BSc (Hons) Physics Bachelor's degree at Sheffield Hallam University
BSc (Hons) Physics at SHU is accredited by the Institute of Physics, fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist status.
About this course
<p>Immerse yourself in how the universe works, applying core physics principles to real-world challenges, developing hands-on expertise in scientific exploration, and collaborating with cutting-edge researchers.<p> From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Physics is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at SHU, based in City Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Physical sciences graduates from this provider, 85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 85% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £29,500. (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)
Limited evidence Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 85% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 85% (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 4 modules
- Bridging The Gap From Classical To Quantum PhysicsCompulsory40 credits
Module details
This module traces the electrifying path from classical wave theory to mind-bending quantum mechanics along the way you will have to master the mathematics behind this journey, from cracking the code of Ordinary Differential Equations, through to using this to model quantum behaviour. Then dive into the heart of matter with condensed matter physics, exploring interatomic forces, crystal structures, and the secrets of bulk properties. As you surf the waves of oscillations, you'll discover the pro
Assessment: Coursework (100%)
- Exploring The Building Blocks Of Matter - Particle, Nuclear, And Atomic PhysicsCompulsory40 credits
Module details
In this module, delve deep into the enigmatic realms of atomic and nuclear processes. Explore the heart of matter, unravelling atomic structures, radioactive mysteries, and nuclear reactions.
Assessment: Coursework (50%), Exam (50%)
- Physics In Practice - Skills For Real-World ApplicationsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module helps you to discover the varied career prospects that await physics graduates. To give you the skills to be able to fulfil that outcome, we engage in student led projects alongside industrial partners where you will be required to use the entirety of your physics knowledge to be successful. We to dive deep into the skills essential for a successful career in physics and focus on learning strategies for securing coveted industrial placements. This module is your gateway to a dynamic
Assessment: Coursework (100%)
- The Physics Of Stars And Beyond - Exploring The UniverseCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module explores the captivating realm of astronomy and cosmology. You will embark on a journey through the vast universe, delving into celestial bodies, their formation, and evolution. You'll also study the field of cosmology, investigating the Big Bang theory, dark matter, and dark energy, fostering a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the night sky and the universe's secrets.
Assessment: Coursework (100%)
Year 2 4 modules
- Exploring The Cosmos Through Mechanics, Relativity, And AstrophysicsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The realm of classical mechanics is foundational to our understanding of how the world works. In this module you will use the same skills that Newton grappled with to understand how we experience motion in our world. Which leads us to examine how Einstein changed this understanding with general relativity, and its immensely powerful impact on the description of the universe. We then use all these tools to describe the fundamental properties of how our galactic home functions including the enigma
Assessment: Coursework (100%)
- Harnessing Quantum And Computational Physics For DiscoveryCompulsory40 credits
Module details
This module takes us into the heart of quantum mechanics and electromagnetism. We'll follow a journey, blending advanced mathematics, programming skills, and quantum phenomena. Dive deep into the quantum realm, where uncertainty reigns, wavefunctions describe molecules, and Schrödinger's equation rules absolute. Explore how quantum mechanics weaves its magic on the macroscopic world and impacts our everyday experience through the phenomena of electromagnetism. This module propels you into a quan
Assessment: Coursework (50%), Exam (50%)
- How To Predict The Future - Thermodynamics And Statistical PhysicsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Thermodynamics can tell us about the operation of rockets, power plants, plants and even cell behaviour, but it is also much more fundamental - Thermodynamics tells us how the universe will end. Thermodynamics underpins much of what we study today, and an understanding of its processes allows insight into the elemental working of the universe. This is entwinned with the field of statistical physics; we can calculate with great accuracy the behaviour of a single particle, however real systems are
Assessment: Coursework (100%)
- Physics Unleashed - Mastering Real-World ApplicationsCompulsory40 credits
Module details
This module takes you beyond the classroom, equipping you with the skills and understandings to conquer the academic and professional worlds. You'll be preparing you for life after your degree whether you want to become a Nobel Prize winner, teach others about the wonders of physics, or anything else. This module continues to support you landing coveted industrial placements, but also shows how theory and practice are interlinked through industry-led projects. you'll get to work with seasoned ph
Assessment: Coursework (100%)
Year 3 3 modules
- Undergraduate Sandwich Placement Applied Professional DiplomaCompulsory
Module details
The aim of this module is to enhance students' professional development through the completion of and reflection on meaningful work placement(s). A work placement will provide students with opportunities to experience the realities of professional employment and experience how their course can be applied within their chosen industry setting. In this module students undertake a sandwich placement (min 24 weeks / min 21 hours per week) which is integrated, assessed and aligned to their studies.
