UCAS code F303
This programme is for those considering a career as a professional physicist in fundamental research or industrial research and development. It covers a wider range of topics than the Physics BSc and provides more research experience.
This programme is intended for those considering a career as a professional physicist in fundamental research or industrial research and development. It covers a wider range of topics than the Physics BSc and provides more research experience.
The Department has an excellent track record of securing PhD studentships and, as a consequence, our graduates have a good opportunity to study higher degrees spanning the whole of physics. The research-led teaching will provide a core of experience that will make you an excellent researcher and also prepare you to excel in many other professions.
Anyone who is curious about the fundamental laws of nature will enjoy Physics. It is one of the few disciplines that really challenge our view of the world. For example, in relativity we find that space and time are entangled and that clocks run slowly under the influence of a gravitational field. When we examine the world on a microscopic scale, we are in the realm of quantum mechanics, where the predictions, such as wave-particle duality, even seem strange to the physicists who study its foundations.
In addition to core physics modules, you will also take mathematics, computing and experimental physics modules. There is an advanced computer modelling project in the third year. There may be opportunities to carry out a major project at an international laboratory such as TRIUMF in Vancouver, CERN in Geneva or the Diamond Light Source in Oxfordshire during the summer vacation between the third and fourth years for three months. These projects are fully paid and can form the basis of a more substantial final-year project at the cutting-edge of research.
There are opportunities to work alongside our internationally renowned academics at projects at the LHC at CERN and in many international and national research centres in the USA, Canada, Japan, Korea and many European countries.
Our flexible programmes allow students to transfer up to the end of year two between any of the physics programmes.
This programme also has a year abroad option, an incredible opportunity to spend an academic year at one of our partner universities. On the 4-year integrated masters programme, you can go abroad either between Year 2 and 3 (apply in Year 2) OR Year 3 and 4 (apply in Year 3).
This programme is accredited by the Institute of Physics, which means it satisfies the academic requirements for Chartered Physicist status.
This programme is accredited by the Institute of Physics, which means it satisies the academic requirements for Chartered Physicist status. The Institute of Physics is the professional body for physics in the UK and Ireland.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
The first year starts with a one week project to familiarise you with the staff and other students. There will be two maths modules in each of the first two years. These modules are designed to provide the Mathematical skills required by physics students.
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL PHYSICS (PHYS115) | 7.5 |
| INTRODUCTION TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE (PHYS135) | 7.5 |
| INTRODUCTION TO ASTROPHYSICS (PHYS155) | 7.5 |
| INTRODUCTION TO GEOPHYSICS (PHYS175) | 7.5 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
In year two you will broaden your understanding of physics, with modules designed to ensure you have mastered the full range of physics concepts.
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| ACCELERATORS AND RADIOISOTOPES IN MEDICINE (PHYS246) | 15 |
| MATHEMATICS FOR PHYSICISTS IV (PHYS208) | 15 |
| STELLAR PHYSICS (PHYS251) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
With the core physics modules completed in the first two years there is now considerable scope to choose amongst the optional modules available, mostly based around the research interests of the departmental staff.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| COMPUTATIONAL MODELLING (PHYS305) | 15 |
| QUANTUM AND ATOMIC PHYSICS II (PHYS361) | 15 |
| ELECTROMAGNETISM II (PHYS370) | 15 |
| STATISTICAL THERMODYNAMICS (PHYS393) | 7.5 |
| PRACTICAL PHYSICS III (PHYS306) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
In the final year of the course you will have considerable flexibility to choose between the many optional modules based around various physics research areas. You will also undertake an extended project with a member of staff, normally in their research area.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| PROJECT (MPHYS) (PHYS498) | 45 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
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.
The main modes of assessment are coursework and examination. Depending on the modules taken you may encounter project work, presentations (individual or group), and specific tests or tasks focused on solidifying learning outcomes.
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.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
This course is also available as a three year BSc (Hons) programme.
The School of Physical Sciences is one of the UK’s leading physics departments, with a history of discovery that goes back over 130 years, producing three Nobel Laureates. The schoo is internationally renowned for its work in particle physics, nuclear physics, condensed matter physics and accelerator physics. As a student, you’ll be immersed in a research environment from the start. Teaching takes place in our £23 million Central Teaching Laboratories, which have transformed the way in which physical sciences are taught.
Find out a little bit more about Physics at Liverpool from Professor Carsten Welsch, Head of the Physics Department.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
Physics gives you a chance to explain how the world works – from the really small atomic scale to the really large. I've really enjoyed the practicals. I've really been able to get to grips with handling the equipment and the scientific methods – and it’s good to be able to apply the things you've learnt in lectures when you’re hands on in the lab. I feel like I've learnt enough, and developed a lot of skills to be able to apply them in later life. I'm glad I came to the University of Liverpool.
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Third year student, Cara, gives her views on what its like studying Physics at Liverpool.
A physics degree is a great starting point for a physics related career, engineering and computing careers.
