Course contact details
Main Contact
Phone:0114 222 8030
University of Sheffield
Western Bank
Sheffield
S10 2TN
Physics with a Foundation Year
- Bachelor of Science (with Honours)
- 4 Years
- Full-Time
- 27 September 2027
- Undergraduate
- Main Site
Course summary
Gain the scientific background needed for a physics degree with our foundation year course. Study the laws that shape the Universe and gain the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to progress onto our BSc degree courses.
This BSc Physics with a Foundation Year course will give you the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career.
If you don't have the usual scientific or mathematical background for a physics degree, then our four-year BSc Physics with a Foundation Year course is exactly the place to begin. Successful completion of your foundation year, with an average mark of 60 or above, guarantees you entry onto our BSc physics degrees.
The foundation year explores a broad spectrum of modules in chemistry, physics and mathematics. In addition to this, you’ll develop practical skills, learning how to implement a range of measurement techniques, use appropriate graphing and statistical techniques, and draw valid conclusions. You’ll also gain experience of organising your time, working in a group, and communicating information verbally and in writing.
After transitioning from the foundation year to one of our accredited physics degrees, you’ll explore the extraordinary scale of the field of physics through a range of in-depth modules. You’ll gain hands-on experience in our specialist teaching lab and take part in programming classes, developing skills that are valuable in a variety of graduate careers ranging from research and development to computer game design.
In your final year, you’ll have the freedom to choose from a variety of optional modules. You'll also get the chance to investigate a real-world problem and refine your technical skills by completing a research project.
Why study this course?
-
1st in the Russell Group for learning opportunities and learning resources in physics - National Student Survey 2025
-
Top 20 in the UK for physics and astronomy - Complete University Guide 2026
-
1st in the UK for the quality of physics research - Research Excellence Framework 2021
-
Opt to spend a full year on a work placement on your main degree - Test out a career path, build up your CV and grow your network of contacts.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Main Site
Study options
- Bachelor of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • Integrated foundation year • 4 Years
Start dates
- 27 September 2027
Apply by
13 January 2027
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- F302
- Institution code:
- S18
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Points of Entry:
- Foundation
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Sheffield 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
Apply by
13 January 2027
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- F302
- Institution code:
- S18
- Campus name:
- Main Site
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Foundation
Entry requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A levelBBB
including Maths and/or Physics + pass in the practical element of any science A Levels taken
UCAS TariffNot accepted
Access to HE DiplomaDistinction: 24 Merit: 21
Award of Access to HE Diploma in Science, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 24 at Distinction (all in Maths and/or Physics units), and 21 at Merit
GCSE/National 4/National 5
GCSE Maths and Physics (or combined science) at grade 6/B
Scottish Advanced HigherB
in Maths or Physics + ABBBB in Scottish Highers
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DD
+ B at A Level in either Maths or Physics + pass in the practical element of any science A Levels taken
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme31-32
32, with 5 in HL Maths or Physics; 31, with 5 in HL Maths or Physics, and B in a Physics-based Extended Essay
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DDM
in Engineering or Applied Science, including Maths and/or Physics modules
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)H2H2H2H3H3H3
including Maths and/or Physics
To find out if you're eligible for additional consideration or an alternative offer, visit: ww.sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/apply/access-sheffield https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate
English language requirements
You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualificationhttps://www.sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/apply/english-language
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.
The entry grades data only represents a proportion of our cohort. We accept a broad range of qualifications on our degrees and we're committed to ensuring all students with the potential to succeed at Sheffield are informed and feel encouraged to apply. If you meet one or more of our Access Sheffield criteria, we may be able to give your application additional consideration when we receive it and when exam results are released.
International entry requirements
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.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Historical entry grades report
This report uses your grades to show how students with similar results have done when applying to this course in the past. Sometimes, there isn’t data for every possible set of grades. When that happens, universities and colleges occasionally fill in the gaps for sets of grades that are typically accepted.
Fees 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
Tuition fees for 2027 entry have not been confirmed. Please use 2026-27 information as a guide.
Related courses
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