Physics Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Course Overview - Physics Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Summary
Physics helps us understand everything from the vastness of galaxies to the smallest building blocks of matter. It is a way of seeing the universe with clarity and precision.
On this three-year BSc Physics degree, you will explore the core ideas that shape modern physics, including relativity, quantum mechanics and electromagnetism. These are the tools that explain how the universe works at every scale.
Here, you can shape your own path. Choose from a range of optional modules each year and follow the topics that spark your curiosi...
Summary
Physics helps us understand everything from the vastness of galaxies to the smallest building blocks of matter. It is a way of seeing the universe with clarity and precision.
On this three-year BSc Physics degree, you will explore the core ideas that shape modern physics, including relativity, quantum mechanics and electromagnetism. These are the tools that explain how the universe works at every scale.
Here, you can shape your own path. Choose from a range of optional modules each year and follow the topics that spark your curiosity. You will also have the flexibility to switch between the BSc and MPhys degrees up until the end of your second year.
You will learn in an environment where research and teaching go hand in hand, gaining insight into the ideas that are shaping the future of physics.
Key features of the course
Access facilities that bring physics to life. From a rooftop observatory to specialist photonics laboratories, you will work with equipment used in real research.
It is your journey. Build your degree around your interests with optional modules throughout your studies.
Keep your options open. You can move between the BSc and MPhys pathways until the end of your second year.
This course is accredited by the Institute of Physics, giving you a strong foundation for your future career.
Student support
Your Personal Academic Tutor will support you throughout your time at Southampton. They will offer guidance on your studies, help you plan your next steps, and connect you with wider support if you need it.
You will be part of a collaborative community, learning alongside students and academics who share your curiosity about how the world works.
Further information
A physics degree opens doors across a wide range of careers. Our graduates go on to roles as physicists and engineers, as well as careers in data, finance and research. Others apply their skills in areas such as science communication and medicine.
Wherever you want to go, you will graduate with the analytical thinking, problem-solving ability and technical expertise that employers value.
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
3 Years
Start Date
2027-09-20
Campus
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Application Details
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
A23-E75
Institution Code
S27
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
A level
A,A,A
A,A,B
AAA-AAB including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A. or AABB-ABBC including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A). A pass in the Physics science practical is required. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to the lower offer. Applicants who have not studied mathematics/further mathematics and/or physics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year. If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAB including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A) plus grade A in the EPQ. We are committed to ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
T Level
Not accepted
UCAS Tariff
Not accepted
Scottish Higher
We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4 We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Access to HE Diploma
Not accepted
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA from two A-levels including physics and either mathematics or further mathematics. Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to the lower offer. Applicants who have not studied mathematics/further mathematics and/or physics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.
Extended Project
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAB including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A) plus grade A in the EPQ A pass in the physics Practical exam is required where it is separately endorsed.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
34.0
36.0
Pass, with 36-34 points overall with 18-17 points at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) and 6 at Higher Level in Physics. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme. Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to the lower offer. Applicants who have not studied mathematics and/or physics at Higher Level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year. International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) offer Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
A
B
AAA-AAB including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A) or AA from two A-levels including physics and either mathematics or further mathematics and A-B from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales. or AABB-AABC including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A) or AA from two A-levels including physics and either mathematics or further mathematics, plus grades BB-BC from a third A-level and the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to the lower offer. Applicants who have not studied mathematics/further mathematics and/or physics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year. A pass in the physics Practical exam is required where it is separately endorsed.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Not accepted
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H1,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2
H2,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2
H1,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2- H2,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 including mathematics, applied mathematics and physics We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme. Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead the lower offer.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus grades AA from two A-levels including physics and either mathematics or further mathematics. Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to the lower offer. Applicants who have not studied mathematics/further mathematics and/or physics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D3,D3,D3
D3,D3,M2
D3 D3 D3 - D3 D3 M2 in three Principal subjects including physics (minimum grade D3) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade D3). Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to the lower offer. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme. Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of A Level grade B.
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Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU, International | £0 | 2026/27 | Year 1 | |
| Channel Islands, England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Republic of Ireland | £10,050 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
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