll need to complete a fee status questionnaire as part of your application. We'll then assess your fee status and in some cases, home students who've lived outside of the UK may be required to pay the international fee rate. Check your tuition fee status on our webpages.
Following the foundation years, standard course fees apply.
The UK full-time tuition fee and foundation year fee shown are correct for 2025/26 entry. We are currently awaiting confirmation of whether the year abroad fee will change, so the fee shown is for 2024/25. Please note that the year abroad fee also applies to the year in China.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching. assessment, operating University facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
A typical offer is likely to be CDD at A level, in related subjects. Students with alternative A level combinations are welcome to apply but should expect to be made higher offers.
T levels
T levels considered in a relevant subject and specialism.
All applicants must have a minimum of five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English Language, Mathematics and two Sciences. Core and Additional Science/Dual Science acceptable as the two Sciences. Alternatively, if separate sciences are being studied then one of these must be GCSE Physics. Applicants over 21 can be considered on GCSEs alone.
International qualifications
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our direct entry requirements. Although there is no direct Foundation Certificate route to this course, completing a Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, can guarantee you a place on a number of similar courses which may interest you.
Alternative entry requirements
If your qualification isn't listed here, or you're taking a combination of qualifications, contact us for advice
