Physics
Entry requirements
A level
AAB including Physics and Mathematics. Excludes A Level General Studies and Critical Thinking. Where an A Level science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A Level at the stated grade.
Access to HE Diploma
Overall pass of the Access to HE, with 45 credits at level 3. Of these 45 credits, 30 level 3 credits must be in Physics and Mathematics and must be passed with Distinction.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D3 M1 M2 to include Physics and Mathematics.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
English Language at grade C (4) or above, or an appropriate English language qualification. We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
35 points overall with 15 points at Higher Level to include 5 in Higher Level Physics and 5 in Higher Level Mathematics.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3 including H2 in both Physics and Mathematics.
BTEC qualifications in relevant disciplines are considered in combination with A Level Physics and Mathematics. Applicants should contact the School to discuss.
Scottish Advanced Higher
AB at Advanced Higher in Physics and Mathematics with AABBB at Higher.
UCAS Tariff
We've calculated how many Ucas points you'll need for this course.
About this course
This course has alternative study modes. Contact the university to find out how the information below might vary.
Physics is the most fundamental of all sciences, delving into the way the world around us works to provide technological advances that have innovated the world for centuries.
From developing cancer treatments and artificial intelligence to answering the fundamental questions of the universe, physics and physicists have had a monumental impact across a variety of different industries – which is why it is still such a sought after and relevant discipline today.
Studying physics at Leeds will enable you to observe and explore the physical laws and principles that govern the nature of the universe, whilst getting involved in real ongoing research alongside expert academics and researchers at the forefront of the industry.
You’ll also have access to world-leading research and specialist facilities right here on campus. As a physics student, you’ll be taught in our brand-new, purpose-built engineering and physical sciences hub – the Sir William Henry Bragg Building. It’s home to first-class laboratories and specialised teaching spaces, along with the Bragg Centre where scientists and engineers work collaboratively to develop solutions for economical, societal and technical challenges in the UK.
Here at Leeds, we understand the importance this industry has in everyday life, which is why our courses are professionally accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP), meaning the topics you’ll study reflect the latest developments in physics. Once you graduate, you’ll also qualify as a recognised chartered physicist (CPhys). This will equip you with the key knowledge, skills and experience you need to begin your career in this highly valued profession.
**Why study at Leeds:**
- Graduate with an IOP-accredited degree from a university ranked in the Top 100 in the world, QS World University Rankings 2022.
- Take advantage of the School’s world-leading research, which shapes our courses across a wide range of areas and delivers impactful and innovative R&D projects.
- Experience expertise teaching delivered by a programme team made up of academics and researchers at the forefront of the industry who specialise in a variety of physics disciplines.
- Study in the Sir William Henry Bragg building – a brand-new development with excellent facilities and teaching spaces for an outstanding student experience.
- Put theory into practice, with access to our specialist facilities and laboratories used by our academics and leading researchers that are fully equipped with the latest technology and research-grade equipment to support your learning.
- Broaden your experience before you graduate and enhance your career prospects with our study abroad programmes and paid industrial work placement opportunities.
- Make the most of your time at Leeds by joining our Physics Society (Physoc) where you can meet more of your coursemates and lecturers, whilst gaining guidance and invaluable insight from industry professionals at regular talks and networking events throughout your degree.
The Uni
University of Leeds
School of Physics and Astronomy
What students say
We've crunched the numbers to see if overall student satisfaction here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.
How do students rate their degree experience?
The stats below relate to the general subject area/s at this university, not this specific course. We show this where there isn’t enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
Physics
Teaching and learning
Assessment and feedback
Resources and organisation
Student voice
Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
After graduation
The stats in this section relate to the general subject area/s at this university – not this specific course. We show this where there isn't enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
Physics
What are graduates doing after six months?
This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
Although the subject has seen a bit of resurgence in recent years, the UK is still felt to be short of physics graduates, and in particular physicists training as teachers. If you want a career in physics research — in all sorts of areas, from atmospheric physics to lasers - you'll probably need to take a doctorate, and so have a think about where you would like to do that and how you might fund it (the government funds many physics doctorates, so you might not find it as hard as you think). With that in mind, it's not surprising that just over a fifth of physics graduates go on to take doctorates when they finish their degree, and well over a third of physicists take some kind of postgraduate study in total. Physics is highly regarded and surprisingly versatile, which is why physics graduates who decide not to stay in education are more likely to go into well-paid jobs in the finance industry than they are to go into science. The demand and versatility of physics degrees goes to explain why they're amongst the best-paid science graduates.
What about your long term prospects?
Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Physics
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£25k
£33k
£31k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
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Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF):
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This information comes from the National Student Survey, an annual student survey of final-year students. You can use this to see how satisfied students studying this subject area at this university, are (not the individual course).
This is the percentage of final-year students at this university who were "definitely" or "mostly" satisfied with their course. We've analysed this figure against other universities so you can see whether this is high, medium or low.
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This information is from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), for undergraduate students only.
You can use this to get an idea of who you might share a lecture with and how they progressed in this subject, here. It's also worth comparing typical A-level subjects and grades students achieved with the current course entry requirements; similarities or differences here could indicate how flexible (or not) a university might be.
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Post-six month graduation stats:
This is from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey, based on responses from graduates who studied the same subject area here.
It offers a snapshot of what grads went on to do six months later, what they were earning on average, and whether they felt their degree helped them obtain a 'graduate role'. We calculate a mean rating to indicate if this is high, medium or low compared to other universities.
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Graduate field commentary:
The Higher Education Careers Services Unit have provided some further context for all graduates in this subject area, including details that numbers alone might not show
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The Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset combines HRMC earnings data with student records from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.
While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?
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