Physics with Theoretical Physics MPhys (Hons) with research placement

Program Overview

The Physics MPhys program at Bath University is a four-year research-based degree that provides a comprehensive understanding of physics. Students will engage in a variety of learning methods, including lectures, seminars, practical sessions, and research projects, and will gain experience in problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. Graduates will be well-prepared for careers in physics and related fields, including research, engineering, and finance.

Program Outline

Outline:

This course lasts 4 years with research placement, starting in September 2025 and ending in 2029. Welcome week starts on 22 September 2025. Year 1 Compulsory units Dynamics and astrophysics 10 credits Foundations of physics 1 20 credits Mathematics for physics 1 15 credits Physics skills 1 15 credits Year 2 Compulsory units Foundations of physics 2 20 credits 15 credits Mathematics for physics 2 10 credits Physics skills 2 5 credits Techniques for theoretical physics 5 credits Options Year 2 Options 5 credits Year 3 Compulsory units Advanced classical mechanics 5 credits Advanced quantum mechanics 5 credits Fluid dynamics in physics and astrophysics 5 credits MPhys or MSci project preparation 5 credits Statistical physics and soft matter 5 credits Symmetry and topology 5 credits Options Penultimate Year Options 30 credits Year 4 Compulsory units Advanced general relativity 5 credits MPhys research placement 30 credits Phase transitions and critical phenomena 5 credits Quantum field theory 5 credits Quantum theory of matter 5 credits Options Final Year Options 10 credits

Assessment:

You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject. Learning Research project Experimental laboratory sessions Scientific computing sessions Lectures Practical sessions Seminars Tutorials Workshops Assessment Closed book written examination Open book written examination Practical Report Set exercises Visual or recorded presentation

Teaching:

Contact hours Timetabled contact hours, which may be made up of lectures, seminars, tutorials and laboratory classes, vary throughout your course and between courses but are typically between 18 and 22 hours a week in your first year. The significant majority of contact hours over the duration of your course will be in person, and this will be enhanced by some online delivery which will constitute a smaller proportion of these contact hours, depending on your programme of study, year of study and chosen optional units. This may be supplemented by additional activities such as a small number of online learning sessions (not live), skills development sessions, and personal tutorials. The amount of timetabled sessions on campus in later years may vary based on the options you choose, with a greater emphasis on independent learning. Project and dissertation units will generally have fewer scheduled sessions to allow you time for your independent work – this may also mean the number of hours of timetabled sessions each week will vary within a year. Independent learning In addition to timetabled contact hours, you are expected to undertake independent learning and assessment activities. Typically, this might be around 13 – 22 hours per week in your first year, and include individual research, reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, preparing course working assignments, presentations, or revising for exams. After your first year, the emphasis on independent learning becomes greater, for example in a final year project.

Careers:

With the combination of an analytical approach and practical problem-solving skills, physics graduates are in strong demand by employers. You'll be able to work in a wide range of careers in physics and beyond, such as: R&D Engineering Finance IT Telecommunications Renewable energies Many of our graduates also go on to postgraduate study in preparation for academic or industry-based research careers.

Other:

All our courses give you experience of a range of professional skills to add to your CV, including problem-solving, communications, teamwork and research. We also have staff dedicated to supporting you in your search for a placement or a graduate job, including offering CV workshops and practice interviews. Use of specialist facilities We also have strong links to research facilities and observatories in the UK and around the world.

Tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student. Learn how we decide fee status