Department of Physics | BSc Physics (with Foundation Year)

BSc Physics (with Foundation Year) at Durham University

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An accredited degree that offers maximum flexibility. The BSc in Physics can be used as the first step towards a career as a physicist or take you directly into a role in industry.

Durham is one of the leading physics and astronomy departments in the UK. When you choose the BSc in Physics, you’ll be joining a dynamic and focused learning community that is home to multiple research institutes, world-class facilities, and experts with close links to industry. Current developments in both research and industry are used to bring theoretical learning to life, a factor which contributes to our consistently high ranking in university league tables.

Undergraduate physics degrees at Durham offer a high level of flexibility. We offer four Institute of Physics accredited courses – the BSc in Physics and MPhys qualifications in Physics, Physics & Astronomy and Theoretical Physics – which follow the same core curriculum in Year 1.

Subject to the optional modules chosen, it is possible to switch to one of the other courses until the end of the second year. You can also apply to add a placement year or a year abroad to your degree, increasing the course from three years to four.

The first year lays the foundation in Physics Theory, Mathematical Skills and Laboratory Skills that you will need to tackle more complex content later in the course. From Year 2 you'll have the opportunity to explore areas such as Astrophysics, Quantum Theory and the Relationship Between Physics & Society in more detail.

In Year 3 you can apply your learning to a range of real-world issues with project work, student-led laboratory work and optional modules tailored to your interests and aspirations.

The rigorous curriculum has been designed to develop skills in reasoning, problem-solving and data analysis as well as advancing your understanding of mathematics and IT. The BSc in Physics is the first step towards achieving Chartered Physicist status, however many graduates move straight into employment in a wide range of industries  from energy and IT to engineering and scientific research.

We seek to develop the practical and intellectual skills sought by employers and we are regularly ranked among the country's top performers for graduate employment. Our graduates have progressed to careers in business, industry, commerce, research, management and education, and typically more than fifth of our graduates go on to study for higher degrees.

The Department also has an impressive track record of spin-out technology companies that commercialise our knowledge in areas of semiconductors, composites and advanced instrumentation. Examples of high-profile employers include BT, Procter & Gamble, Rolls Royce and BAE Systems.

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