Durham University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework.These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
Durham is one of the leading physics and astronomy departments in the UK, enrolling around 170 students each year. The dedication to our teaching and research consistently puts us high up in all the league tables. While studying here you will benefit from the buzz and creative environment of a large research department and join a dynamic and focused intellectual community. Our research ranges from fundamental elementary particle physics and cosmology to more applied topics in which we collaborate closely with industry. We offer degrees in Physics, Physics and Astronomy, and Theoretical Physics, all of which are accredited by the Institute of Physics. Our course structures have been designed to provide flexibility in your final choice of degree course. The three-year BSc degree is aimed at those mainly interested in a degree in Physics as a preparation for a career not necessarily in the Physics area. Our four-year MPhys degrees will suit those looking for professional training leading to research in physics or a physics-related career. The first year of the BSc and MPhys degree courses in Physics, Physics and Astronomy, and Theoretical Physics is identical, and it is possible to select modules in your second year such that you need not make a firm choice of course until the end of the second year.
Modules
Year 1 Foundations of Physics 1 is the main lecture module in the first year and is complemented with a practical laboratory module, including an introduction to programming. Two mathematics modules are taken in the Department of Mathematical Sciences. There is a further module of choice, with Introduction to Astronomy proving to be very popular. Year 2 Core modules: Foundations of Physics 2A/2B Mathematical Methods in Physics Laboratory Skills and Electronics Additional topics also include Theoretical Physics 2 (the transition from classical to quantum mechanics), and Stars and Galaxies (an exploration of astrophysics), and Physics in Society. At the end of the year, you need to decide your degree title, choosing between: BSc Physics (F300) MPhys Physics (F301) MPhys Physics and Astronomy (FF3N) MPhys Theoretical Physics (F344) Year 3 Besides core courses in Foundations of Physics 3A/3B and Physics Problem Solving, (which includes a computing project), there is a wide choice of topics, for example: Planets and Cosmology Theoretical Physics Maths Workshop Physics into schools Team Project Laboratory Project A module taken in another department (subject to approval). Your options will have an emphasis on astrophysics. Year 4 A research-based project is undertaken in one of the Department’s wide range of research groups. Optional lecture course topics have included in the past: advanced and theoretical astrophysics (including general relativity and galaxy formation), biological and nanophysics, laser physics, advanced quantum physics and particle physics. Your options will have an emphasis on astrophysics.
How to apply
This course has limited vacancies, and is no longer accepting applications from some students. See the list below for where you normally live, to check if you’re eligible to apply.
EU
Wales
England
International
Scotland
Northern Ireland
Republic of Ireland
25Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- FF3N
- Institution code:
- D86
- Campus name:
- Durham City
- Campus code:
- O
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - A*A*A
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - D*D*D
Access to HE Diploma - Not accepted
Scottish Higher
Scottish Advanced Higher - AAA
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 38 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) - Not accepted
Extended Project - Not accepted
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H1, H1, H2, H2, H2
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D2, D2, D3
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - D*D*D
Our contextual offer for this programme is A level A*A including Mathematics and Physics and B (or equivalent). To find out if you’re eligible, please visit: www.dur.ac.uk/study/ug/apply/contextualoffers/
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
English language requirements
Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.
English language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250* | Year 1 |
| EU | £29500* | Year 1 |
| England | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250* | Year 1 |
| International | £29500* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE