BSc (Hons) Philosophy and Physics Bachelor's degree at Durham University
BSc (Hons) Philosophy and Physics at Durham University. Philosophy and Physics at Durham brings together two disciplines that have long shaped each other, letting you move between rigorous scientific enquiry and the conceptual questioning that sits behind it.
About this course
Philosophy and Physics VF53 - Durham University Skip to main content BSc (Hons) Philosophy and Physics Taught by discipline experts, this course combines core physics and philosophical knowledge with the opportunity for specialisation. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Philosophy and Physics is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Durham University, based in Durham Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Physical sciences graduates from this provider, 88% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 84% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £34,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Physics & Chemistry, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 95; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 88% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 97% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 5 modules
- Knowledge and RealityCompulsory
Module details
Introduces philosophical problems in epistemology (the study of knowledge), and metaphysics (the study of reality and ourselves).
- Science, Medicine and SocietyCompulsory
Module details
Introduces important concepts and how these areas are connected. For instance, historical reflections on the concepts of objectivity, evidence, method, probability, and observation and theories of scientific method.
- Foundations of Physics 1Compulsory
Module details
Introduces classical aspects of wave phenomena and electromagnetism, as well as basic concepts in Newtonian mechanics, quantum mechanics, special relativity and optical physics.
- Linear Algebra and CalculusCompulsory
Module details
Builds a deep knowledge of mathematical foundations, suitable for those with an interest in Mathematics.
- Single Mathematics A and BCompulsory
Module details
All the required mathematical knowledge to support Foundations of Physics.
Year 2 3 modules
- Foundations of Physics 2ACompulsory
Module details
Develops your knowledge of quantum mechanics and electromagnetism.
Assessment: You will learn to apply the principles of physics to predictable and unpredictable problems and produce a well-structured solution, with clear reasoning and appropriate presentation.
- Mathematical Methods in PhysicsCompulsory
Module details
Provides the necessary mathematical knowledge to successfully tackle the Foundations of Physics modules. It covers vectors, vector integral and vector differential calculus, multivariable calculus and orthogonal curvilinear coordinates, Fourier analysis, orthogonal functions, the use of matrices, and the mathematical tools for solving ordinary and partial differential equations occurring in a variety of physical problems.
- Discovery Skills in PhysicsCompulsory
Module details
Provides a practical introduction to laboratory skills development with particular emphasis on measurement uncertainty, data analysis, and written and oral communication skills. It also includes an introduction to programming.
Year 3 4 modules
- ProjectCompulsory
Module details
You will either embark on a detailed and critical examination of a relevant area of philosophy under the supervision of a member of academic staff or research a specific topic and present your findings and conclusions or take our enterprise module where groups of students develop a business plan to bid for research funding for an applicable innovation.
Assessment: This requirement develops an ability to plan and manage your own learning.
- Foundations of Physics 3ACompulsory
Module details
Further develops your knowledge to include quantum mechanics and nuclear and particle physics.
Assessment: You will learn to apply the principles of physics to complex problems and produce a well-structured solution, with clear reasoning and appropriate presentation.
- Foundations of Physics 2BCompulsory
Module details
Develops your knowledge of thermodynamics, condensed matter physics and optics.
- Laboratory Skills and Electronics 3Compulsory
Module details
Builds lab-based skills, such as experiment planning, data analysis, scientific communication and specific practical skills. It aims to teach electronics as a theoretical and a practical subject, to teach the techniques of computational physics and numerical methods and to provide experience of a research-led investigation in physics in preparation for post-university life.
Modules 5 modules
- MetaphysicsOptional
- Philosophical Issues in Contemporary ScienceOptional
- Formal and Philosophical LogicOptional
- Physics in Society 3Optional
- Science Enterprise LearningOptional
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
The course is built around core theory in both physics and philosophy, giving you the conceptual and mathematical foundations each subject requires before you branch out. Alongside this, you'll engage with research and methods relevant to both fields, learning how physicists and philosophers construct, test and critique arguments and models. As you progress, there is scope for applied practice, putting theoretical understanding to work in practical or experimental contexts, and for specialist options that let you follow particular interests, such as topics at the intersection of philosophy of science, logic, or specific areas of physics. Many students also undertake an independent project, allowing you to research a question of your own choosing in depth, supported by staff with relevant expertise. Professional skills are woven through the course too, helping you build the analytical, written and problem-solving abilities that both disciplines demand and that are transferable well beyond either subject alone.
