
Physics with Medical Physics BSc
Department of Physics and Astronomy
You are viewing this course for 2021-22 entry.
Key details
- A Levels AAB
Other entry requirements - UCAS code F350
- 3 years / Full-time
- Accredited
- Find out the course fee
Course description
This course focuses on the application of physics to clinical medicine. You'll gain a broad and fundamental understanding of physics while developing particular expertise in medical applications.
You'll learn about the human body, its anatomy, physiology and biochemistry, exploring its performance as a physical machine. Other topics include the physics of the senses.
You'll also study diagnostic and therapeutic applications like the ECG, radiation physics, X-ray technology, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging.
Medical physics modules are taught by the Department of Cardiovascular Science. Your learning will have strong roots in the NHS, where the department provides day-to-day clinical services.
If you want to study physics, but don't meet the entry requirements to go straight into the first year, our Physics with a Foundation Year could be for you. After successfully completing the one-year programme, you'll progress onto the first year of your chosen degree.
Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
Modules
The modules listed below are examples from the last academic year. There may be some changes before you start your course. For the very latest module information, check with the department directly.
Choose a year to see modules for a level of study:
UCAS code: F350
Years: 2021
Core modules:
- Motion and Heat
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This module introduces and applies the key concepts of motion and heat: force, equations of motion, phase space, determinism and free will, symmetry and conservation laws, waves and oscillations, coherence and classical frequency-time uncertainty, the laws of thermodynamics, thermal equilibrium, entropy and the arrow of time. You will learn how physics problems relate to these fundamental concepts, and how those concepts are used to construct solutions. You will apply the key concepts to design experiments to test scientific hypotheses. You will develop your data analysis and communication skills and to use different sources of information in your learning. You will work independently and as part of a group, developing a wide variety of study skills that will prepare you for the rest of your degree programme.
25 credits - Physics of Living Systems 2
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The aim is to introduce biomechanical descriptions of the human body. We look at its structure and its performance as a physical machine. The structural characteristics of human bones and tissue are investigated, together with the mechanical functions of the skeleton and musculature. Simple fluid dynamic characteristics of the body are introduced, including descriptions of blood-flow in the arteries and veins and air-flow in the lungs.
10 credits - Fields and Quanta
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This module introduces the key concepts of fields and quanta: electric and magnetic fields, the behaviour of electric charges and currents, vectors and densities, potentials, quantum states and their evolution, the probabilistic nature of fundamental physical law, and the breakdown of classical physics. This module will teach you how physics problems relate to these fundamental concepts, and how those concepts are used to construct solutions.
25 credits - Introduction to Electric and Electronic Circuits
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This module introduces the concepts and analytical tools for predicting the behaviour of combinations of passive circuit elements, resistance, capacitance and inductance driven by ideal voltage and/or current sources which may be ac or dc sources. The ideas involved are important not only from the point of view of modelling real electronic circuits but also because many complicated processes in biology, medicine and mechanical engineering are themselves modelled by electric circuits. The passive ideas are extended to active electronic components; diodes, transistors and operational amplifiers and the circuits in which these devices are used. Transformers, magnetics and dc motors are also covered.
20 credits - Mathematics for Physicists and Astronomers
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This module provides the necessary level 1 mathematics for students taking physics and/or astronomy degrees. The following topics will be covered: basic algebra (functions, coordinate systems, algebraic manipulation etc), Taylor and binomial series, common functions of one variable, differentiation and integration techniques, basic complex numbers, first and second order differential equations, vector calculus, properties and applications of matrices and elementary probability theory.
30 credits
Optional modules:
- Introduction to Astrophysics
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One of four half-modules forming the Level-1 Astronomy course, PHY104 aims to equip students with a basic understanding of the important physical concepts and techniques involved in astronomy with an emphasis on how fundamental results can be derived from fairly simple observations. The course consists of four sections: (i) Basic Concepts, Fluxes, Temperatures and Magnitudes; (ii) Astronomical Spectroscopy; (iii) Gravitational Astrophysics. Parts (i),(ii) and (iii) each comprise some six lectures. The lectures are supported by problem classes and laboratory work.
10 credits - The Solar System
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One of four half-modules forming the Level-1 Astronomy course, PHY106 has five main sections. (i) provides a brief survey of the characteristics, composition and origin of the various planets, their satellites, the asteroids and comets and the motions and interactions of these bodies; (ii) discusses the internal structures of the planets, the Moon and other major bodies; (iii) is concerned with their surfaces and the processes that shape them, impacts, erosion, plate tectonics etc.; (iv) discusses planetary atmospheres and ionospheres, their origins and why they differ from one planet to another; (v) is concerned with planetary magnetism and its origins.
