Course contact details
University of Oxford
University Offices
Wellington Square
Oxford
OX1 2JD
Course summary
Physics is concerned with the study of the universe from the smallest to the largest scale: it is about unravelling its complexities to discover the way it is and how it works. Discoveries in physics have formed the foundation of countless technological advances and play an important role in many scientific areas. Many techniques used in medical imaging, nanotechnology and quantum computing are derived from physics instrumentation. Even the World Wide Web was a spin-off from the information processing and communications requirements of high-energy particle physics. The contributions of physics to solving global problems such as energy production, environmental protection, global warming and public health are essential and have an enormous impact on our society. For more information on this course please visit ox.ac.uk/ugphysics.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- New College
- Corpus Christi
- Somerville
- Open Application
- Merton
- Christ Church
- Keble
- Wadham
- St Edmund Hall
- St John's
- Exeter
- Lady Margaret Hall
- Oriel
- Lincoln
- Brasenose
- Trinity
- St Hugh's
- St Peter's
- Magdalen
- Hertford
- Balliol
- St Hilda's
- University
- Jesus
- St Catherine's
- Queen's
- Mansfield
- Pembroke
- St Anne's
- Worcester
Study options
- Master of Physics • Full-Time • 4 Years
Start dates
Application codes
- Institution code:
- O33
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Oxford has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
Application codes
- Institution code:
- O33
This course may be available at alternative locations, please check if other course options are available.
Course optionsEntry requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A levelA*AA
Including Mathematics and Physics, with A* in Mathematics, Physics or Further Mathematics.
Excluding General Studies (if taken)
UCAS TariffNot accepted
Scottish HigherAAAAB-AAAAA
Supplemented by two or more Advanced Highers.
Access to HE DiplomaDistinction: 45
Some Access courses allow students to take one or two A-levels as part of the course. This option is strongly recommended for students who wish to apply to Oxford, especially for those courses which have specific subject requirements. If you would like to discuss the suitability of your Access course for entry to Oxford University, please contact the subject department that you’d like to apply to for further information. (Contact details are at ox.ac.uk/courses)
Scottish Advanced HigherAA-AAB
Including Mathematics and Physics.
Conditional offers will usually be for AAB if a student is able to take three Advanced Highers; where this is not possible then a student would be expected to achieve AA in two Advanced Highers, as well as an A grade in an additional Higher course taken in Year 6.
International Baccalaureate Diploma ProgrammeOffer: 39
with 7 6 6 at HL, including Mathematics and Physics with 7 in HL Mathematics or Physics.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)D*D*D*-DDD
Conditional offers would usually be:
Extended Diploma with DDD to DDD, depending on the course.
Diploma with DD plus an A grade at A-level, possibly with one or two * grades, depending on the course.
Subsidiary Diploma with D plus two A grades at A-level, possibly with one or two * grades, depending on the course.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)H1H1H2H2H2H2
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - PrincipalD2D3D3
Pre-U subject requirements are the same as those for A-levels.
Candidates are expected to have Physics and Mathematics to A-level, Advanced Higher, Higher Level in the IB or another equivalent. The inclusion of a Maths Mechanics module would also be highly recommended. Further Mathematics can be helpful to candidates in completing this course, although this is not required for admission. We expect you to have taken and passed any practical component in your chosen science subjects.
A range of other international qualifications is also acceptable for entry. Please see ox.ac.uk/intquals for further information.
Additional entry requirements
- Interview
- Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT)
- For further information, please go to https://esat-tmua.ac.uk/about-the-tests/esat-test/.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 7.5 | Minimum 7.0 per component |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 110 | Minimum component scores: Listening: 22 Reading: 24 Speaking: 25 Writing: 24 |
| Cambridge English Advanced | Overall score of 191 or above, with at least 185 in each component | |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | Overall score of 191 or above, with at least 185 in each component |
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
Oxford uses a range of evidence about applicants’ academic performance and potential, including personal statements, references, admissions tests (depending on the chosen course), and interview performance (for those shortlisted).
In some subjects, candidates are required to achieve A or A* grades in certain subjects.
A very small number of students are admitted to Oxford who don’t meet their offer conditions in non-essential subjects, and this is often as a result of exceptional circumstances.
Historical entry grades data
This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).
It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.
Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
This course may have Historical entry grades data available, please select a course option to view.
Course optionsFees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
For details on fee information, please visit ox.ac.uk/funding.
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