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Physics

  • MPhys
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Main Site
More about University of Manchester

Course options

2026-2027
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Course summary

Join one of the most respected Department of Physics in the country and enjoy the flexibility, choice and challenge of our MPhys Physics degree.

In Years 1 and 2, the course provides a foundation in classical physics, including dynamics, waves, electromagnetism and thermodynamics. At the same time newer concepts are introduced, including the unification of space and time, the meaning of wave-particle duality and the relation between entropy and disorder. You will be taught this introduction through course units in special relativity, quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics.

These modern concepts and the techniques of classical physics lay the foundation for study in Years 3 and 4, during which you can choose from a wide range of options to develop your expertise in diverse topics that include: atomic and molecular structure, solid state electronic devices, electro-magnetic radiation, lasers, stars and cosmology, particle and nuclear physics, and the more advanced aspects of theoretical physics.

Working with leading academics and accessing our incredible facilities, you will be well placed to progress along your physics journey.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • MPhys • Full-time • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 21/09/2026

Apply by
14 January

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:
F305
Institution code:
M20
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Manchester 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
14 January

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:
F305
Institution code:
M20
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - A*A*A

A*A*A, including A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics. If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider our integrated foundation year . Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive. Typical Contextual Offer: A*AA, including Physics and Mathematics or Further Mathematics. The A* must be in Physics, Mathematics or Further Mathematics. Find out more about contextual admissions . Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDD

We consider the National Extended Diploma in any subject for entry with grades DDD when taken with two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

Access to HE Diploma

Given that it is not possible to meet our published offer conditions within an Access to HE Diploma, we would not recommend this qualification as the best way of preparing for our courses. However, we would look very carefully at any applications from exceptional Access students, studying a relevant Access to HE Diploma, who were on track to gain the AAA equivalent (45 graded credits at Level 3 with Distinction grade). We would treat any such exceptional students on a case-by-case basis, looking very carefully at past academic history and the academic reference; promising candidates would be invited to interview to add supplementary information. A decision would be made about entry holistically on the basis of all information (including details of the course undertaken) and would usually be conditional on the above standard. As each application is considered individually, applicants should contact the Department Admissions Team to discuss their particular circumstances before applying.

Scottish Higher

Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations: Three Advanced Highers with grades AAA, including Physics and Mathematics. Or Two Advanced Highers with grades AA in Physics and Mathematics and two Highers with grades AA in additional subjects. English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3). If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Department Admissions Team.

AS

AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DD

We consider the National Diploma in any subject for entry with grades DD when taken with two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - D

We consider the National Foundation Diploma in any subject for entry with grade D when taken with two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D

We consider the National Extended Certificate in any subject for entry with grade D when taken with two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

Scottish Advanced Higher

Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations: Three Advanced Highers with grades AAA, including Physics and Mathematics. Or Two Advanced Highers with grades AA in Physics and Mathematics and two Highers with grades AA in additional subjects. English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3). If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Department Admissions Team.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 38 points

38 points overall with 7,7,6 at Higher Level, including 7 in both Physics and Mathematics. We will accept Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate/WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales qualification. We would consider this qualification at grade A when taken with two A-levels at grades A*A* in Physics and Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

Extended Project

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview, if applicable. A number of our academic Departments may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D2, D2, D3

D2, D2, D3 in Principal subjects, including D2 in both Physics and Mathematics. We also consider applicants offering a mix of Pre-U Principal Subjects and A-level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall are taken. The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives and Research (GPR) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. However, the qualification will not form part of your offer conditions. If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider our integrated foundation year.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education, typically a minimum of five GCSE/IGCSEs, including acceptable levels of literacy and numeracy, equivalent to at least grade 4/C in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and grade 4/C in GCSE/IGCE Mathematics. GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - DDD

We consider the Technical Extended Diploma in any subject for entry with grades DDD when taken with two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma - DD

We consider the Technical Diploma in any subject for entry with grades DD when taken with two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma

We consider the Technical Foundation Diploma in any subject for entry with grade D when taken with two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate - D

We consider the Technical Extended Certificate in any subject for entry with grade D when taken with two A-Levels at grades A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

T Level - Not accepted

The University recognises a number of foundation courses as suitable for entry to this undergraduate course.

Applicants completing the Northern Consortium (NCUK) International Foundation Year or INTO Manchester International Foundation in Science and Engineering are required to achieve grades AAA with A* in both Physics and Mathematics and grade C in English for Academic Purposes (EAP).

Applicants studying other Foundation courses should contact the Department Admissions Team to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this course and for specific entry requirements.

Additional entry requirements

Interview

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6With no less than 5.5 in each sub-test.
All applicants to the University (from the UK and overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either: - GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade 4/C - IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in each component - TOEFL iBT 80 with no less than 20 in speaking and 18 in all other subscores - An acceptable equivalent qualification Please note that if you hold English as a Second Language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above.

Acceptable English Language Qualifications https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/admissions/language-requirements/

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.

We operate contextual admissions meaning many applicants receive an offer and are admitted at least one grade below standard entry requirements. Entry requirements for applicants meeting contextual admissions criteria are listed next to the standard entry requirements on course profiles.

Contextual admissions means we consider your application in context helping us to ensure everyone has a fair chance of getting into Manchester. The data we use is automatically provided on your UCAS form.

Learn more on the University of Manchester website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted 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.

Data from:
This course
Date range:
2022-2024

Grades held by accepted students

For University of Manchester, the top and bottom 5% of student grades have been removed from these calculations. This change helps to remove any extraordinary circumstances that could impact the data. Learn more here .
A*A*A* Most common
  1. A*A*A*
  2. Highest grades
  3. AAA
  4. Lowest grades

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

89% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

This course has a required grade that may not be listed in the data. Check the entry requirements for the full qualification requirements.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

75 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

95 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

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

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

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