Physics with Nuclear Astrophysics MPhys - 2025/6

Awarding body

University of Surrey

Teaching institute

University of Surrey

Framework

FHEQ Level 7

Final award and programme/pathway title

MPhys Physics with Nuclear Astrophysics

Subsidiary award(s)

Award Title
BSc (Hons) Physics with Nuclear Astrophysics
Ord Physics with Nuclear Astrophysics
DipHE Physics with Nuclear Astrophysics
CertHE Physics with Nuclear Astrophysics

Professional recognition

Institute of Physics (IOP)
Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.

Modes of study

Route code Credits and ECTS Credits
Full-time UCK21002 480 credits and 240 ECTS credits

QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)

Physics, astronomy and astrophysics

Other internal and / or external reference points

N/A

Faculty and Department / School

Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences - Mathematics & Physics

Programme Leader

REGAN Patrick (Maths & Phys)

Date of production/revision of spec

09/12/2024

Educational aims of the programme

  • Develop students' base of knowledge, understanding and practical/computing skills, plus their mathematical, conceptual, communication and problem-solving skills, so as to prepare them for employment or further study with the expertise expected of a physicist
  • Allow students flexibility in studying specialist subjects in areas of physics or in other areas of interest that are related to likely professional pathways for physics graduates
  • Provide specialist knowledge and develop understanding in Nuclear Astrophysics
  • Count towards qualifying graduates for MlnstP and Chartered Physicist status with the loP
  • Provide specialist knowledge and develop understanding in Nuclear Astrophysics

Programme learning outcomes

Attributes Developed Awards Ref.
Physics Fundamentals: electromagnetism, quantum + classical mechanics, thermodynamics, wave phenomena, properties of matter K CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Mathematical methods and concepts appropriate to the description of physics and physics problems K CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Specialised topics within physics in a broad coverage of specialised topics K Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Scientific method as demonstrated by development of theories and planning of experiments K Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Practical methods for performing and analysing experiments K CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Appropriate IT + computer programming methods K CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Advanced knowledge and understanding of a particular research project K BSc (Hons), MPhys
Conceptualise practical and abstract problems in physics and related areas C CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Identify relevant principles in physics problems C CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Formulate mathematical methods of description, solution of problems in physics and related areas C CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Cognise numerical data C CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Interpret data taking into account possible incompleteness, experimental and statistical error C CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Use existing qualitative and/or good understanding of physical theories to assimilate new theories and information C DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Formulate suitable methods of presentation of data to communicate results effectively C CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Develop combined independent and team research group working skills C CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Plan + execute an experimental investigation P CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Analyse numerical results of an experiment or investigation and evaluate and interpret experimental errors and significance P CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Competently and effectively present numerical and graphical data, including use of appropriate computer packages P CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Clearly and accurately communicate results, including report writing P CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Plan and undertake an individual project and access relevant literature P Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Show sound familiarity with basic physics apparatus P CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Show understanding and use of advanced techniques (e.g. apparatus use, programming, mathematics) relevant to the particular MPhys placement P Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Formulate problems into soluble form T CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Solve problems with well-defined solutions T CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys
Solve open-ended problems T DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons), MPhys

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Programme structure

Full-time

This Integrated Master-s Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over four academic years, consisting of 480 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5, 6, 7). This programme included an integrated research year. All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Bachelor-s Degree (Honours) (360 credits)
- Bachelor-s Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)

Programme Adjustments (if applicable)

N/A

Modules

Year 3 (Semester 1) - FHEQ Level 6

Module Selection for Year 3 (Semester 1) - FHEQ Level 6

Students choose 2 optional modules in Semester 1

Year 3 (Semester 2) - FHEQ Level 6

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
PHY3062 RESEARCH YEAR INTERIM DISSERTATION Compulsory 60 2

Module Selection for Year 3 (Semester 2) - FHEQ Level 6

N/A

Year 4 (Semester 1) - FHEQ Level 7

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
PHYM051 RESEARCH YEAR DISSERTATION Compulsory 60 1

Module Selection for Year 4 (Semester 1) - FHEQ Level 7

N/A

Year 4 (Semester 2) - FHEQ Level 7

Module Selection for Year 4 (Semester 2) - FHEQ Level 7

Students choose 2 of the optional modules in Semester 2

Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity

Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics Y
Professional Training Year (PTY) N
Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) Y Yes
Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) N
Study exchange (Level 5) Y
Dual degree N

Other information

Our programmes are aligned to the University of Surrey¿s Five Pillars of Curriculum Design, namely: Global and Cultural Capabilities; Employability; Digital Capabilities; Resourcefulness and Resilience, and Sustainability.

