University of York

What you'll study

The programme builds from foundational topics in classical and quantum physics and mathematical methods to advanced, specialised subjects delivered at masters level. Throughout the course you will develop laboratory skills, data analysis and computational proficiency alongside conceptual understanding.

• Core foundations: mechanics, electromagnetism, waves and optics, thermal and statistical physics, and core quantum mechanics.
• Mathematical and computational methods: mathematical techniques for physicists, numerical methods, scientific programming and data analysis.
• Experimental skills: progressive laboratory modules in which you design experiments, use modern instrumentation and learn error analysis and report writing.
• Specialist topics: condensed matter and materials physics, particle and nuclear physics, atomic and molecular physics, photonics and optics, and astrophysics — with options allowing you to tailor studies to your interests.
• Research project: an extended individual research project carried out under academic supervision, giving experience in literature review, experimental or computational research and scientific communication.
• Industry placement: a supervised, assessed industry placement year with a host company or organisation. The placement provides hands-on experience of applying physics in a workplace, developing professional skills, and often contributes to project work on return to the final year.

Teaching is delivered through lectures, small-group tutorials, practical laboratory classes and project supervision. Assessment is a mix of exams, coursework, lab reports and project dissertations. In the final year you study advanced masters-level modules that emphasise current research directions and transferable skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have strong qualifications in mathematics and physics from an appropriate secondary education system. Typical successful applicants will hold high grades at A level (or equivalent), with mathematics and physics among the required subjects. The department also considers applicants presenting equivalent qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate, other international curricula, or relevant vocational qualifications.

Other entry routes include foundation programmes and mature student applications; applicants whose first language is not English will need to meet the university's English language requirements. Admissions decisions take account of predicted/achieved grades, reference letters, personal statement and any relevant experience.

Career prospects

Graduates from the MPhys Physics (Industry) leave with a combination of deep physics knowledge, practical laboratory and computational skills, and direct industrial experience. These attributes are valued by a wide range of employers.

• Industrial and engineering roles: positions in instrumentation, electronics, aerospace, energy and manufacturing.
• Research and development: technical roles in industrial R&D groups or progression to doctoral research in universities and national labs.
• Technology and data careers: roles in software development, data science, modelling and simulation.
• Finance and consultancy: quantitative and analytical roles that value problem solving and numerical skills.
• Education and public sector: teaching, science communication and technical posts in government or science organisations.

The placement year also helps build employer networks and often leads directly to graduate positions or continued collaboration between students and host organisations.

Why study at University of York

The University of York offers a research-led physics education with emphasis on both theory and experiment, small-group teaching and strong supervisory support for projects. The department hosts active research groups across condensed matter, particle and nuclear physics, astrophysics and soft matter, giving undergraduates opportunities to engage with current research.

Students benefit from well-equipped teaching laboratories, computing facilities and support for professional development. The industry placement option is supported by departmental staff and the university careers service, helping to identify appropriate hosts and to prepare for workplace transition. The combination of an integrated masters qualification and an assessed industrial experience makes this programme attractive for those aiming for technical leadership or further research training.