Physics with a Foundation Year BSc MPhys

Course description

This 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, the four year BSc Physics with a Foundation Year or five year MPhys Physics with a Foundation Year course is exactly the place to begin.

The foundation year gives you a broad spectrum of modules in chemistry, physics and mathematics. Complete this with an average mark of 60 or above, and you’re guaranteed entry into this or any physics degree.

Following your successful transition from the foundation year to one of our accredited physics degrees, you’ll focus on fundamental theories in level one, exploring topics such as heat, motion and quantum mechanics.

From the start of your degree you’ll gain hands-on experience in our specialist teaching lab, developing lab skills and learning how theories can be applied in the real world. You’ll also take part in programming classes, which will teach you skills that are valuable in a variety of graduate careers, ranging from data science to computer game design.

In level two, you’ll explore essential physics concepts in even more detail. You’ll also have the flexibility to tailor your degree to your interests and career goals through a range of optional modules across areas such as particle physics, computer programming and astrophysics.

In level three, you’ll have the opportunity to branch out into a variety of areas with more in-depth optional modules on topics like dark matter, nuclear physics and semiconductor technologies. You’ll also get the chance to complete a research project, a Quantum Information Laboratory project, a physics education and outreach project, or work with an external partner on an industrial group project. Through your project, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience in an area of your choosing.

If you choose to transition to an MPhys, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your research skills through advanced study and a year-long research project in your final year. In addition to a range of optional modules, you’ll work with academic researchers who are experts in their field to investigate a real scientific question.

Alongside research experience, you’ll also gain time management, project planning and analysis skills, which are valuable for careers in research or industry.

Modules

Title: Physics with a Foundation Year MPhys or BSc course structure
UCAS code: F309
Years: 2025, 2026

Foundation year Year 1 onwards

Foundation year

Core modules:

Advanced Level Chemistry

The unit covers a selection of the major concepts from areas of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry in order to develop a sound basic knowledge of chemistry corresponding to the common core A level curriculum as preparation for successful studies in the Material Sciences and Chemical Engineering.

20 credits

Scientific and Laboratory Skills

This module will introduce:
1. Practical skills common to physics and broad based science and engineering themes. It will develop student practice in performing laboratory experiments using a range of measurement techniques, understanding errors, writing method statements, using appropraite graphing and statistical techniques, and drawing valid conclusions.
2. Communication skills in presenting information both formally and informally, verbal and written.
3. Group work and organisational skills needed to become a successful student.

20 credits

Further Foundation Mathematics

The syllabus for MPS001 covers important material which appears on the A level maths and further mathematics A Level curriculum. The module is for students who are taking MPS002 and need a deeper background in mathematics for their degree course. The module covers advanced principles of algebra, geometry and calculus.  Following the introduction of new material, students have the opportunity of extensive problem solving, both in the problem classes with tutors and in their own time.

10 credits

Foundations of Physics

This module provides students with the foundations of Physics required to enter the first year of a regular Physics or other scientific degree course, or an engineering course where detailed knowledge of Physics is needed. Understanding will be developed in 3 lectures per week over a full academic year. Problem solving and example classes are integrated into lectures. The following topics will be covered: Dynamics/Mechanics; Electricity and Magnetism; Thermal Physics; Oscillations, Waves, and Optics; Properties of Matter; Atomic and Nuclear Physics. The greatest advances in technology have taken place in the last hundred years. In 1897 few would have imagined that the probing of materials at the atomic level would reveal so much. These early discoveries of atomic constituents and their structure would pave the way for semi-conductor electronics, develop key concepts in physical laws, and offer a replacement energy source for fossil fuels in the form of nuclear power. This course summarises key discoveries in early particle physics and combines historical background with the detailed physics understanding needed to fully appreciate the subject. These full modules aim to provide a sound foundation in Physics in preparation for Level 1 Physics modules. It introduces (i) Properties of Matter, (ii) Oscillations, waves and optics and (iii) Atomic and Nuclear Physics. (i) Properties of Matter discusses structural, mechanical and electrical properties in terms of simple models. (ii) treats vibration and waves introducing the concepts of wavelength, frequency and wave speed. (iii) discusses the physics of the atom, including historical aspects, the electron, the photo-electric effect, Bohr's atomic model, nuclear structure and radioactivity.