The knowledge, skills and experience that our you’ll develop during your degree are in demand by employers. Graduates have gone on to explore careers in areas as diverse as:
The Department of Physics attracts considerable research income, creating excellent opportunities to progress to a research degree, particularly in the fields of condensed matter physics, nuclear physics, particle physics, nanoscience and energy.
Hear what graduates say about their career progression and life after university.
Abbie graduated from our Physics MPhys course and is now undertaking a Physics PhD at the University of Liverpool.
Rosetta Mission Project Scientist and University of Liverpool alumnus, Dr Matt Taylor, talks cosmos, computers and The Cambridge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £9,535
Year abroad fee - £1,430 (applies to year in China)
Full-time place, per year - £29,100
Year abroad fee - £14,550 (applies to year in China)
The tuition fees shown are correct for 2025/26 entry. Please note that the year abroad fee also applies to the year in China.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.
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 may include a laptop, books, or stationery. Additional costs for this course could include travel to placements.
Optional field class/school placements
These costs are covered by the Department of Physics for the optional field trip in year three.
Students are reimbursed for travel costs to school placements undertaken as part of an optional module in year three.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
If you’re a UK student joining an undergraduate degree and have a household income below £35,000, you could be eligible for a Liverpool Bursary worth up to £2,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Apply for an Asylum Seekers Scholarship and you could have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with study costs. You’ll need to have applied for asylum in the UK, or be the dependant of an asylum seeker, and be joining an eligible undergraduate degree.
If you’ve spent 13 or more weeks in Local Authority care since age 14, you could be eligible for a bursary of £3,000 per year of study. You’ll need to be a UK student joining an eligible undergraduate degree and be aged 28 or above on 1 September in the year you start.
Are you a UK student with a Black African or Caribbean heritage and a household income of £25,000 or less? You could be eligible to apply for a Cowrie Foundation Scholarship worth up to £8,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
If you’re a UK student identified as estranged by Student Finance England (or the equivalent UK funding body), you could be eligible for a bursary of £1,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Joining a School of Biosciences degree and have a household income of less than £25,000? If you’re a UK student, you could apply to receive £4,500 per year for three years of your undergraduate course.
Do you live in the Liverpool City Region with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a Nolan Scholarship worth £5,000 per year for three years of undergraduate study.
Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? If you’ve participated in an eligible outreach programme, you could be eligible to apply for a Rigby Enterprise Award worth £5,000 per year for three years of your undergraduate degree.
Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a ROLABOTIC Scholarship worth £4,500 for each year of your undergraduate degree.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
Joining a degree in the School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science? If you’re a UK student with household income below £25,000, you could be eligible to apply for £5,000 a year for three years of study. Two awards will be available per academic year.
If you’re a young adult and a registered carer in the UK, you might be eligible for a £1,000 bursary for each year of study. You’ll need to be aged 18-25 on 1 September in the year you start your undergraduate degree.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| A levels |
ABB including Physics and Mathematics at A level. Applicants with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are eligible for a reduction in grade requirements. For this course, the offer is BBB with A in the EPQ. You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme. Based on your personal circumstances, you may automatically qualify for up to a two-grade reduction in the entry requirements needed for this course. When you apply, we consider a range of factors – such as where you live – to assess if you’re eligible for a grade reduction. You don’t have to make an application for a grade reduction – we’ll do all the work. Find out more about how we make reduced grade offers. |
| T levels |
T levels are not currently accepted. |
| GCSE |
4/C in English and 4/C in Mathematics |
| Subject requirements | For applicants from England: For science A levels that include the separately graded practical endorsement, a "Pass" is required. |
| BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma | Applications considered alongside A levels. Please contact the University for further information. |
| International Baccalaureate | 33 points that must include 6 points each from Physics and Mathematics at Higher level. |
| Irish Leaving Certificate | H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 including Physics and Mathematics at H2 or above. |
| Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher | Advanced Highers accepted at grades ABB including Physics and Mathematics. |
| Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced | Accepted at grade B, including Mathematics and Physics A Levels at AB. |
| Access | 45 Level 3 credits in graded units in a relevant Diploma, including 30 at Distinction and a further 15 with at least Merit. GCSE grades 4/C in English and 4/C in Mathematics also required. 15 Distinctions are required in each of Mathematics and Physics. |
| International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 78 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| TOEFL Paper | Grade 6 at Standard Level or grade 5 at Higher Level |
| Duolingo English Test | 115 overall, with speaking, reading and writing not less than 105, and listening not below 100 |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 59 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 65 overall, with no skill below 60 |
| Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500 | Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate. |
| Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990 | Grade 4 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening |
| Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511 | 0510: Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade C overall. |
| Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991 | 0993: Grade 5 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 5 overall. |
| Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced | 169 overall, with no paper below 162 |
| LanguageCert | Grade 4 at Standard Level or grade 4 at Higher Level |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.0 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.0 overall, with no component below 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5, for further details.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 21 March 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions