Physics

Key facts
Location: Canterbury
Award: BSc (Hons), MPhys (Hons)
Type: Full-time
Options: A year studying in the USA
Further information
Download: Subject leaflet
Online: Department

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.

Degree programmes

Single honours
Did you know?

Physics and Astronomy at Kent was ranked 5th in the UK for overall student satisfaction in the 2009 National Student Survey.

BSc
  • Physics (F300)
  • Physics with a Foundation Year (F305)
  • Physics with Astrophysics (F3F5)
MPhys
  • Physics (F303)
  • Physics with Astrophysics (F3FN)
  • Physics with Astrophysics with a Year in the USA (F3FM)
  • Physics with a Year in the USA (F304)

Core modules

Stage 1
Core modules
  • Astrophysics, Space Science and Cosmology
  • Computing Skills
  • Disasters
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • 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
  • Physics Problem Solving
  • Physics Group Project
  • Physics Project Lab
  • Image Processing
  • Relativity, Optics and Maxwell’s Equations
  • Solid State Physics
  • 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
  • Elementary Particles
  • Physics Research Project
  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Space Astronomy and Solar System Sciencee of:

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.

Foundation year

This course is for students who lack the qualifications needed for direct entry into Stage 1 of the degree programmes. The foundation year is taught entirely on the Canterbury campus and caters for students with a wide range of backgrounds and experience. Successful completion of the foundation year guarantees entry into any of the School’s Physics or Astronomy degree courses.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching is by lectures, practical classes, tutorials and workshops. You have an average of nine one-hour 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.

Entry requirements

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Offer levels

A level 300 points, 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).

F305: on an individual basis.

Required subjects
  • A level Mathematics and Physics at a combination of grades BC.

Careers

Professional recognition

Degrees fully accredited by the Institute of Physics.

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.