10 credits - Our Evolving Universe
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The course provides a general overview of astronomy suitable for those with no previous experience of the subject. The principal topics covered are (1) how we deduce useful physical parameters from observed quantities, (2) the structure and evolution of stars, (3) the structure of the Milky Way, and the classification, structure and evolution of galaxies in general, (4) an introduction to cosmology and (5) extrasolar plantets and an introduction to astrobiology. All topics are treated in a descriptive manner with minimal mathematics.
10 credits - Frontiers of Physics
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This pair of 10-credit modules aims to introduce research-inspired material into the level 1 physics curriculum. Each module includes three short courses on research-based topics taught by an academic who is actively involved in the research. The individual courses will be regularly reviewed to ensure that the material is up to date and includes current areas of investigation. The module aims to show that cutting-edge physics research is often underpinned by basic concepts covered in A level and 1st year physics courses.
10 credits - The Physics of Sustainable Energy
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The module will cover the physics of sustainable energy. It includes discussions framed by the book `Sustainable Energy without the Hot Air' by D MacKay and will cover current energy requirements and what energy could potentially be provided by the various forms of renewable energy. The course will commence with a discussion of the basic physics of energy, power and work and the conversion of energy from one form to another. We examine in detail the history of global energy useage and how we produce and use energy in the UK. We will then explore the impacts that this energy use has on the biosphere and climate and the public perception of such processes. The course will then focus on the energy contenet of objects and processes we take for granted and will then move on to means by which we can produce energy using renewable technologies, such as wind, wave, solar, biofuels etc. We will also examine nuclear (fusion and fission) energy and will discuss their principles and practical implementation. Finally, we will consider solutions to our energy needs, including transportation, energy conservation, carbon capture and geoengineering.
10 credits
Core modules:
- Tissue Structure and Function
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This course introduces students to the tissues of the human body. The principal tissues that make up the body will be described including the cells, proteins and other extracellular components that make up the tissue. The structure of the tissue will be discussed in detail, in particular how it relates to its specific function in a healthy human body. Basic anatomy - how tissues combine to create organs and where each organ can be found in the human body will be studied. Practical classes on human anatomy and histology will be used to demonstrate tissue structure. Finally, how tissue damage causes loss of function will be considered. This course should enable students to understand enough about human tissues so that they can progress to understanding how engineering techniques are used to support, monitor and repair damaged human tissues.
10 credits - Aspects of Medical Imaging and Technology
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This module provides an introduction to medical technology, with a particular bias towards ionising and non-ionising electromagnetic radiation and its diagnostic role in medicine. The module begins with the generation and behaviour of electromagnetic waves and the breadth of technological application across the electomagnetic spectrum. This extends from magnetic resonance imaging at low energies to high energy photons in X-ray systems. The importance of radiation in diagnosis is acknowledged by discussion of imaging theory and primary imaging modalities, such as planar radiography and CT. The therapeutic role is examined by a brief consideration of radiotherapy.
10 credits - Special Relativity & Subatomic Physics
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Special relativity is a key foundation of modern physics, particularly in the contexts of particle physics and astrophysics where E = mc2 and relativistic speeds are crucial concepts. In this module, the fundamental principles of special relativity will be explained, emphasising the energy-momentum four-vector and its applications to particle collisions and decays. Applications to nuclear physics include nuclear mass & binding energy, radioactive decay, and nuclear reactions. We will also cover the structure of the nucleus (liquid drop and shell model) and, building on first year quantum physics, the concept of isospin, ending with an introduction to the quark model.
10 credits - Biomedical Instrumentation
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This unit provides an overview of important topics in biomedical instrumentation. The module is designed around the measurement needs in hospital-based critical care monitoring and in particular how the instrumentation engineer can help the clinician to answer a specific but vital question: is tissue oxygen delivery adequate? This central clinical scenario is used as the basis upon which to describe a number of key topics in transducer design and signal processing. Key topics in electrocardiography and signal processing are illustrated via 2 hands-on lab sessions, whose continual assessment forms 10% of the overall module mark.
