BSc (Hons) Physics with a Year in Industry
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- F302
- Typical Offer
- AAB (specific subjects required)
- Contextual Offer
- BBB (specific subjects required)
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
A full year of working in industry as part of your course is a great option for anyone who'd like to study Physics and gain invaluable experience in a live working environment to boost their employability.
As for the standard Physics BSc route, you'll have the chance to explore a wide range of subjects, including astrophysics, quantum physics, geophysics, fluid mechanics and computing. After completing the first two years with us, you'll undertake a year in industry, followed by a return to campus for the final year of the degree. This will enable you to develop additional skills and networks that will be of immense benefit after you graduate.
We offer core modules that give you a solid and broad foundation across Physics, but you can also tailor your degree by choosing from various optional modules we offer. In your final year project, you’ll have the chance to research a specific topic of your choice. Your project could be in line with the research taking place at UEA, or a topic of your own interest.
You’ll use our top-class laboratories and high-tech equipment. Through experiments, you’ll gain a practical understanding of the subjects, and you’ll find them even more fascinating. You can specialize in a particular field by choosing from optional advanced modules.
Employability skills are an important part of the Physics degree. You’ll graduate with skills that are much in demand by employers. With an experience of a year in industry you can build network and gain required experience for your favourite careers.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
At least nine months of your third year will be spent at your placement. This will allow you to use some of the skills that you have acquired and see physics being applied in a commercial or academic context. During your placement, you can expect to be a salaried employee.
Study and Modules
Structure
The first year will introduce you to many of the major themes in physics and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
Your first year will consist of six compulsory modules, giving you a solid grounding in a wide range of topics. You’ll be introduced to key physics concepts, develop crucial mathematical and laboratory skills, and learn about some of their applications in scientific fields. Modules cover topics including light, acoustics, mechanics, electromagnetism, geophysics and astrophysics.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Our teaching combines lectures, small-group seminars, workshops and practical sessions. Some sessions may also involve programming activities to enhance your learning experience. Our group sessions are relaxed and informal, providing a space for you to ask questions about lecture topics and collaborate on solving problems set by tutors. Additionally, we strongly encourage you to engage in one-on-one discussions with your tutors to address any academic concerns or questions you may have.
You’ll use laboratory sessions to perform experiments related to subjects from the lecture programme. Lecturers or postgraduate students supervise these sessions to ensure that experiments are safely executed and will discuss the theory behind them.
Independent study
You’ll have plenty of opportunity for independent study during your degree programme as you work on coursework and prepare for exams. However, your final year research project will truly show your independent work. It’ll allow you to get to grips with an aspect of physics that really interests you.
When you start, you’ll need the most contact time. In year one you’ll have around 16 hours of timetabled teaching sessions per week, consisting of lectures, workshops/tutorials, and supervised lab sessions.
Assessment
We use a range of assessment methods to best reflect each module and what we hope you’ll gain from it.
You'll have different kinds of assessments to earn credit, like exams and practical reports. You’ll be given many opportunities to practice your understanding and prepare for these. After formative assessments (they’re not for credit, just for practice), you’ll receive feedback on your work to help you improve.
Structure
In your second year, you’ll start selecting modules that interest you most. Options may cover such topics as electronics, oceanography, meteorology, geophysics and renewable energy. You’ll build on what you’ve learnt in year one, with teaching in physics topics and laboratory, mathematics for scientists, quantum mechanics and thermodynamics.
You’ll also spend some time securing a placement for year three.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
From year two onwards you’ll begin to choose optional modules. These vary in their number of hours of lecture time, but on average you’ll have around 12 hours of timetabled teaching per week – again made up of lectures, workshops/tutorials, and labs. This is less than in year one, as you grow in confidence and learn more through independent study.
Assessment
Like in year one, assessments will be a combination of exams and practical reports. You’ll be prepared for these summative assessments through formative assessments that are only for practice not for credit.
Structure
At least nine months of this year will be spent at your placement. During this time, you’ll experience physics being applied in a commercial (or academic) setting.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Your placement year doesn't involve formal teaching but provides numerous chances for learning. With guidance from an academic mentor, you'll contemplate the knowledge and skills you acquire throughout the year. You'll dedicate 9 to 12 months to working for an employer, gaining firsthand experience in a field related to or associated with physics.
Assessment
At the end of your year in industry, you’ll write a summary, which is the only assessment of the year. It’s a simple pass/fail check, to allow you to proceed onto the final year (which is the same as the third year of the standard BSc Physics programme).
Structure
In your final year, you'll have the freedom to tailor your studies to your interests by choosing optional modules. You’ll also be taught advanced physics topics and laboratory skills.
Your independent research project will be a large part of your final year of study. With the support of an expert supervisor, you’ll be able to delve deeper into a real problem in physics
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Return to campus, after the year in industry. By this point, you’ll grow more independent. You’ll undertake substantially more study outside lectures, especially on your final-year project. For this you’ll meet with your project supervisor weekly, but otherwise will work on your own or with one or two other students. Timetabled teaching will be roughly 8 hours per week, depending on which optional modules you choose.
Assessment
In year four, you’ll have optional modules, and you can reduce the number of examinations you take, by choosing modules that are assessed through coursework submission. The final-year project is assessed through a combination of a written dissertation and a presentation.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
AAB including Mathematics and Physics
Contextual offer: BBB including Mathematics and Physics.
Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
BTEC
Not accepted.
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Science Pathway. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3 including 12 credits in Mathematics and 12 credits in Physics.
T levels
Not accepted.
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - BSc Physics with a Foundation Year.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall including HL 6 Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation or Analysis and Approaches) and HL 5 Physics, or HL 5 Mathematics and HL 6 Physics.
Irish Leaving Certificate
4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H3 including Mathematics and Physics
Scottish Highers
AAAAA including Mathematics and Physics
Scottish Advanced Highers
BBC including Mathematics and Physics. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admisisons.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
A levels
AAB including Mathematics and Physics.
Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall including HL 6 Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation or Analysis and Approaches) and HL 5 Physics, or HL 5 Mathematics and HL 6 Physics.
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
-
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admisisons.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
You ‘re eligible for reduced fees during the placement year. Further details are available on our Tuition Fees pages.
There may be extra costs related to items such as travel and accommodation during your placement, which will vary depending on location.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
You’ll have many career opportunities as a physics graduate. You can work in science-based industries or pursue academic and research careers. Other careers include positions in nanotechnology, energy, space research, engineering, telecommunications, education, defence, data science, science journalism, finance, medicine and government agencies. You could also choose to continue your studies to a Master’s or doctorate level.
We work with UEA’s Careers Service to support you at every stage of the course, from choosing a career through to applying for graduate jobs.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Research scientist
- Actuary astronomer
- Data analyst
- Air traffic controller
- Programmer
- Teacher
Discover more on our Careers webpages.