- Developing Further Advanced Topics In Physics And Its ApplicationsCompulsory40 credits
Module details
Building upon the foundation of 'Discovering Advanced Topics in Physics and its Applications,' this module allows you to continue to chart your own journey through the discipline of physics. Choose your passion, whether it's as an experimentalist, theoretician, or physics practitioner. Dive into cutting-edge topics, collaborating with active researchers, and tailor your studies to your chosen path. Master complex methods for solving differential equations, unravel the mysteries of tensors and re
Assessment: Coursework (100%)
- Discovering Advanced Topics In Physics And Its ApplicationsCompulsory40 credits
Module details
Ignite your passion for physics and explore its depths in this specialised module. Dive into selected areas of your choice, working alongside cutting-edge researchers and utilising state-of-the-art equipment. Your final year becomes a space to you craft your unique curriculum. Delve into computational modelling, experimental physics, uncover the rich history of physics, and much more. This module is your gateway to shaping a futu
Assessment: Coursework (50%), Exam (50%)
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
This course invites you to explore how the universe works by applying core physics principles to real-world challenges, developing hands-on expertise in scientific exploration and collaborating with cutting-edge researchers. You'll usually begin with core mechanics and matter, alongside mathematics for scientists and foundational laboratory skills in measurement and uncertainty. Year 2 typically progresses to quantum and thermal physics, advanced experiments and scientific computing, and mathematical methods for solving physical problems. In Year 3, a course like this normally moves to specialist options such as astrophysics, materials science, quantum science, computational methods or a research placement, combined with research-level topics taught by active researchers, culminating in a supervised research project within a research group.
Who it's for
This course suits those with strong A-level qualifications or equivalent. Recent entrants typically held A-levels or equivalent, with most falling within the 96–111 UCAS tariff band. You'll benefit from a structured programme that balances theoretical foundations with practical application and independent research, ideal if you're aiming towards professional physics roles or further postgraduate study.
Careers & job market
Across Physics and Chemistry courses nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 75% are in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. National graduate earnings data shows starting salaries of £26,500–£34,000 at 15 months; after five years, this typically ranges from £30,600–£43,200.
University & format
This BSc (Hons) Physics degree is studied full-time over 3 years at Sheffield Hallam University, a university founded in 1992, based at its City Campus. Instruction is in English. The course is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist status, and Sheffield Hallam's teaching has been recognised as Gold by the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
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.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
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 | 100% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
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. 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 SHU →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 | £29,500 | £28,000 – £32,000 | 10 |
| 3 years after | £25,000 | £19,500 – £27,500 | 90 |
| 5 years after | £30,000 | £23,500 – £37,000 | 85 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.
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. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. 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.
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 25% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Natural and social science professionalsSOC 2020 211 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £44,243
- Engineering professionalsSOC 2020 212 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £50,325
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupationsSOC 2020 62 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £22,297
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
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: 30; response rate: 75%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is BSc (Hons) Physics worth it?
It depends. BSc (Hons) Physics adds about +£30,630 over the first ten years vs. going straight to a job, but on these earnings the payoff is slower than average.
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 3 years of wages given up while studying. The line clears zero around year 21.1. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.
Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 3 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.
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
Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. 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
85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £29,500. 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 8.3 out of 10: NSS 80.6% · in work or study 85% · continued 85%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Sheffield Hallam University
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 City Campus
3,427 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 SHU from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £18,000 / 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 SHU’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 SHU and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at SHU
Common questions
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What will it cost me?
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