MPhys Physics
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Master of Physics
- UCAS Course Code
- F303
- 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
Our flagship Physics Masters course is a highly flexible programme. You can study physics in more depth, either for your own interest or as a path to a career as a professional scientist.
Besides the core modules, we offer a wide variety of optional modules to help you shape your degree path. Most of our teaching is in small classes. You’ll study different subjects, like astrophysics, quantum physics, geophysics, fluid mechanics, and computing. We have friendly and approachable staff who have time for you.
In both the third and fourth years, you'll undertake projects in your desired direction. Many students use their projects to discover the research direction of our staff. Others may have their own ideas they want to pursue. You can also work on a medical physics project in collaboration with the hospital next to campus. The fourth-year project can relate to the third-year one or be on a new topic.
Your degree in Physics will allow you to explore a wide range of subjects, including astrophysics, quantum physics, geophysics, fluid mechanics, and computing. You'll be using our top-class facilities and high-tech equipment.
During our physics course, you’ll learn many important skills, such as math, communication, and teamwork. These skills will help you become a scientist or work in different jobs when you graduate. You’ll also get good at things like research, solving tricky problems, and computing, which are skills that employers really like. So, when you finish the course, you’ll be a highly employable graduate.
Study and Modules
Structure
The first two years of your physics master course will follow a similar programme to the BSc physics degree, then in your third and fourth years you’ll take your knowledge and understanding further as you select from a greater range of advanced optional modules.
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 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 lessons, workshops and practical sessions. In some modules, you might even do some programming.
Our group sessions are informal and allow you to ask questions about lectures and find solutions to problems set by tutors. We also actively encourage you to discuss academic matters with your tutors one-on-one.
You’ll use laboratory sessions to perform experiments based on subjects from the lecture programme. Lecturers or postgraduate students supervise these sessions to ensure that experiments are safely executed.
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.
In your first year, 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
Building on the foundations laid in year one, your second year will include teaching in physics topics and laboratory, mathematics for scientists, quantum mechanics and thermodynamics. You’ll be able to pick from a range of optional modules covering topics such as electronics, oceanography, meteorology, geophysics and renewable energy.
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 the 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
In your third year, you’ll hone your abilities and understanding in compulsory topics such as advanced laboratory skills and will conduct an independent research project bringing together the theoretical knowledge and practical skills you’ve developed so far. Optional modules can cover topics such as science communications and climate systems.
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
As you progress through your degree, you’ll have more freedom to study on your own, especially during your third-year project. You’ll meet with your project supervisor weekly, but most of the time you'll work on your own or with a small group of classmates. Your scheduled classes will be about 8 hours per week, depending on which optional modules you choose.
Assessment
This year, you’ll have more optional modules, and you can reduce the number of exams you take. Instead, you can choose modules assessed through submitting coursework. The third-year project is assessed through two parts: a written dissertation and a presentation.
Structure
In your final year, you’ll conduct an independent research project at the master’s level in an area of your choosing. You’ll conduct your project alongside the taught module Advanced Topics in Physics, and several optional advanced modules. We cover topics such as modern embedded technology, quantum fluids, a geosciences field course and dynamical meteorology.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(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
The fourth-year project is a major part of your studies, worth half of your total credits for the year. You’ll spend a lot of time working independently on it, while you have weekly meetings with your project supervisor to guide you along the way. Besides, you’ll likely have around 4-6 hours of lectures/workshops each week, depending on your module choices.
Assessment
Assessments in your last year will follow the same format as in year three. This means that the fourth-year project will be evaluated in the same way as the third-year project.
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
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of 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 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 doctoral level.
We work with UEA’s Careers Service to support you at every stage of the course, from choosing a career to applying for graduate jobs.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Research scientist
- Data analyst
- Academic
- Teacher
- Engineer
- Programmer
- Science journalist
Discover more on our Careers webpages.