Physics and Philosophy

Physics and Philosophy is a demanding and rewarding course, combining the most rigorous and fundamental subjects in the arts and the sciences. It seeks understanding of the nature of reality and of our knowledge of it. There are strong links between physics and philosophy, and the stimulus for each discipline lies in part in the other.

Oxford has one of the largest physics departments in the UK, with an outstanding and broad research programme. The expertise in the department ensures the curriculum is updated in the light of developments in research.

The Philosophy Faculty is the largest in the UK, and one of the most prestigious in the world. The large number of students reading Philosophy leads to a diverse and lively philosophical community.

The Oxford research group in Philosophy of Physics is extremely active, with interests in classical space–time theories, foundations of classical statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, quantum field theory and quantum gravity.

The fourth-year MPhysPhil option courses bring you to the threshold of current research, and can lead to subject specialism. An accepted student can also complete in three years with a BA.

P&P Careers

Graduates in Physics and Philosophy offer an unusual and valuable combination of skills to employers in commerce and industry. Almost 40% go on to study for a higher degree. Some will enter science professions such as research and development or technical roles in industry. Many others enter professions unrelated to their subject.

Your work is divided between private study, tutorials, classes (two or three weekly) and lectures (about eight weekly). Private study (reading for and writing essays, completing problem sets) will take up the majority of your working time.

• Attestat o Srednam Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education) would not be sufficient for candidates to make a competitive application. If your qualification is listed as being insufficient to make a competitive application to Oxford, then you will need to undertake further study if you wish to apply.You could take British A-levels (the British Council may know where you can take A-levels in your country), the International Baccalaureate (IB), or any other qualifications listed as acceptable on this page. The first year of a bachelor's degree from another university could also be an acceptable alternative.
• IELTS: overall score of 7.0 (with at least 7.0 in each of the four components)
• TOEFL (paper-based): overall score of 600 with a Test of Written English score of 5.5
• TOEFL (internet-based): overall score of 110 with component scores of at least: Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, and Writing 24.
• Cambridge English: Advanced, also known as the Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): grade A if taken before January 2015, or a score of at least 185.
• Cambridge English: Proficiency, also known as the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): grade B if taken before January 2015, or a score of at least 185.
• English Language GCSE, or O-level: grade B (for IGCSE, please see below)
• International Baccalaureate Standard Level (SL): score of 5 in English (as Language A or B)
• European Baccalaureate: score of 70% in English.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Hill Foundation Scholarship

Russian nationals wishing to study for a second undergraduate degree. 

Palgrave Brown Scholarship

Students must be ordinarily resident in and/or educated in the following countries:

Albania; Armenia; Azerbaijan; Belarus; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Bulgaria; Croatia; Czech Republic; Estonia; Georgia; Hungary; Kazakhstan; Kyrgyz Rep.; Latvia; Lithuania; Macedonia;  Moldova; Montenegro; Poland; Romania; Russia; Serbia; Slovakia; Slovenia; Tajikistan; Turkmenistan; Ukraine; Uzbekistan.