Start date:
Course information
Typical offer AAB
UK fee £9,535
UCAS code F366
International fee £24,500
Institute code L34
Taught by School of Physics and Astronomy
Ranked 7th in subjects aligned to Physics for ‘overall positivity’ in the NSS 2024 (according to Times Higher Education NSS 2023 methodology applied to the NSS 2024 data).
- Course description
- Entry requirements
- Fees and funding
- Accreditation
- Careers and employability
- Sustainable Development Goals
Course description
Course description
As a Physics with Space Science student you will acquire an appreciation of the scope and impact of modern physics and the use of mathematics, computing and experimentation to solve important real world problems, and develop specialised knowledge of space science.
All our Physics students study the same core of fundamental physics and maths, based on Institute of Physics (IOP) 'core of physics' material. This includes classical mechanics, waves and fields, electromagnetism, special relativity, thermodynamics, quantum and atomic physics.
By choosing the Physics with Space Science degree you will study these alongside specialist space science options and take part in research projects covering the major areas of space science and technology research. We have one of the largest campus-based space research centres in Europe, and the space science and technology options that you will study are based on the research we do. This includes a strong involvement in the BepiColombo mission to Mercury and detector design and development for satellites like the joint US-UK-Italian ‘Swift’, a remarkable observatory designed to study the most powerful explosions in the Universe.
What's the difference?
- Our three-year BSc degrees provide an excellent route to a very wide range of careers in industry and business
- Our four-year MPhys degrees are aimed at students considering a career or further training in scientific research
Transfer between BSc and MPhys degrees is possible during your first and second years (subject to meeting the required end-of-year mark). It is also possible to transfer between different Physics degrees as long as you have taken the required number of options. Staff in the School will be available to offer help and advice.
Entry requirements
Fees and funding
Accreditation
Careers and employability
Sustainable Development Goals
Course structure
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Experience Year (Optional)
- Year 3
- Year 4
Year 1
Year 1
Core modules
- Mechanics
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Mathematical Physics 1.1
- Light and Matter
- Waves and Quanta
- Mathematical Physics 1.2
- Physics Skills and Professional Development 1
- Experimental Physics 1
Option modules
This is the same as the first year of the BSc.
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Year 2
Experience Year (Optional)
Year 3
Year 4
Why Leicester?
All our degrees are accredited by the UK Institute of Physics (IOP).
Ranked 2nd in subjects aligned to Physics for ‘Organisation and management’ and ranked 4th in subjects aligned to Physics for ‘Student voice’ in the NSS 2024 (according to Times Higher Education NSS 2023 methodology applied to the NSS 2024 data). View the NSS questions all students were asked for individual themes.
The academic staff in the School have written or edited dozens of books and publish regularly in major national and international journals. Where other people only get to read what our experts think, you will be working directly with them, learning from them in lectures and questioning them in seminars.
In your final year you will gain experience of scientific research by working with our staff on real physics research problems. Recent examples of projects include: black holes and the Higgs mechanism, analysis of Martian rocks, the evolution of planet-forming discs, and novel medical ultrasound techniques.
Teaching and learning
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, small group tutorials, lab sessions, seminars, workshop classes and project work. Training in scientific computing and programming is built into each degree.
A typical week for a first year physics student might consist of five hours of lectures, about two afternoons in laboratory or computing workshops (six hours), two hours of problem classes, four hours of workshops, and one hour in a small group tutorial session. This is a total of about 20 hours of contact time. You will also spend several hours a week on private study.
Assessment includes exams and course work (such as workshop and seminar problem classes). Lab work is primarily assessed in real time and project work is assessed through written reports and oral presentations.
You will have regular meetings with your personal tutor to discuss progress in your studies. Your personal tutor will also provide a sympathetic ear for all matters of personal concern, whether they be academic, financial, housing, career or social issues.
Independent learning
When not attending lectures, seminars or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. To help with your independent learning, you can access the Library and our social study spaces in halls of residence.
Your contact hours will depend on the option modules you select. You can see details of the contact hours on individual module pages.
Academic support
Our Centre for Academic Achievement provides help in the following areas:
- study and exam skills
- academic writing
- presentations
- dissertations
- numerical data skills
- referencing sources
Our AccessAbility Centre offers support and practical help for students with dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties, including physical, mental health or mobility difficulties, deafness, or visual impairment.
Teaching staff
You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. PhD research students who have undertaken teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is informed by the research we do. You can learn more about our staff by visiting our staff profiles.
Apply now
| Course | Qualification | Duration | UCAS Code | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Physics with Space Science | Qualification MPhys | Duration 4 years full-time | UCAS Code F366 | Availability How to apply |
| Course Physics with Space Science with Year Abroad | Qualification MPhys | Duration 5 years full-time | UCAS Code F366 | Availability How to apply |
| Course Physics with Space Science with Year in Industry | Qualification MPhys | Duration 5 years full-time | UCAS Code F366 | Availability How to apply |
| Course Physics with Space Science with Year in Research | Qualification MPhys | Duration 5 years full-time | UCAS Code F366 | Availability How to apply |
Data about this course
I chose Leicester due to its expertise in space research. The University’s reputation in this field was something I was already aware of.