MPhys (Hons) Physics Integrated Master's degree at Hertfordshire
MPhys (Hons) Physics at Hertfordshire is recognised by the Institute of Physics for eligibility towards Associate Membership, and the university holds Silver status for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
About this course
MPhys (Hons) Physics is an Integrated Master's degree (MPhys (Hons)) at Hertfordshire. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Physics graduates from this provider, 80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 60% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £32,000. (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)
Stronger evidence Published sample: 2,120. Cohort 2021-22. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 80% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 70% (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.
Level 4 7 modules
- Special Relativity and Quantum PhysicsCompulsory30 Credits credits
- Experimental PhysicsCompulsory15 Credits credits
- Small Group Tutorial (Level 4)Compulsory0 Credits credits
- Mathematical MethodsCompulsory15 Credits credits
- Applications of CalculusCompulsory15 Credits credits
- Computational ModellingCompulsory15 Credits credits
- The Physical UniverseCompulsory30 Credits credits
Level 5 16 modules
- ElectromagnetismCompulsory15 Credits credits
- Optics and LasersCompulsory15 Credits credits
- ThermodynamicsCompulsory15 Credits credits
- Small Group Tutorial (Level 5)Compulsory0 Credits credits
- Physics of the Solar SystemOptional15 Credits credits
- Extra-Solar PlanetsOptional15 Credits credits
- Plasma Physics and Fusion ReactorsOptional15 Credits credits
- Multivariable CalculusCompulsory15 Credits credits
- AlgebraOptional15 Credits credits
- Differential EquationsOptional15 Credits credits
- ProgrammingOptional15 Credits credits
- Professional Teaching SkillsOptional15 Credits credits
- Motion and TensorsCompulsory15 Credits credits
- Quantum MechanicsCompulsory15 Credits credits
- Career Planning and DevelopmentCompulsory0 Credits credits
- Introduction to Machine Learning and Neural NetworksOptional15 Credits credits
Level 6 19 modules
- Rocket Performance and PropulsionOptional15 Credits credits
- Space DynamicsOptional15 Credits credits
- Further Numerical MethodsOptional15 Credits credits
- Condensed States of MatterCompulsory15 Credits credits
- The Physics of Elementary ParticlesCompulsory15 Credits credits
- Geophysical Fluid DynamicsCompulsory15 Credits credits
- Star Formation and EvolutionOptional15 Credits credits
- Foundations of CosmologyOptional15 Credits credits
- The Physics of Astronomical SpectraOptional15 Credits credits
- Quantum Optics and Information TheoryOptional15 Credits credits
- Applied PhotonicsOptional15 Credits credits
- Partial Differential EquationsOptional15 Credits credits
- Lagrangian DynamicsOptional15 Credits credits
- Nonlinear SystemsOptional15 Credits credits
- Professional PlacementOptional0 Credits credits
- Year AbroadOptional0 Credits credits
- Placement with Study AbroadOptional0 Credits credits
- Project and Investigative SkillsCompulsory30 Credits credits
- Computational PhysicsOptional15 Credits credits
Level 7 6 modules
- CFD TechniquesOptional15 Credits credits
- Aerospace AerodynamicsOptional15 Credits credits
- CFD & ApplicationsOptional15 Credits credits
- Experimental AerodynamicsOptional15 Credits credits
- MRI Science and PrinciplesOptional15 Credits credits
- CT Science and PrinciplesOptional15 Credits credits
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
You'll study experimental and theoretical physics, grounded in mechanics, matter, energy and mathematics from Year 1. A course like this typically moves from foundations, core physics, calculus and laboratory skills, through to quantum and thermal physics with advanced computing in Year 2. In your third and fourth years, you'll pursue specialist options such as astrophysics, materials science, quantum science, computational methods, or medicinal chemistry, while undertaking research-level study with active researchers and a supervised research project. Laboratory work and mathematical problem-solving run throughout, developing the practical and analytical skills physicists use in research and industry.
Who it's for
Most entrants hold A-levels or equivalent qualifications; 85% of accepted students came in with A-levels. The typical UCAS tariff band among accepted students was 96–111 points. The university also offers bursaries and scholarships. Check the funding pages for details.
Careers & job market
Across Physics and Chemistry courses nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Of those working, 75% are in highly skilled work or further study. National graduate earnings data shows starting salaries of £26,500–£34,000 (15 months after graduation), rising to £24,650–£34,800 after 3 years and £30,600–£43,200 after 5 years. These are national figures from Graduate Outcomes and LEO data, not university-specific guarantees. Retention is strong: 90% of students continue past their first year.
University & format
This is a 4-year full-time Integrated Master's degree (MPhys) taught in English at the University of Hertfordshire, a public university. The course is recognised by the Institute of Physics for the purpose of eligibility for Associate Membership. The University of Hertfordshire is a recognised UK degree-awarding body; its teaching was awarded Silver in 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.
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 | 85% |
| a previous degree | 10% |
| a Baccalaureate | 5% |
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 (code F300). 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 Hertfordshire →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 | £32,000 | £28,000 – £36,000 | 2120 |
| 3 years after | £29,000 | £25,500 – £36,500 | 30 |
| 5 years after | £40,500 | £35,000 – £44,000 | 25 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 2,120. Cohort 2021-22.
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: 2021-23. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 2,120. Cohort 2021-22. 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.
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 25% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Information Technology ProfessionalsSOC 2020 213 · 25% of published destinations · ASHE median £55,357
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
- Managers, directors and senior officialsSOC 2020 1 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £51,733
- 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: 50; response rate: 60%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is MPhys (Hons) Physics worth it?
Generally yes. On its graduates’ median earnings, MPhys (Hons) Physics is worth about +£125,840 more over the first ten years of work than going straight to a job, a solid return once you net out the fees.
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 4 years of wages given up while studying. The line clears zero around year 13.5. 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 4 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
80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £32,000. 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 7.9 out of 10: NSS 87.7% · in work or study 80% · continued 70%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University of Hertfordshire
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 University Of Hertfordshire
933 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 Hertfordshire from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by Hertfordshire; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. 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 Hertfordshire’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 Hertfordshire and gov.uk before you apply.
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Common questions
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