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Kick start your career prospects with our MPhys course. The career-enhancing Physics degree at Aberystwyth University is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) and designed for you to fulfil your potential in a supportive learning environment.
Physics is one of the oldest academic disciplines, but one which makes significant contributions to modern society, with theoretical breakthroughs feeding into new sciences and fostering modern technologies.
The concepts of Physics form the basis of most scientific language and the subject finds its way into most modern science and technology, enhancing the scope for your future employment prospects.
Student Satisfaction and Employability Results
92% overall student satisfaction in the subject of Physics, 86% for the sector (NSS 2020).
93% of our graduates were in work or further study within 6 months, in line with the figure for Physical Science graduates nationally, also 93% (HESA 2018*)
Overview
Why study Physics at Aberystwyth?
On completion of this degree you will leave with a degree and MPhys qualification.
Enhance your employability with a Master's qualification and the opportunity to study or work for a year.
This course is accredited by the IOP (Institute of Physics).
Physics has been taught at Aberystwyth since its foundation and it continues to be an innovative learning experience for all.
You will be taught by experts in their field.
Our Researchers are involved in the current European Space Agency ExoMars 2020 Project and engineering low dimensional materials (i.e. graphene).
Our Staff
Department of Physics Lecturers are all qualified to PhD level and have a track record of research in their fields of specialisation.
Modules
Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.
* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh
Employability
What can I do with a physics degree?
?Our graduates have discovered career paths in:
Medical Physics
Radiation Protection
Research Science
Other graduates from our department have sought careers in:
Systems Development
Product Development
Technical Publishing
Meteorology
Employability is embedded across all of our teaching and ethics. We instil these skills to our students:
research and data analysis skills
enhanced mathematical and computational skills
effective problem-solving and creative thinking skills
ability to work independently
time-management and organisational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines
ability to express ideas and communicate information in a clear and structured manner, in both written and oral form
self-motivation and self-reliance
team-working, with the ability to discuss concepts in groups, accommodating different ideas and reaching agreement.
What work experience opportunities exist whilst studying??
Click?here?to find out about the various opportunities that our Aberystwyth University Careers team offer.?
Enhance your employability prospects with?GO Wales and YES?(Year in Employment Scheme) managed by our Careers department.?
Learning & Teaching
What will I learn?
The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the four?year degree scheme.
In your first year, you will explore:
classic and modern physics (algebra and calculus)
computational and experimental physics
quantum theory
dynamics
the principles of gravitational and electrostatic fields.
?In your second and third year you will discover:
thermal physics
quantum mechanics
experimental analogue electronics
data handling and statistics
instrumentation systems
semiconductor physics
optronics
condensed matter.
?In your final year you will study:
electromagnetic theory
quantum technology
advanced numerical methods.
You will also undertake a dissertation and an extended project.
In addition, you will take part in an intensive residential course, which includes sessions on planning a project, communication, self-management skills and structured group work on presenting and assessing projects.?
How will I be taught?
You will be taught through lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, practicals, individual and group-based project work.
You will be assessed through coursework, presentations, lab reports, lab diaries and examinations.
Further information:
You will be assigned a personal tutor throughout your degree course, who will help you with any problems or queries, whether these are academic-related or personal issues. You should feel free to contact them at any time for help and advice.
You will also have the opportunity to complete a Personal Development Plan (PDP) at Aberystwyth. This is a structured process of self-appraisal, reflection, and planning, which will enable you to chart your personal, academic and professional development throughout your time at university. By recording your academic performance, and highlighting the skills you already have and those you will need for future employability, the PDP portfolio will equip you with the necessary tools to plan effectively, develop successful approaches to study, and consider your future career options and aspirations.
Student Views
Physics F303 is a fantastic course filled with exciting topics ranging from optics to quantum mechanics with a heavy focus on experimental physics for the first 2 years. Generally the course attracts very friendly people who are easy to get on with and share common interests with you. By studying F303 you end up with a deeper insight into the world of physics, and it makes it much easier to carry on research at a PhD level. Scott Bush