University of Leicester

What you'll study

This integrated masters builds a broad foundation in classical and modern physics while progressively introducing data-science methods applied to physical problems. Early years focus on core topics such as mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics and experimental laboratory skills. As you progress you will study advanced subjects including condensed matter, statistical mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics, and astrophysics.

• Computational and data-science modules: numerical methods for physicists, scientific programming (typically using Python and C/C++), statistical inference, machine learning for physical datasets, data visualisation, and high-performance computing.
• Laboratory and project work: practical laboratory courses teaching measurement, uncertainty analysis and instrumentation, together with team-based projects that integrate experimental, computational and data-analytic approaches.
• Final-year masters elements: a substantial individual research project or dissertation at masters level supervised by academic staff; optional specialist modules allow deeper study in topics such as computational astrophysics, data assimilation, particle physics analysis or applied statistical methods.

The programme emphasises transferable skills: coding, reproducible research, data management, and presentation of quantitative results. You will also have opportunities to work with real experimental or observational datasets and to use the university's computing facilities and research groups for project work.

Entry requirements

Admission typically requires strong attainment in mathematics and physics from prior study. Applicants who apply straight from school are expected to have high grades in A-levels (or equivalent) with mathematics and physics as principal subjects. Applicants holding an undergraduate degree in physics, applied physics or a closely related physical science are normally expected to hold a good honours degree.

International qualifications and other recognised equivalents are considered; applicants whose first language is not English will need to meet the university's English language requirement. Admissions decisions also consider references, personal statement and any relevant practical or programming experience.

Career prospects

Graduates combine strong physics knowledge with practical data-science and computational skills valued across many sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Research roles in academic or government laboratories (often followed by PhD study).
• Data scientist, data analyst or machine-learning engineer positions in finance, consultancy, technology and engineering firms.
• Scientific software development and high-performance computing roles.
• Careers in space and satellite science, remote sensing and instrumentation—areas well served by Leicester's research links.
• Roles in healthcare analytics, energy sector modelling, and risk analysis where quantitative and computational skills are essential.

The programme prepares you both for specialist scientific careers and for roles that require strong quantitative, programming and problem-solving ability. The university's careers service and research-active supervisors also support progression to PhD study.

Why study at University of Leicester

The University of Leicester has a long-established physics department with active research groups in astrophysics, space science, condensed matter and computational physics. Students benefit from access to research-led teaching, staff engaged in internationally collaborative projects and facilities for computational work and laboratory training.

Leicester is particularly known for its strengths in space and planetary science and for partnerships with industry and research centres, which create opportunities for project work and placements. The department offers supportive teaching, small-group practical sessions and access to high-performance computing resources—important for data-intensive physics research. Combined with university careers support and a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration, this makes the MPhys Physics with Data Science a strong preparation for research and a broad range of technical careers.