Skip navigation

Physics with a Foundation Year

  • MPhys (Hons)
  • 5 Years
  • Full-time
  • 28 September 2026
  • Undergraduate
Main Site
More about University of Sheffield

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
Apply

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 MPhys degree courses.

This MPhys Physics with a Foundation Year course will give you the skills and knowledge you’ll need for a successful career.

If you don't have the usual scientific or mathematical background for a physics degree, then our five-year MPhys 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 MPhys 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. From your third year, you’ll also have the freedom to choose from a variety of optional modules.

In your final year, you’ll develop your advanced research skills through a year-long research project. You’ll work with academic researchers who are experts in their field to investigate a real scientific question, developing skills that are valuable in a variety of graduate careers across research or industry.

Why study this course?

  • 1st in the Russell Group for learning opportunities and learning resources in physics - National Student Survey 2025

  • 1st in the UK for the quality of physics research - Research Excellence Framework 2021.

This course is available in Clearing. If you have submitted an application, you can add this course. If you haven’t sent us an application yet, you can do this until 24th September 2026.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • MPhys (Hons) • Full-time • 5 Years

Start dates

  • 28 September 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:
F309
Institution code:
S18
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Foundation

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
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:
F309
Institution code:
S18
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

A level
BBB

including Maths and/or Physics + pass in the practical element of any science A Levels taken

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

in Engineering or Applied Science, including Maths and/or Physics modules

Access to HE Diploma
D: 24 credits M: 21 credits P: 0 credits

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

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

Scottish Advanced Higher
B

in Maths or Physics + ABBBB in Scottish Highers

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
31 - 32 points

32, with 5 in HL Maths or Physics; 31, with 5 in HL Maths or Physics, and B in a Physics-based Extended Essay

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3

including Maths and/or Physics

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE Maths and Physics (or combined science) at grade 6/B

To find out if you're eligible for additional consideration or an alternative offer, visit: ww.sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/apply/access-sheffield

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

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 qualification

English language requirements for undergraduateshttps://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.

Learn more on the University of Sheffield website

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.

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 2026 entry have not been confirmed. Please use 2025-26 information as a guide.

Related courses

At University of Sheffield

Like this page