Physics MPhys - 2028/9
Awarding body
University of Surrey
Teaching institute
University of Surrey
Framework
FHEQ Levels 6 and 7
Final award and programme/pathway title
MPhys Physics
Subsidiary award(s)
| Award | Title |
|---|---|
| Ord | Physics |
| BSc (Hons) | Physics |
| DipHE | Physics |
| CertHE | Physics |
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 | UCK21001 | 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
MORRISON Lisa (Maths & Phys)
Date of production/revision of spec
15/10/2026
Educational aims of the programme
- To provide a range of physics-based degree pathways, matched to the needs of industry and society and to the aspirations of students.
- 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, with sufficient experience of working in a research environment at an appropriate level to begin PhD level study upon completion of the programme.
- 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.
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, through dedicated modules on nuclear physics, astrophysics, and their interface | K | BSc (Hons), MPhys | |
| Scientific method as demonstrated by development of theories and planning of experiments | K | CertHE, DipHE, 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 | |
| Formulate mathematical models for computer descriptions of physical phenomena | 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) | |
| 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 | 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 | 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 | |
| Undertake independent investigations | T | 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 includes 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 1 - FHEQ Level 4
| Module code | Module title | Status | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHY1033 | FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICS | Compulsory | 15 | 1 |
| PHY1034 | ESSENTIAL MATHEMATICS | Compulsory | 15 | 1 |
| PHY1035 | SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION SKILLS | Compulsory | 15 | 1 |
| PHY1036 | OSCILLATIONS AND WAVES | Compulsory | 15 | 1 |
| PHY1037 | THE UNIVERSE | Compulsory | 15 | 2 |
| PHY1038 | MATHEMATICAL AND COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS | Compulsory | 15 | 2 |
| PHY1039 | PROPERTIES OF MATTER | Compulsory | 15 | 2 |
| PHY1040 | ATOMS AND QUANTA | Compulsory | 15 | 2 |
Module Selection for Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4
N/A
Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
Module Selection for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
Students choose 1 of the optional modules in Semester 2
Year 3 (Semester 1) - FHEQ Level 6
| Module code | Module title | Status | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHY3054 | RESEARCH TECHNIQUES IN ASTRONOMY | Optional | 15 | 1 |
| PHY3064 | MODERN METHODS IN EXPERIMENT AND MODELLING | Optional | 15 | 1 |
| PHY3066 | FRONTIERS IN PHYSICS | Compulsory | 30 | 1 |
| PHY3067 | SUPERCONDUCTING QUANTUM PROCESSORS | Optional | 15 | 1 |
| PHY3073 | FINANCIAL METHODS AND QUANTUM OPTIMISATION | Optional | 15 | 1 |
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 code | Module title | Status | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHYM052 | EXPLOSIVE STELLAR PHENOMENA | Optional | 15 | 2 |
| PHYM053 | GENERAL RELATIVITY | Optional | 15 | 2 |
| PHYM051 | RESEARCH YEAR DISSERTATION | Compulsory | 60 | 1 |
| MATM063 | PRINCIPLES OF DATA SCIENCE | Optional | 15 | 2 |
| PHYM072 | ADVANCED QUANTUM MECHANICS | Optional | 15 | 2 |
| PHYM064 | NUCLEAR ENERGY AND APPLICATIONS | Optional | 15 | 2 |
| PHYM082 | QUANTUM MACHINE LEARNING | Optional | 15 | 2 |
Module Selection for Year 4 (Semester 2) - FHEQ Level 7
Students choose 4 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) | N | |
| Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) | N | |
| Study exchange (Level 5) | Y | |
| Dual degree | N |
Other information
The University of Surrey is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability, and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This programme is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, skills, and capabilities in the following areas:
Digital capabilities: Students use Python for modelling and simulation, advanced laboratory instruments for experiments, and statistical methods to interpret data. Digital learning tools and the virtual learning environment support collaboration. These skills transfer to data science, machine learning and AI.
Employability: Scientific and mathematical expertise, critical thinking and problem-solving prepare students for finance, engineering, data science and technology. Python, scientific writing and oral presentations develop transferable skills. Modules introduce applications in healthcare, environmental science, energy and quantum computing.
Global and cultural capabilities: Physics and technology address global needs in clean energy, healthcare, communication and transport. Scientific outreach promotes literacy. Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity workshops encourage reflection, awareness of differences and inclusive practice, preparing students for diverse teams.
Resourcefulness and resilience: Challenging individual and group problems develop adaptability, innovation and persistence. Students break complex ideas into manageable parts, explore alternative approaches and connect disciplines to broaden their problem-solving skills.
Sustainability: Physics supports technologies and solutions addressing energy, climate change, resource management and conservation. Mathematical and computational modelling, data analysis and optimisation help students assess environmental and economic systems and make informed sustainable decisions.
Quality assurance
The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:
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 2028/9 academic year.