BSc (Hons) Physics · University of LancashireBachelor's degree · Duration varies
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University of Lancashire · Undergraduate

BSc (Hons) Physics Bachelor's degree at the University of Lancashire

BSc (Hons) Physics at University of Lancashire is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) towards the educational requirements for Chartered Physicist status.

BSc (Hons)
Award
Years
Part-time
Study mode
75%
in work/study (15m)

About this course

A Physics BSc degree can pave the way for careers in research, technology, finance & more. Discover subjects & BSc Physics modules we cover at the University. From the provider’s course page.

BSc (Hons) Physics is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Lancashire, based in Main Campus. It is studied part-time; duration varies by route.

For Physics & Chemistry graduates from this provider, 75% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 85% in highly skilled roles. (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.

7.5
/ 10
Strong
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Exceptional90

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)

Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Strong75

Published threshold met Sample size is not included in this snapshot. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 75% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Solid60

Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2021-23. Continuation 60% (2021-23; 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
  • Astrophysics ICompulsory
    Module details

    This module is an introduction to observational and theoretical astronomy. It will introduce you to the essential concepts, observational techniques, and physical foundations of modern astrophysics.

  • Fundamentals of PhysicsCompulsory
    Module details

    This double module begins the journey into modern physics and lays the theoretical foundation for the degree programme. The module starts with mechanics, electromagnetism and optics, which set the scene for the discovery of quantum physics and then use it to build the atom. The mathematical techniques required to support the physics will be developed alongside the theory. The module also covers an introduction to crystals, semiconductors, nuclear physics, fusion energy and particle physics.

  • Applied and Computational PhysicsCompulsory
    Module details

    This double module is an introduction to the essential skills of an experimental physicist or observational astrophysicist. This practical lab-based module will utilise theoretical knowledge from the length scale of atoms to that of the universe giving you a hands-on opportunity to put a wide range of theories to the test. This module will also develop transferable skills such as data analysis, computer programming, and team work. Observational astronomy practicals take place at our Alston Obser

  • Functions, Vectors and CalculusCompulsory
    Module details

    This module aims to extend your knowledge of calculus, introducing new ideas such as complex numbers and partial differentiation. This forms the "toolkit" for many of your second-year modules.

Year 2 5 modules
  • Principles of PhysicsCompulsory
    Module details

    Develop your knowledge of the core theoretical and mathematical concepts of modern physics. Gain an understanding of waves and vibrations, electromagnetism and build towards a full description of Maxwell's Equations. Study the fundamentals of special relativity and quantum mechanics.

  • Properties of MatterCompulsory
    Module details

    Advance your appreciation for how the statistical modelling of particles and their energies on the microscopic scale can give results to practical macroscopic scale problems. The module aims to develop your understanding of statistical thermal mechanics and introduce you to the essentials of solid-state physics.

  • Measurement, Instrumentation, LabVIEW and InterfacingCompulsory
    Module details

    This module will be taught in two stages. Stage one teaches basic electronic concepts and laboratory techniques and the second introduces a widely used programming system, LabVIEW which is used in both industry and academia. You'll learn to add control hardware and create virtual instruments.

  • Second Year LaboratoryCompulsory
    Module details

    The aim of this module is to instil in you a systematic approach to experimental work. You'll maintain a laboratory logbook and develop the skills required to interpret and analyse experimental results. This module also aims to introduce you to the tools to do this including important data analysis and numerical/modelling computational techniques.

  • Ordinary Differential EquationsCompulsory
    Module details

    This module presents you with a coherent development of the theory of ordinary differential equations, gives you a range of techniques for solving these equations, and explains the significance of particular equations in solving real-world problems.

Year 3 8 modules
  • Condensed Matter and Surface PhysicsCompulsory
    Module details

    This module will introduce you to the fascinating worlds of condensed matter and surface physics which are the foundations of most modern technologies. In condensed matter you will explore the formation of solids, their electronic band structures, and magnetic behaviour, and you will learn about the tools of surface physics. As the surface is mostly all we see of anything, this area of physics is of huge significance.