10 credits - Classical and Quantum Physics
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This module provides a foundation for advanced studies in physics by developing integrated skills and knowledge associated with the core topics of physics. These topics include quantum mechanics, classical physics, optics, thermal physics, electromagnetism and the properties of matter. Key mathematical methods are taught alongside the physics topics. Laboratory and computing skills are applied to the topics to reinforce key concepts, develop investigative, experimental and group working skills and develop a wide range of approaches to solving problems. The module also helps students place their physics knowledge and skills in a global context by providing opportunities to apply these attributes to external facing problems. These opportunities support the development of transferable skills such as group working, project management and information literacy.
70 credits - Physics with Labview
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The module will teach Labview software, and allow students to experiment with instrumentation and basic electronics. These skills will be useful in further years of study, particularly with regard to the Level 3 and 4 projects. These skills are also useful in future employment in both academic and industrial science and engineering where being able to develop laboratory instrumentation to solve experimental problems will be highly desirable.
10 credits
Core modules:
- Clinical Engineering and Computational Mechanics
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The complexity of the geometry and boundary conditions of structures within the body are such that the physical governing equations rarely have closed-form analytical solutions. This module describes some of the numerical techniques that can be used to explore physical systems, with illustrations from biomechanics, biofliuid mechanics, disease treatment and imaging processes. The primary technique that will be used is the finite element method, and the fundamental concepts behind this powerful technique will be described. The lectures will be supported by laboratory sessions in whch the student will apply commercial codes to investigate problems in the medical sphere.
10 credits - Particle Physics
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This Level 3 Physics half module introduces students to the exciting field of modern particle physics. It provides the mathematical tools of relativistic kinematics, enabling them to study interactions and decays and evaluate scattering form factors. Particles are classified as fermions - the constituents of matter (quarks and leptons) - or as bosons, the propagators of field. The four fundamental interactions are outlined. Three are studied in detail: Feynman diagrams are introduced to describe higher order quantum electrodynamics; weak interactions are discussed from beta decay to high energy electroweak unification; strong interactions, binding quarks into hadrons, are presented with the experimental evidence for colour. The role symmetry plays in the allowed particles and their interactions is emphasised.
10 credits - Atomic and Laser Physics
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This module covers the physics of atoms and lasers at an intermediate level. The course begins with the solution of the Schrodinger equation for the hydrogen atom and the atomic wave functions that emerge from it. It then covers atomic selection rules, spectral fine structure and the effects of external fields. The spectra of selected multi-electron atoms are described. The basic operation of the laser is then covered by introducing the concepts of stimulated emission and population inversion. The course concludes with a description of common lasers and their applications.
10 credits - Solid State Physics
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This is the final core solid state physics module. It covers the classification of solids into the three types - conductors, semiconductors and insulators, the free electron model, the origin of electronic band structure, the fundamental properties of conductors and semiconductors, carrier statistics, experimental techniques used to study carriers in a solid, the classification and physics of the principal types of magnetism.
10 credits - Modelling and Simulation of Natural Systems
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This unit will provide a practical introduction to techniques used for modelling and simulating dynamic natural systems. Many natural systems can be modelled appropriately using differential equations, or individual based methods. In this unit, students will explore and understand both modelling approaches. They will gain knowledge of the assumptions underlying these models, their limitations, and how they are derived. Students will learn how to use MATLAB to simulate and explore the dynamics of computational models, using a variety of examples drawn from both natural systems. Students should be aware that there are limited places available on this course.
10 credits - Nuclear Physics
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This half-module Level 3 Physics course aims to cover the general properties of nuclei, to examine the characteristics of the nuclear force, to introduce the principal models of the nucleus, to discuss radioactivity and interactions with matter, to study nuclear reactions, in particular fission, fusion and the bomb, and to develop problem solving skills in all these areas. The motivation is that nuclear processes play a fundamental role in the physical world, in the origin of the universe, in the creation of the chemical elements, as the energy source of the stars and in the basic constituents of matter - plus the best of all motives - curiosity.
10 credits - Medical Physics Research Project
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The aim of the medical physics project is to provide an opportunity for students to develop and apply their skills to a research problem. A range of projects are offered across the spectrum of physics and engineering applications, and many will address current medical or clinical needs. Students are encouraged to work in groups of two or three to develop team skills. In addition to creation of written reports, students will conclude the project with a viva involving formal presentation to graduate staff in the city hospitals.
