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The University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NZ, T +44 (0)1227 764000
Physics with Astrophysics with a Year in the USA MPhys MPhys (Hons)
This is a full-time single honours programme within the Physics subject area.
Key facts
- Subject area: Physics
- Award: MPhys (Hons)
- Code: F3FM
- Location: Canterbury
- Honours: Single
- Mode of study: Full-time
- Duration: 4 years
- Start: 2013
- Year in industry: No
- Year abroad: Yes
- Institution(s): University of Kent
Overview
Physics reaches from the quark out to the largest of galaxies, and encompasses all the matter and timescales within these extremes. At the heart of a professional physicist is a fascination with the ‘how and why' of the material world around us. We aim to equip you with the skills to understand these phenomena and to qualify you for a range of career pathways.
At Stage 3, the combination of specialist modules and an attachment to one of our research teams opens avenues for even deeper exploration: for instance, in space probe instrumentation, fibre optics, or the atomic-scale structure of a new engineering material, or neutron scattering work.
Our international exchange programme also offers the opportunity for you to spend the third year of your degree studying in the USA at one of our partner universities.
Modules
Stage 1
Core modules- Astrophysics, Space Science and Modern Physics
- Computing Skills
- Disasters
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Physics Lab
- Skills for Physicists
Stage 2
Core modules- Atomic and Nuclear Physics
- Mathematical Techniques and Differential Equations
- Medical Physics
- Optics and Electromagnetism
- Physics Lab
- Quantum Physics
Plus, depending on your chosen degree, one of:
- The Multiwavelength Universe and Exoplanets
- Spacecraft Design and Operations.
Stage 3
Core modules- Image Processing
- Physics Group Project
- Physics Problem Solving
- Physics Project Lab
- Thermal and Statistical Physics
Plus, depending on your chosen degree programme, one or more of:
- Numerical and Computational Methods
- Stars, Galaxies and the Universe.
Stage 4
MPhys only Core modules- Particles and Quantum Physics
- Physics Research Project
- Science of Complex Systems
- Space Astronomy and Solar System Science
Plus, depending on your chosen degree programme, one of:
- Physical Science Research Planning
- Topics in Functional Materials
- Stars, Galaxies and the Universe.
Year abroad
You spend a year in the USA between Stages 2 and 3, studying equivalent courses to those you take at Kent. Our partner universities include the Pennsylvania State University, the University of California at Santa Barbara and the University of Indiana in Bloomington. If you take this course, you pay a reduced (50%) fee to Kent during your year abroad. You do not need to pay fees at the host university.
Please see the Go abroad webpages for further details.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching is by lectures, practical classes, tutorials and workshops. You have an average of nine onehour lectures, one or two days of practical or project work and a number of workshops each week. The practical modules include specific study skills in Physics and general communication skills. In the MPhys final year, you work with a member of staff on an experimental or computing project.
Assessment is by written examinations at the end of each year and by continuous assessment of practical classes and other written assignments. Your final degree result is made up of a combined mark from the Stage 2/3/4 assessments with maximum weight applied to the final stage.
Careers
Kent science graduates have an excellent employment record, in part because we ensure they have the transferable skills necessary for success in today’s employment market. We teach you how to communicate your ideas effectively and write technical information in an accessible way, you learn how to work independently and as part of a team, and we even simulate a scientific conference to show you what it is like to participate in the national or international scientific community.
Recent graduates have gone into research and development, technical management, the City and financial institutions, computing, software design, the media and teaching. Some have also gone on to postgraduate study.
For more information on the services Kent provides to improve your employment prospects,visit www.kent.ac.uk/employability
Degrees fully accredited by the Institute of Physics.
Entry requirements
Offer levels
ABB at A level, including Physics grade B and Mathematics grade B, IB Diploma 33 points inc 5 in HL Physics and Mathematics or 6 in SL Physics and Mathematics (not Mathematics Studies), or IB Diploma with 15 points at Higher inc HL Physics and 5 in Mathematics or SL Physics and 6 in Mathematics (not Mathematics Studies).
Required subjects
A level Mathematics and Physics at a combination of grades BB.
Further information
School
Enquiries:
T:+44 (0)1227 827272
Key Information Sets
The Key Information Set (KIS) data (right) is compiled by UNISTATS and draws from a variety of sources which includes the National Student Survey and the Higher Education Statistical Agency. The data for assessment and contact hours is compiled from the most populous modules (to the total of 120 credits for an academic session) for this particular degree programme. Depending on module selection, there may be some variation between the KIS data and an individual's experience. For further information on how the KIS data is compiled please see the UNISTATS website.
If you have any queries about a particular programme, please contact information@kent.ac.uk