Physics (Placement Year)

Physics is an exciting subject that underpins modern technological developments and the world around us. At Lancaster, you’ll join a world-leading and internationally recognised research community that is passionate about teaching the next-generation of physicists. Our courses combine fundamental topics, like electromagnetism and Newtonian mechanics, with cutting-edge topics like quantum technology, matter at ultra-low temperatures, and understanding sub-atomic particles like the Higgs Boson. With many opportunities to develop hands-on experimental and data analysis skills, you’ll be in high demand for a huge range of graduate careers, from working in clean energy to systems engineering, modelling climate change, software development, or further physics research.

What to expect

Our five-year MPhys Hons Physics (Placement Year) degree starts with a first year that is common across all our single-honours physics degrees as we teach the fundamentals to provide you with a solid foundation for Years 2 and beyond. You may discover that your interests change throughout the year, and you have the flexibility to switch to any other of our degree schemes until the end of Year 1. Core topics include mechanics, quantum physics, thermodynamics, and electricity and magnetic fields. It’s so much more than lectures and workshops; you’ll spend time gaining hands on experience with experimental physics in our state-of-the-art labs.

As you progress into Years 2 and beyond, you will delve deeper into key physics concepts, such as relativity, particle physics, waves, optics and the properties of matter. You can choose modules tailored towards your interests, enabling you to explore the frontiers of physics research from our expert lecturers.

Your placement

In Year 4, you will undertake a placement that will enable you to apply the knowledge and skills learnt so far and gain invaluable experience that will then inform your studies in Year 5 and your career beyond.

Although it’s up to you to find your placement, we will support you all the way. Our Careers Service will provide guidance on CVs, applications, interview techniques and creating a digital profile.

Research and group projects

An important and exciting part of your degree is the opportunity to take part in a group project. You can choose a physics project working alongside one of our expert researchers, or an industrial project working with a business on a real-world problem.

Here are some examples of recent projects:

• Space-based solar power

• Testing recycled plastics for industrial applications

• Tracking drones using audio signals

• Quantum cryptography

• Superconducting quantum interference devices

• Laser trapping

Master’s-level training

You can advance your degree in Year 5 by studying Master’s-level modules and conducting a significant, individually supervised research project. This is a great opportunity to build your CV and is a gateway to future research opportunities too.

Examples of recent final year projects include:

• The investigation of topological defects in rhombohedral graphite

• Energy-efficient electronics for cryogenic applications

• Authentication using defective quantum materials

• Quantum engineering of energy-efficient molecular materials

• Rare kaon and pion decays at the NA62 experiment at CERN

• Neutrino interaction reconstruction at the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment

Personal development

Through working in collaboration, delivering presentations, communicating your research results, using modern computer programs and taking part in experiments, you will grow skills in analytical thinking, logic, reasoning, communication and digital proficiency. With a year’s experience added to your CV, you will be a standout graduate.

Before graduation, you will have the fantastic opportunity to showcase your transferable skills toolkit at the Physics at Lancaster Annual Conference and Exhibition (PLACE).