20 credits - Problem Solving and Advanced Skills in Physics
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This half-module seeks to provide insight and support to the Level 3 Physics programme as a whole. Lectures and tutorials will build upon previous skills developed involving data analysis and errors, information retrieval and scientific writing. Problem classes are directed to impart a broad, coherent and critical grasp of the fundamentals of Physics. Students are encouraged to attempt unfamiliar problems, extract the essentials, and so obtain quick, rough but sound solutions. The module involves group work and is assessed by means of class tests and written examinations. The latter are designed to test basic concepts of Physics and the ability to apply them to unrehearsed situations.
10 credits
Optional modules - one from:
- Physics Level 3 Project 1
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The aim of this half module is to provide an opportunity for students to exercise and develop their skills and ability to undertake independent, albeit closely supervised, research in physics. A very wide selection of projects is provided, often arising from current research in the Department. Many are practical, others are essentially theoretical or interpretative or require the development of computer programmes designed to simulate a variety of physical phenomena. Most projects are collaborative and encourage students to work in pairs. Assessment is based on individual written reports and oral examinations. These provide exercise in presentational skills.
10 credits - Physics Level 3 Project 2
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The aim of this half module is to provide an opportunity for students to exercise and develop their skills and ability to undertake independent, albeit closely supervised, research in physics. A very wide selection of projects is provided, often arising from current research in the Department. Many are practical, others are essentially theoretical or interpretative or require the development of computer programmes designed to simulate a variety of physical phenomena. Most projects are collaborative and encourage students to work in pairs. Assessment is based on individual written reports and oral examinations. These provide exercise in presentational skills.
10 credits
Optional modules - two from:
- Programming in Python
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Teaching computer programming is a core aspect to our degree courses and is required by our accreditation body, the Institute of Physics. Python is a widely-available programming language that can be used to design powerful computer programmes suitable for scientific applications. In addition, Python is flexible, robust and is relatively easy to learn compared to other contemporary programming language. Python is also used widely in the computing industry and in research. The aim of this module is to teach the key elements of Python programming to enable students to design programs to perform tasks ranging from computational and numerical physics to data analysis and visualisation.
10 credits - Dark Matter and the Universe
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Dark matter, though still unidentified and not yet directly detected, is established as a major constituent of the universe according to modern cosmology. In this course, we will review the astrophysical and cosmological evidence for the existence of dark matter, critically assess the various candidates that have been put forward, and discuss direct detection methods for the two most popular candidates¿WIMPs and axions. The course has a multidisciplinary flavour combining work in astronomy, particle physics, solid state physics, detector technology and philosophy, encouraging development of skills in all these.
10 credits - The Physics of Soft Condensed Matter
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Soft condensed matter is a generic name for a class of materials that play a crucial role in technology as well as providing fascinating and timely scientific problems. These complex materials are typified by polymers, gels and colloidal dispersions, whose properties often seem intermediate between ordinary liquids and solids. Familiar examples from everyday life include plastics, soaps and detergents, foodstuffs, and indeed the material from which living organisms are constructed. Only relatively recently has it been realised that despite the complexity of these materials elegant and simple physical principles often underlie their behaviour; this course provides an introduction to these principles.
10 credits - Nuclear Astrophysics
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The aims of this Level 3 Astronomy module are:1) To examine the evidence for the present distribution of the chemical elements in the Universe.2) To study the various nuclear processes that have led to the evolution of these elemental abundances.3) To discuss the possible astrophysical sites where these elements are produced.
10 credits - Statistical Physics
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Statistical Physics is the derivation of the thermal properties of matter using the under-lying microscopic Hamiltonians. The aims of this course are to introduce the techniques of Statistical Mechanics, and to use them to describe a wide variety of phenomena from physics, chemistry and astronomy.
10 credits - Physics in an Enterprise Culture
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This is a seminar and workshop based course with a high level of student centred learning. The unit will introduce students to the methods and skills associated with the research/business management, planning, costing, intellectual property issues, patenting and marketing. It will broaden students understanding of the mechanics of project planning and research commercialisation. The course is divided into two main themes: Theme 1: Research proposal. Here, students have to make a reasoned case for a new and original piece of research. Students will form part of a series of small 'panel-meetings' to assess the strengths and weaknesses of work submitted by other students on the course. Theme 2: Business proposal. Here, students are expected to propose a new technological design, product, invention or service, and pitch the idea to a group of 'experts'.
10 credits - Further Quantum Mechanics
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This module builds on the quantum mechanics learned in the perquisites PHY250 and PHY251. The Heisenberg matrix formulation of the theory is developed from the Schrodinger wave picture. Approximately methods (perturbation theory and variational method) are derived and applied. Methods for solving time dependent problems are developed. Problems involving magnetic fields and spin are treated. Many particle wavefunctions for fermions and bosons are introduced.
