Course contact details
UG PHYS 2025
Email:ug-physics@manchester.ac.uk
Phone:+44 (0)161 543 4021
University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9PL
Physics
- Master of Physics
- 4 Years
- Full-Time
- 21 September 2027
- Undergraduate
- Main Site
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.
Modules
Assessment method
Course units are normally assessed formally at the end of the semester via examinations. Laboratory or computer based course units also employ assignments and other methods of continuous assessment.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Main Site
Study options
- Master of Physics • Full-Time • 4 Years
Start dates
- 21 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:
- F305
- Institution code:
- M20
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
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
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:
- F305
- Institution code:
- M20
- Campus name:
- Main Site
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A levelA*A*A
A*A*A, including A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
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.
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, any offer will be based on three A Levels, and any additional A Levels won’t be included in your offer. Any offer will normally be based on three A Levels taken in the same sitting and based on your qualification portfolio. Your offer will stipulate which subjects and the grades required.
If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider applying to our integrated foundation year .
Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements.
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 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 offer you will receive.
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, any offer will be based on three A Levels, and any additional A Levels won’t be included in your offer. Any offer will normally be based on three A Levels taken in the same sitting and based on your qualification portfolio. Your offer will stipulate which subjects and the grades required.
If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider applying to our integrated foundation year .
Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements.
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.
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, any offer will be based on three A Levels, and any additional A Levels won’t be included in your offer. Any offer will normally be based on three A Levels taken in the same sitting and based on your qualification portfolio. Your offer will stipulate which subjects and the grades required.
If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider applying to our integrated foundation year .
Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements.
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 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 offer you will receive.
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, any offer will be based on three A Levels, and any additional A Levels won’t be included in your offer. Any offer will normally be based on three A Levels taken in the same sitting and based on your qualification portfolio. Your offer will stipulate which subjects and the grades required.
If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider applying to our integrated foundation year .
Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements.
T Level
We do not accept T Levels as entry onto this programme. The University does accept T Level qualifications on a number of courses. Please review our T Level information page for a full list.
UCAS TariffNot accepted
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, including grade 1 or 2 in the oral exam component if applicable, and grade 4/C in GCSE/IGCSE Mathematics.
GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.
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 English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the admissions team in your academic School/Department for clarification.
GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.
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 English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the admissions team in your academic School/Department for clarification.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
OCR Cambridge Technical DiplomaDD
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.
International Baccalaureate Diploma ProgrammeOffer: 38
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.
We do not consider the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) for entry onto our undergraduate programmes.
We will accept Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.
We do not consider the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) for entry onto our undergraduate programmes.
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.
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.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended DiplomaDDD
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.
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.
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 CertificateD
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.
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
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.
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.
The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:
Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester International Foundation Programme in Science and Engineering are required to achieve grades AAA with A* in Physics and A* in Technical Mathematics or Further Mathematics, and grade C overall with no component below C in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) or English for Academic Purposes for Proficient Users (EAPPU). Integrated Mathematics is not considered an acceptable mathematics subject. INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester students are required to attend an interview.
Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year in Science and Engineering are required to achieve grades AAA with A* in Physics and A* in Technical Mathematics or Further Mathematics, and grade C overall with no component below C in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) or English for Academic Purposes for Proficient Users (EAPPU). Integrated Mathematics is not considered an acceptable mathematics subject.
Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the academic School to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.
Additional entry requirements
- Interview
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | IELTS Academic or IELTS UKVI 6.0 overall with no sub-skill below 5.5. |
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, or; IELTS Academic or IELTS UKVI 6.0 overall with no sub-skill below 5.5, or; An acceptable equivalent qualification. Where specified, we also require grade 1 or 2 in the Oral Exam component of the IGCSE English Language (first or second language) qualification. Please note we accept in-person IELTS tests taken in official IELTS test centres only. You should review our English Language requirements page for a list of acceptable IELTS tests. If you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School/Department for clarification. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student requiring a visa to study in the UK must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language (common European Framework (CEFR B2 level) to be granted a Student Route visa to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. In addition, our academic Schools/Departments may require applicants to demonstrate English proficiency above the B2 level.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.
International entry requirements
The University welcomes applications from appropriately qualified candidates across the world. We value global talent and are proud to receive applications from a wide range of educational systems and national backgrounds.
Because international qualifications vary widely, it is not possible for us to list entry information for every country on this page. If your country is not listed below, please contact us and a member of our team will be happy to assist you: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/contact-international-team/ https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/country-specific-information/
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
The tuition fees for 2027 are yet to be confirmed.
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