Who it's for
This course suits someone who is genuinely curious about both how the physical world works and why we believe what we believe about it, someone who enjoys solving a physics problem but also wants to interrogate the assumptions underlying the theory itself. If you find yourself asking "but why is that true?" as often as "how do we calculate that?", you'll likely feel at home here. It calls for comfort with mathematical and quantitative reasoning alongside a willingness to read, argue and write carefully about abstract ideas, the two disciplines demand different registers of thinking, and switching between them is part of the challenge and the appeal. Independent-mindedness matters: much of your development will come from following your own questions through specialist options and, potentially, an independent project. It's a good fit for those considering careers or further study where analytical rigour, clear reasoning and scientific literacy are equally valued, whether that path stays close to physics, moves into philosophy, or heads somewhere that draws on both.
Careers & job market
Graduate outcomes data for Physics & Chemistry courses nationally shows that 85% of graduates were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with 75% of those working graduates in highly skilled roles or further study. Nationally, 90% of students on comparable courses continue past their first year, either still enrolled or having completed their studies. On earnings, national Graduate Outcomes and LEO figures for this subject area indicate starting salaries around £26,500–£34,000 fifteen months after graduation, rising to roughly £24,650–£34,800 after three years and £30,600–£43,200 after five years. These figures describe national labour-market patterns across the field rather than outcomes specific to Durham or a guarantee for any individual graduate, and actual earnings vary considerably by role, sector and location. The combination of physics and philosophy is relevant to work requiring both technical competence and rigorous argument, from research and technical roles to fields valuing structured reasoning more broadly.
University & format
This is a three-year, full-time BSc (Hons) taught entirely in English on Durham's campus, leading to the recognised degree award VF53. Durham is a public Russell Group university with around 19,520 students in total, founded in 1832, and holds a Silver rating in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 for teaching quality; it was. Among accepted students, 97% held A-levels or an equivalent qualification, and the most common UCAS tariff among entrants was more than 240 points, reflecting typical entrant profiles rather than a stated requirement.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
The provider publishes contextual-offer information. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 97% |
| Other | 3% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. Check how your predicted grades compare and whether a contextual offer applies.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code VF53). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at Durham University →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Physics & Chemistry graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £34,000 | £30,000 – £40,000 | 95 |
| 3 years after | £35,000 | £28,000 – £43,000 | 285 |
| 5 years after | £44,000 | £32,000 – £61,500 | 345 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 95; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in physics & chemistry · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Physics & Chemistry nationally
National figures for Physics & Chemistry graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 95; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Physics & Chemistry courses at the same study level.
Compared with 886 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Information Technology ProfessionalsSOC 2020 213 · 21% of published destinations · ASHE median £55,357
- Finance ProfessionalsSOC 2020 242 · 13% of published destinations · ASHE median £47,173
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 13% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Business, Research and Administrative ProfessionalsSOC 2020 243 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £48,746
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 205; response rate: 54%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Physics & Chemistry graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Physics & Chemistry graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Research institutes
- Energy & manufacturing
- Universities
- Government labs
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Physics & Chemistry graduates.
Physics Content Developer for AI-Enhanced LearningUp LearnPhysics PhD, Quantum Data Scientist for AIObsidianPhysics Academic MentorRibbons and Reeves LimitedPhysics TechnicianSapientia Education TrustPhysics Academic Mentor17918Physics Teachers in Calderdale and KirkleesCV-LibraryIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
88% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £34,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 9.1 out of 10: NSS 88% · in work or study 88% · continued 97%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University of Durham
Physical sciences across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Durham Campus
698 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Physics & Chemistry right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Durham University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £34,400 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Durham University’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Durham University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Durham University
Common questions
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