MPhys Physics and Astronomy

at Durham University

Year 1

Foundations of Physics 1 is the main lecture module in the first year and is complemented with a practical laboratory module, including an introduction to programming. Two mathematics modules are taken in the Department of Mathematical Sciences. There is a further module of choice, with Introduction to Astronomy proving to be very popular.

Year 2
 

Core modules:

• Foundations of Physics 2A/2B

• Mathematical Methods in Physics

• Laboratory Skills and Electronics

Additional topics also include Theoretical Physics 2 (the transition from classical to quantum mechanics), and Stars and Galaxies (an exploration of astrophysics), and Physics in Society.

At the end of the year, you need to decide your degree title, choosing between:

• BSc Physics (F300)

• MPhys Physics (F301)

• MPhys Physics and Astronomy (FF3N)

• MPhys Theoretical Physics (F344)

Year 3
 

Besides core courses in Foundations of Physics 3A/3B and Physics Problem Solving, (which includes a computing project), there is a wide choice of topics, for example:

• Planets and Cosmology

• Theoretical Physics

• Maths Workshop

• Physics into schools

• Team Project

• Laboratory Project

• A module taken in another department (subject to approval).

Your options will have an emphasis on astrophysics.

Year 4

A research-based project is undertaken in one of the Department’s wide range of research groups. Optional lecture course topics have included in the past: advanced and theoretical astrophysics (including general relativity and galaxy formation), biological and nanophysics, laser physics, advanced quantum physics and particle physics.

Your options will have an emphasis on astrophysics.

A level offer – A*A*A including Physics and Mathematics.
 

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – D*D*D and A levels as above.
 

IB Diploma score – 38 with 776 in higher level subjects, including Mathematics (maths analysis & approaches) and Physics.
 

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:

• We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study.

• Entry requirements are the same for all four Physics programmes and transfer from the BSc degree to the MPhys degree is possible and is based upon first and second-year examinations.

• We may request further information such as UMS marks and/or predicted grades if this information is not available on the UCAS application. This is to ensure that we have an equal amount of information for all applicants. If for some reason this cannot be supplied, the candidate’s application will not be disadvantaged.
   

Science A levels
 

Applicants taking Science A levels that include a practical component will be required to take and pass this as a condition of entry. This applies only to applicants sitting A levels with an English examination board.

 

The tuition fees shown for students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.

 

Of those students who graduated in 2019:

• 83% are in paid employment or further study 15 months after graduation across all our programmes

Of those in employment:

• 81% are in high skilled employment

• With an average salary of £34,000.