30 credits

Optional modules:

A student will take 40 credits (one module) from this group.

Core Foundation Mathematics

The syllabus for MPS002 covers the common core A Level curriculum. The unit is tailored for students who have been away from mathematics for a period of time, but who will have gained some A-Level or similar qualifications. The unit covers the basic principles of algebra, geometry and calculus. Following the introduction of new material in the lectures, students have the opportunity of extensive problem solving, both in the tutorial sessions with the lecturers and in their own time.

40 credits

Foundation Core and Enhanced Mathematics

This module builds on the common core curriculum from A level maths (which is a prerequisite). This unit covers enhanced comprehension of topics in pure maths, statistics, probability, and numerical methods. These topics are chosen to further prepare students for their undergraduate studies in the science and engineering faculties.

40 credits

Learning and assessment

Assessment

You’ll be assessed in a variety of ways, including a portfolio of problem sets and lab work, as well as exams, essays, lab reports and presentations.

Entry requirements

Standard offer

The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
BBB
including Maths and/or Physics + pass in the practical element of any science A Levels taken

A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification

BBC including Maths and/or Physics + B in a relevant EPQ

International Baccalaureate

32 with 5 in Higher Level Maths or Physics

BTEC Extended Diploma

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

BTEC Diploma

DD + B at A Level in either Maths or Physics

Scottish Highers + 1 Advanced Higher

ABBBB + B in Maths or Physics

Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels

B + BB including Maths and/or Physics

Access to HE Diploma

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

Routes for mature students

Other requirements

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

Graduate careers

School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

You won’t be short of career options with a degree in physics from Sheffield. Our courses are designed to give you the skills that will help you succeed in your chosen career. Employers hire our graduates because of their ability to plan projects, work to deadlines, analyse data and solve complex problems, independently and as part of a team.

A physics degree from Sheffield can take you far, whatever you want to do. Whether you want a job that involves developing renewable energy technologies, improving medical treatments, creating quantum telecommunications systems or exploring outer space.

We have graduates putting their skills to use in computer programming, software engineering, data science, and research and development roles for companies such as BT, EDF energy, HSBC, IBM, Nissan, the NHS and the Civil Service.

Many of our graduates also choose to pursue a research career. Students who want to work as a physics researcher often do a PhD, which can lead to a career at a top university or a major international research facility such as CERN.

We are part of the White Rose Industrial Physics Academy (WRIPA), a partnership with other universities and technical industries. Our students benefit from collaborations with industrial partners through internships, year in industry placements, final-year projects and careers activities. WRIPA also organises the UK’s largest physics recruitment fair, where our students can meet potential employers.

School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

The School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences is leading the way with groundbreaking research and innovative teaching.

Our physics and astronomy researchers are focusing on some of the biggest questions in science, such as how to build a quantum computer, how to detect dark matter and how to distribute clean energy.

Our lecturers run experiments on the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, help to map the universe using the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes, and are working with the National Grid to help maximise the potential of solar energy.

Facilities

Physics and astronomy students are based in the Hicks Building, which has classrooms, lecture theatres, computer rooms and specialist undergraduate teaching laboratories.

We have telescopes and a solar technology testbed on the roof, and run a telescope at the Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes on La Palma in the Canary Islands.

We’re home to the UK’s first Quantum Information Laboratory, where students can study the fundamental science behind the next technological revolution.

We also have facilities for building super-resolution microscopes and analysing 2D materials.

Science and Engineering Foundation Year

University rankings

Student profiles

Fees and funding

Fees

Additional funding

The University of Sheffield’s Experience Sheffield Scholarships includes a number of scholarships that are guaranteed to go to students in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences.

School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences scholarships

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Offer holder days

If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.

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Science and Engineering Foundation Year