Physics with Astrophysics BSc (Hons)

at University of Sussex

Year 1 at Sussex

Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Autumn teaching

• Mathematical Methods for Physics 1
• Mechanics and Relativity

Spring teaching

• Introduction to Astrophysics
• Mathematical Methods for Physics 2
• Oscillations, Waves and Optics
• Physics Year 1 Laboratory

Year 2 at Sussex

Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Autumn teaching

• Electrodynamics
• Mathematical Methods for Physics 3
• Physics Year 2 Laboratory

Spring teaching

• Applying Physics Skills
• Galaxies and the Cosmos
• Quantum Mechanics 1
• Thermal and Statistical Physics

Study abroad or Placement

• Study abroad (optional)
  Apply to study abroad – you’ll develop an international perspective and gain an edge when it comes to your career.
• Placement (optional)
  To help you gain experience and increase your employability, you can apply for an optional placement as part of your course. You’ll be responsible for applying for and securing your placement. Our dedicated careers team can provide you with information and advice. If you’re successful in obtaining a placement, this will form part of your course.

Year 3 at Sussex

Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Autumn teaching

• Atomic Physics
• Condensed State Physics
• Nuclear and Particle Physics

Spring teaching

• Stellar and Planetary Physics

A-level

Typical offer    
BBB

Contextual offer    

• BBC-BCC
• Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan

Subjects    

• A-levels must include Mathematics at grade B. 
• Physics A-level is desirable, but we will consider applicants on a case-by-case basis without it. 

GCSEs    
You should have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4  (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

Extended Project Qualification    
We take the EPQ into account when considering your application and it can be useful in the summer when your results are released if you have narrowly missed the conditions of your offer.  We do not routinely include the EPQ in the conditions of your offer but we sometimes offer alternative conditions that include the EPQ.

International Baccalaureate

Typical offer    
30 points overall from the full IB Diploma.

Subjects    
IB Higher Levels must include Mathematics, with a grade of 5. 

European Baccalaureate

Typical offer    
Overall result of at least 75% to 77%.

Additional requirements    

• Evidence of existing academic ability in Mathematics is essential (normally with a final grade of at least 8.0).
• Physics is desirable, but we will consider applicants on a case-by-case basis.

• Home students: £9,250 per year
• Channel Islands and Isle of Man students: £9,250 per year
• International students: £22,500 per year

Note that your fees may be subject to an increase on an annual basis as the Government reviews the fee levels.

Our graduates find employment in a diverse range of fields, including geophysics, aerospace, consulting, teaching, and the scientific Civil Service. Many of our graduates go on to postgraduate research and PhD study.

Graduate destinations

Recent Physics and Astronomy graduates have started their careers as:

• SAP applications consultant at Capgemini
• geophysicist at CGG
• graduate diagnostic physicist at Diamond Light Source.

Some of our graduates have also gone on to study for a postgraduate qualification (for example a PhD, MSc or PGCE).