Physics with Industrial Placement

Physics with Industrial Placement at the University of Southampton offers students an excellent opportunity to combine rigorous academic training in fundamental physics with practical, real-world experience through a structured industrial placement year. This four-year degree programme is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of core physics concepts, including classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum physics, and materials science, while also developing essential skills such as problem-solving, data analysis, and scientific communication. The programme emphasizes hands-on learning through laboratory work, research projects, and collaborative activities, ensuring students gain valuable practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge.

A distinctive feature of this course is the industrial placement year, during which students undertake a paid internship or work placement with leading companies and organizations in sectors such as aerospace, telecommunications, energy, manufacturing, and research institutions. This placement provides students with exposure to real workplace environments, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge to solve practical problems, develop professional skills, and build industry networks. The placement year enhances employability, making graduates highly attractive to future employers. Students are supported throughout by dedicated placement coordinators who facilitate connections with industry partners, offer career advice, and ensure students gain meaningful work experience.

The degree programme is delivered by experienced academics and industry professionals, combining lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, and project work. Students also have opportunities for interdisciplinary projects, encouraging innovation and creative problem-solving. The department collaborates closely with industry partners to ensure the curriculum remains relevant to current technological advancements and industry needs. Graduates of Physics with Industrial Placement are well-equipped for careers in research, development, engineering, data science, and other science-related fields, or for further study at postgraduate level.

Entry requirements typically include strong academic qualifications in physics or related subjects, with an emphasis on analytical and mathematical skills. The university offers a supportive learning environment with excellent facilities, including modern laboratories, computing resources, and dedicated career services. Throughout the programme, students are encouraged to participate in events such as guest lectures, industry visits, and networking opportunities, fostering a vibrant academic and professional community. Overall, Physics with Industrial Placement at the University of Southampton provides a balanced blend of academic rigor and practical experience, preparing graduates to make significant contributions to science and industry in a competitive global job market.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 16320 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

Year 1

Compulsory Core Modules

• PHYS1015 Motion and Relativity
• PHYS1017 Physics Skills 1
• PHYS1022 Electricity and Magnetism

Compulsory Modules

• MATH1006 Introduction to Mathematical Methods

Optional (Recommended) Modules

• MATH1048 Linear Algebra I
• PHYS1004 Introduction to Photonics

+ show 23 additional optional modules...

Semester 2

Compulsory Core Modules

• PHYS1011 Waves, Light and Quanta
• PHYS1013 Energy and Matter
• PHYS1019 Physics Skills 2

Compulsory Modules

• MATH1007 Mathematical Methods For Physical Scientists

Optional (Recommended) Modules

• MATH1049 Linear Algebra II
• PHYS1026 Introduction to the Nanoworld

+ show 43 additional optional modules...

Full Academic Year

Compulsory Modules

• PHYS1028 Personal Tutorial (Physics)

Year 2

Semester 1

Compulsory Core Modules

• PHYS2003 Quantum Physics
• PHYS2022 Physics from Evidence I
• PHYS2023 Wave Physics

Optional (Recommended) Modules

• MATH2015 Mathematical Methods For Scientists

+ show 27 additional optional modules...

Semester 2

Compulsory Core Modules

• PHYS2001 Electromagnetism
• PHYS2006 Classical Mechanics
• PHYS2024 Quantum Physics of Matter

Optional (Recommended) Modules

• PHYS2009 Practical Photonics

+ show 45 additional optional modules...

Year 3

Semester 1

Compulsory Core Modules

• PHYS3004 Crystalline Solids
• PHYS3008 Atomic Physics

Compulsory Modules

• PHYS6003 Advanced Quantum Physics

Optional (Recommended) Modules

• PHYS3003 Light and Matter
• PHYS6012 Coherent Light, Coherent Matter
• PHYS6024 Lasers

+ show 18 additional optional modules...

Semester 2

Compulsory Core Modules

• PHYS3002 Nuclei and Particles
• PHYS3007 Theories of Matter, Space and Time

Optional (Recommended) Modules

• PHYS3009 Applied Nuclear Physics
• PHYS6014 Nanoscience: technology and advanced materials
• PHYS6017 Computer Techniques in Physics

+ show 41 additional optional modules...

Year 4

Full Academic Year

Core and Compulsory Modules

• PHYS6018 Research and Thesis on Experimental Physics

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 600

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

GCSEs:

GCSE Mathematics and English at grade C or above

A Levels:

AAA, including AA in Mathematics and Physics

English Language Requirements:

If English is not your first language, you will be required to pass an approved English test. We normally ask for a score of IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 580.

Alternative Qualifications:

We welcome applications from candidates offering qualifications other than A and AS levels (including BTEC, European Baccalaureate, International Baccalaureate, Irish Leaving Certificate and Scottish Highers). You will be expected to attain an equivalent standard to an A level applicant.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Southampton.

Accreditation

Our MPhys Physics programmes are accredited by the Institute of Physics