Global and Cultural Capabilities: Students engage with physical concepts and technological advancements that are of benefit to society worldwide. This technological progress addresses issues such as access to clean energy, healthcare, communication, and transportation, thereby benefitting different cultures globally. Students engage with scientific outreach in both core modules early in the programme and optional modules in later years, this enables our graduates to promote scientific literacy. In addition, this programme includes Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) workshops which aim to increase awareness of cultural, religious, or racial differences while delivering information about how a person can change their behavior to be more inclusive. Through this training, students are encouraged to diversify their knowledge and reflect upon their experiences as a physicist and in education. Through this we seek to prepare our graduates for work in large and diverse teams in their future careers.

Employability: Our programmes provide students with a blend of valuable scientific and mathematical expertise, problem-solving abilities, presentational skills, and other transferable skills sought by employers. These advanced skills are highly valued in sectors such as finance, engineering, data science, and technology. Students learn to apply concepts using industry-standard coding languages, such as Python, and students develop skills in communicating complex ideas clearly both through scientific writing and orally. The capacity to analyse and resolve complex problems through physical and mathematical reasoning, critical thinking, and logical deduction carries universal significance and is highly valued by employers. Finally, the principles and methodologies of our physics programmes are applicable across a diverse range of industries. Knowledge of physics can lead to careers in fields including healthcare (Medical Physics), environmental science, energy, finance, and the emerging quantum computing industry. Our range of optional modules exposes students to ideas in these areas and provides valuable experience for future employment.


Digital Capabilities: By integrating digital tools, programming skills, and data analysis techniques into the curriculum, our programmes equip students to employ physical and mathematical knowledge in a digital context, fostering the digital acumen essential for success in today's technology-driven world. Computer modelling and simulation are a key component of our programmes in order to understand and describe physical phenomena and require the use of computational languages such as Python. Students utilise advanced laboratory equipment and technology gaining hands-on experience with sophisticated instruments which helps with understanding how to operate and leverage technological tools effectively. Experiments and simulations in physics generate vast amounts of data and students learn statistical methods and data analysis techniques to interpret results. Such skills are transferable to various fields where data-driven decision-making is essential, such as data science, machine learning and artificial intelligence. While studying on our programmes students also engage with various digital learning tools and our virtual learning environment thus learning to collaborate effectively in a technologically advanced work environment.


Resourcefulness and Resilience: Physics involves tacking complex problems that sometimes lack straightforward solutions. Our programmes provide a learning journey whereby increasing complex ideas and problems are developed and explored which cultivates adaptability and innovation in the face of challenges. Frequent exposure to challenging problems, tackled both individually and in groups, encourages students to develop resourcefulness and resilience by exploring innovative approaches and thinking critically. The complex ideas and theories that students engage with on our programmes help students to further develop their resourcefulness by learning to break down these problems into manageable parts which can be tackled step-by-step. In addition, the need to make connections to other disciplines encourages students to broaden their skill sets and develop resourcefulness in applying interdisciplinary approaches to problem solving. Our students are, therefore, equipped with the general skills of resourcefulness and resilience which are applicable in all roles in society.

Sustainability: By studying physics our graduates can contribute to the development of technologies, systems and solutions that promote sustainability. Physics contributes to a deeper understanding of natural phenomena, leading to advancements that can address challenges related to energy, climate change, resource management and environmental conservation. By employing mathematical and computational modelling, data analysis, and optimization techniques, students learn to assess environmental and economic systems for informed decisions promoting sustainability.

Quality assurance

The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:

https://www.surrey.ac.uk/quality-enhancement-standards

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2025/6 academic year.