Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: £9,535 per year
International/EU: £17,155 per year (£1,200 for placement year) -
How long will I study?
4 / 5 Years
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Where will I study?
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What are the entry requirements?
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What is the UCAS code?
BB07
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When do I start?
September 2025
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Placement year available?
Yes
Course summary
- Work in active research groups, performing cutting edge science.
- Be a physicist from day one - apply fundamental principles of physics to solve complex real-world problems.
- Explore novel questions, not just solve established ones, shaping you into a visionary physicist.
- Be mentored and supported by award-winning teaching staff.
Our Master's in physics focuses on the fusion of theory and hands-on practice, equipping you to continue your passion beyond your undergraduate studies.
This course offers an exceptional learning experience on a consistently top-rated physics program for student satisfaction. You will benefit from studying in small, close-knit groups, fostering a supportive environment conducive to active engagement and personalised attention. A distinctive feature of this course is the opportunity to collaborate with industry partners on real-world physics and technology projects, providing you with valuable hands-on experience and industry exposure. By enrolling in this applied physics program, you can expect a rewarding and enriching educational journey that combines academic excellence, practical projects, and strong industry connections.
Come to an open day
Find out more at our postgraduate open days. Book now for your place.
How you learn
At Sheffield Hallam University, our physics course offers students a comprehensive education that applies knowledge to real-world scenarios. Our teaching and learning approach is closely linked to ongoing research and industry practices, ensuring students receive up-to-date and relevant instruction. Throughout the course, students will have access to a range of support services tailored to each level of their studies.
Students are taught through a variety of engaging methods, including:
- Lectures delivered by experienced academics and industry professionals
- Practical laboratory sessions for hands-on experimentation and data analysis
- Group discussions to encourage collaborative learning
- Project-based assignments that mirror real-world physics and technology challenges
- Field trips and site visits to industry partners for practical application of concepts
Key Themes
The physics course covers a wide range of key themes and core modules, including:
- Quantum physics and atomic structure
- Astrophysics and cosmology
- Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics
- Classical mechanics and electromagnetism
- Materials science and nanotechnology
- Advanced computational physics
Course Level Support
You will be supported in your learning journey towards highly-skilled, graduate-level employment. This includes:
- Access to specialist support services to help with your personal, academic and career development.
- Access to our Skills Centre with one-on-ones, webinars, and online resources, where you can get help with planning and structuring your assignments.
Course leaders and tutors
Alex Crombie
Lecturer in PhysicsAlex Crombie MPhys, MInstP holds degrees in physics and electronics. He teaches Professional Practice across all three years of the Physics course, along with Optics … Read more
Applied learning
Work Placements
Our physics course offers students the chance to undertake work placements. This invaluable experience allows students to apply their knowledge in a professional setting.
You’ll have the opportunity to arrange a year-long work placement in between your second and third years. This gives you valuable work experience to prepare you for your future career and allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV.
Your course is designed to give you the knowledge, confidence and readiness to secure and succeed in your placement. To complement this, you have access to various support activities, resources, employer events and opportunities from your Careers & Employability Team to ensure you make the most of your work experience opportunities during your degree.
Live Projects
Students collaborate on live projects that involve real-world physics challenges. These projects are provided in partnership with industry.
Networking Opportunities
We create networking events and platforms where students can connect with professionals in the field of physics. These opportunities enable students to expand their professional network and explore potential career paths.
We organise field trips to relevant sites and facilities, allowing students to see physics in action and understand its practical applications.
Guest speakers from industry and academia deliver engaging lectures, sharing their knowledge and expertise with our students.
We encourage our students to participate in physics-related competitions, both within the university and externally.
Sheffield Hallam University has strong connections with industry partners, which significantly benefit our students. We believe that these industry links play a vital role in equipping our physics students with the skills, knowledge, and connections necessary for successful careers in their chosen fields.
Future careers
A physics degree prepares you for a wide range of rewarding careers where analytical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific expertise are highly valued. Some potential career paths for physics graduates include:
- Research Scientist
- Data Analyst
- Aerospace Engineer
- Medical Physicist
- Renewable Energy Specialist
- Financial Analyst
- Science Writer/Communicator
- Patent Examiner
- Technology Consultant
- Academic Researcher
The versatility of a physics degree opens doors to various industries and provides a solid foundation for pursuing diverse career opportunities.
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
On a physics degree course, you will have access to state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities that support your practical exploration and understanding of the subject. Our department provides a dynamic and collaborative learning environment with modern laboratories and specialised equipment.
Key facilities and equipment available on the course include:
- Fully equipped physics laboratories for conducting experiments and investigations
- Advanced optical and electronic equipment for data collection and analysis
- High-performance computing facilities for simulations and modelling
- Specialised software for data processing and theoretical calculations
- Access to industry-standard software used in scientific research and analysis
- Dedicated research spaces for independent and group projects
- Well-stocked libraries and online resources for extensive scientific literature
These facilities and resources ensure that you have the necessary tools and environment to engage in hands-on experimentation, computational modelling, and theoretical exploration, enhancing your learning experience and preparing you for a successful career in physics.
Entry requirements
All students
UCAS points
- 128-136
This must include at least 80 UCAS points from Physics and Mathematics A levels (with a minimum grade B in both), or equivalent. For example:
- ABB-AAB at A Level including Physics and Mathematics.
- DDD in BTEC Extended Diploma in a relevant subject.
- Distinction overall from a T level qualification.
- A combination of qualifications which must include Physics and Mathematics and may include AS levels and EPQ
You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.
GCSE
- English Language at grade C or 4
- Maths at grade C or 4
GCSE equivalents
- Level 2 Literacy or Functional Skills Level 2 English
- Level 2 Numeracy or Functional Skills Level 2 Maths
• Foundation - pass from the preparatory year of our Extended Degree Programme Engineering and Mathematics, depending on academic performance
• Access - an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 18 level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above, from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate.
If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
We will consider applicants who have studied other areas individually. Please contact us for more information.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page. .
You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
Bridging The Gap From Classical To Quantum Physics
Exploring The Building Blocks Of Matter - Particle, Nuclear, And Atomic Physics
Physics In Practice - Skills For Real-World Applications
The Physics Of Stars And Beyond - Exploring The Universe
Year 2
Compulsory modules
Exploring The Cosmos Through Mechanics, Relativity, And Astrophysics
Harnessing Quantum And Computational Physics For Discovery
How To Predict The Future - Thermodynamics And Statistical Physics
Physics Unleashed - Mastering Real-World Applications
Year 3
Optional modules
Placement Year
Year 4
Compulsory modules
Developing Further Advanced Topics In Physics And Its Applications
Discovering Advanced Topics In Physics And Its Applications
Project: Implementation
Project: Management And Scoping
Final year
Compulsory modules
Industrial Group Project
Project And Dissertation
Research Frontiers In Mathematics, Physics And Statistics
Research Methodology And Practice
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students on full-time undergraduate courses in 2025/26 is £9,535 per year (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year). These fees are regulated by the UK government and therefore subject to change in future years.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £17,155 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.
Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for School of Engineering and Built EnvironmentLegal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