  • Third Year LaboratoryCompulsory
    Module details

    This module aims to develop your ability to conduct extended experimental investigations, solve problems, and undertake in-depth critical analysis of experimental results. You'll appreciate how knowledge and ideas have to be synthesized from multiple sources in order to support the proposed experiments.

  • Physics/Astronomy ProjectCompulsory
    Module details

    In this module, you will be given an opportunity to work independently on an original project related to physics and/or astrophysics as appropriate to your degree title. You will be expected to use your initiative to plan and complete a work programme.

  • UAS Teaching PlacementCompulsory
    Module details

    This module aims to offer you a positive experience of working with pupils and teachers and will help you gain confidence in communicating subject content. It will enable you to understand how to address pupils' needs and to develop educational projects that engage with relevant age groups.

  • Nuclear and Particle PhysicsOptional
    Module details

    This module aims to provide an overview of nuclear physics and an introduction to nuclear reactors. To present our current understanding of particle physics as represented by the 'standard' models

  • Atomic Physics and Advanced Quantum MechanicsOptional
    Module details

    The aim of this module is to develop your understanding on quantum mechanics given at Level 5 with additional theory at Level 6 and cover applications in atomic physics.

  • Electrodynamics, Plasma and Solar PhysicsOptional
    Module details

    You will be introduced to the essentials of electrodynamics, plasma physics and solar physics. This material will also support your final year laboratory work and any projects you work on.

  • Partial Differential Equations and Integral TransformsOptional
    Module details

    In this module you will explore a range of techniques for solving partial differential equations analytically, and we see how these equations are applied to real-world problems. You will also learn the theory of integral transforms, and use these to solve more advanced equations.

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 how the physical universe works, from subatomic particles and energy to stars and materials. A course like this typically moves from foundations in Year 1, mechanics, matter, energy and the mathematics you'll need, through laboratory work and core physics concepts in Year 2, to specialist options and independent research in Year 3. You'll develop hands-on experimental skills, scientific computing and problem-solving ability throughout. Specialisations may include astrophysics, materials science, quantum science, computational methods or a research placement, depending on your interests and the modules available.

Who it's for

This part-time degree suits those balancing study with work or other commitments. It's designed for students seeking flexible access to physics education at degree level. The programme particularly welcomes graduates transitioning into physics or those returning to formal study after a break. If you're considering professional recognition as a Chartered Physicist, this IOP-accredited course provides part of the educational foundation you'll need.

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 pursuing further study. National graduate earnings data shows starting salaries (at 15 months) typically range from £26,500 to £34,000, rising to £30,600–£43,200 after five years. These figures reflect the broader graduate population and vary by individual role and sector. The university reports that 90% of students continue past their first year, either still enrolled or having completed their studies.

University & format

The BSc (Hons) Physics is offered by the University of Lancashire at its Main Campus, studied part-time in English. The University is a recognised UK degree-awarding body founded in 1828, with a Silver award for teaching quality from the Office for Students' TEF 2023. The degree is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of partially meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.

Student satisfaction

How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.

The teaching on my course
93%
Learning opportunities
88%
Assessment and feedback
96%
Academic Support
95%
Organisation and management
90%
Learning resources
93%
Student voice
75%

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 entry deadlineApply directly to the provider

Part-time application dates vary by provider. UCAS dates

PlacementPublished placement option

Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.

Open daysAttend our next Open Day

See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.

2026 entryLive availability check

Opened 2 July 2026; last choice 19 October 2026. Check vacancies now. A cached page never claims a place is still available.

Entry & how to get in

Most entrants held a previous degree60% of accepted students came in with a previous degree (entrants over recent years).
Professionally accreditedAccredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of partially meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check the University of Lancashire's official course page for the current offer.

Who gets in

What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.