10 credits - Semiconductor Physics and Technology
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This module builds on the core solid state physics modules to provide an introduction to semiconductor electronic and opto-electronic devices and modern developments in crystal growth to produce low dimensional semiconductor structures (quantum wells, wires and dots). Band structure engineering, the main physical properties and a number of applications of low dimensional semiconductor structures are covered.
10 credits
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption. We are no longer offering unrestricted module choice. If your course included unrestricted modules, your department will provide a list of modules from their own and other subject areas that you can choose from.
Learning and assessment
Learning
You'll learn through lectures, small group tutorials, programming classes, practical sessions in the lab and research projects.
Entry requirements
With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAB
including Maths and Physics
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
ABB
including Maths and Physics
A Levels + additional qualifications | ABB, including Maths and Physics + B in a relevant EPQ ABB, including Maths and Physics + B in a relevant EPQ
International Baccalaureate | 34, 6,5 in Higher Level Maths and Physics 33 with 5 in Higher Level Maths and Physics
BTEC | Not accepted Not accepted
Scottish Highers + 2 Advanced Highers | AAABB + AB in Maths and Physics AABBB + AB in Maths and Physics
Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels | B + AA in Maths and Physics B + AB in Maths and Physics
Access to HE Diploma | 60 credits overall in Science with Distinctions in 36 Level 3 credits (all in Mathematics and Physics), and Merits in 9 level 3 credits 60 credits overall in Science with Distinctions in 30 Level 3 credits (all in Mathematics and Physics), and Merits in 15 level 3 credits
Mature students - explore other routes for mature students
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
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Students must have passed the practical element of any science A Level taken.
We also accept a range of other UK qualifications and other EU/international qualifications.
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.
Department of Physics and Astronomy

Is time travel possible?
Are there habitable planets in other star systems?
Can we make a quantum computer?
Our courses explore the laws of the universe from subatomic particles to stars and galaxies. You'll join a community of researchers and students looking for answers to some of the biggest questions in the universe.
All our undergraduates get hands-on experience working alongside staff on real research projects. We host numerous general and specialist seminars by physicists from around the world.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy is based in the Hicks Building, which is next door to the Students' Union, and just down the road from the library facilities at the Information Commons and the Diamond. The School of Mathematics and Statistics is also based here.
Facilities
Our students are trained in newly refurbished teaching laboratories and can access a range of specialist technologies, from the telescopes on our roof to our state-of-the-art Quantum Information Laboratory.
In their final year, MPhys students are based in a specialist research laboratory where scientists are studying technologies such as 2D materials, photovoltaic devices and advanced microscopy tools.
Department of Physics and AstronomyWhy choose Sheffield?
The University of Sheffield
A Top 100 university 2021
QS World University Rankings
Top 10% of all UK universities
Research Excellence Framework 2014
No 1 Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2019, 2018, 2017
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Research Excellence Framework 2014
National Student Survey 2019
Graduate careers
Department of Physics and Astronomy
They are making an impact in many areas of society. Some are following careers in aerospace, telecommunications, teaching, defence and energy research. Others are achieving success in computing, accountancy and consultancy.
Organisations employing our graduates include Ernst & Young, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Toshiba, Museum of Science and Industry, Thales and the Home Office. Many of our graduates continue to PhD research and become research scientists in academia or industry.
Further information
MPhys or BSc?
Our BSc courses focus on core knowledge and skills. The MPhys courses have an additional element of research work experience and more opportunity to study topics in greater depth. If you plan to follow a career as a research scientist, an MPhys degree would be most appropriate.
A built-in insurance offer
If you firmly accept as your first choice an offer for our MPhys courses, but your A Level grades are AAB, you're guaranteed a place on the BSc.
Fees and funding
Fees
Additional costs
The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.
Funding your study
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.
Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.
Additional funding
Visit us
University open days
There are four open days every year, usually in June, July, September and October. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.
Taster days
At various times in the year we run online taster sessions to help Year 12 students experience what it is like to study at the University of Sheffield.
Applicant days
If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our applicant days, which take place between November and April. These applicant days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.
Campus tours
Campus tours run regularly throughout the year, at 1pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Apply for this course
Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.
How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
www.ucas.com
Contact us
Telephone: +44 114 222 4362
Email: physics.ucas@sheffield.ac.uk
The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.