Qualifications held on entry

QualificationShare
a previous degree60%
another higher-education qualification25%
A-levels or equivalent15%

Entry & your chances

An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.

Offer-based entry

Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.

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.

Apply byApply directly to the providerfor this course
UCAS codeF300quote this on your application
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course (code F300). One application covers up to five choices.

  2. 2
    Write 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.

  3. 3
    Submit by Apply directly to the provider

    Part-time application dates vary by provider. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.

  4. 4
    Reply to your offers

    When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.

  5. 5
    Results 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.

💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask University of Lancashire whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.

Fees & funding

What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.

Tuition per year

Homeup to £9,790 / yr
International£17,325 / yr

Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).

Check fees at University of Lancashire →

For students who normally live in England

illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
Check providertuition used per year, no published course home fee, total not estimated
total borrowing, course length not published

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.

Funding matched to this course

Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for

All University of Lancashire funding →

Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.

Financial Support Package£500–£750 a year
Means-tested2026/27

Undergraduates from low-income households, subject to eligibility

How it worksAutomatic assessment after enrolment when Student Finance shares household-income data.
TimingNo separate application
Check eligibility →
Means-tested2026/27

Eligible undergraduate students with experience of care

How it worksApply through the Student Hub after enrolment.
TimingNine months after the academic year starts
Check eligibility →
Means-tested2026/27

Eligible undergraduate or taught-postgraduate unpaid carers

How it worksApply through the Student Hub after enrolment and provide evidence.
TimingNine months after the academic year starts
Check eligibility →
Sanctuary ScholarshipFee waiver + up to £5,000 a year
Means-tested2026/27

Forced migrants who are not eligible for student finance

How it worksComplete the university application form; an offer is not required to apply.
TimingCheck the current application form
Check eligibility →

Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.

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Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check

Careers & earnings

What Physics & Chemistry graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.

Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course

75%
in work or further study 15 months on
85%
in highly skilled work or study
60%
continue past their first year
  1. 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
  2. 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in physics & chemistry · 2–5 yrs
  3. 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
  4. 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs

How pay grows: this course vs Physics & Chemistry nationally

Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£26,500 – £34,000
After 3 years LEO
£24,650 – £34,800
After 5 years LEO
£30,600 – £43,200
national rangeaxis £23,000 – £44,500

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.

75 of 100

were in work or further study

15 months after graduation

25% working25% working and studying25% in further study85% in highly skilled work or study

Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Published threshold met. Sample size is not included in this snapshot. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.

UK occupations graduates enter

Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.

  • Natural and social science professionalsSOC 2020 211 · 25% of published destinations · ASHE median £44,243
  • Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
  • Caring personal servicesSOC 2020 613 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £23,668
  • Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
  • Managers, directors and senior officialsSOC 2020 1 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £51,733
  • Engineering professionalsSOC 2020 212 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £50,325

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: 40; response rate: 65%. 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.

85%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Physics & Chemistry courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes
75%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled
90%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuation

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.

Where they work

  • Research institutes
  • Energy & manufacturing
  • Universities
  • Government labs

Is 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

75% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.

Official-data snapshot

Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 7.5 out of 10: NSS 90% · in work or study 75% · continued 60%.

Who studies here and in this subject?

Provider- and UK subject-level context.

University of Lancashire

All students23,865
International20.5%
Aged 25+43.6%

Physical sciences across the UK

Students64,325
Aged 25+17.8%

HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.

Local crime-data context

A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.

Around Main Campus

2,263 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.

Violent Crime 753Anti Social Behaviour 464Shoplifting 194Criminal Damage Arson 169Public Order 166

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 University of Lancashire from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.

Tuition fees

International tuition is £17,325 / 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 University of Lancashire’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 University of Lancashire and gov.uk before you apply.

Common questions

Set by the University of Lancashire. Most accepted students held a previous degree. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
For Physics & Chemistry graduates from this provider, 75% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 85% in highly skilled roles. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
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. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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