About Physics, BSc (Hons) - at Keele University

From learning core physics principles to solving problems such as 'How likely is an asteroid to hit the Earth?', Physics at Keele explores dynamic topics across the full breadth of the subject to quench your curiosity about the physical world. With core professional, practical and employability skills embedded throughout the curriculum and opportunities to apply your learning to real-world physics challenges, you will graduate with a toolkit of skills to pursue a career across a wide-range of sectors. Course overview Physics is a fundamental, curiosity-driven subject with a huge variety of applications, playing a pivotal role across many areas of science and industry. From powering our world to advancing medicine and technology, physics is at the heart of innovation.

Our Physics programme at Keele is designed to provide you with a solid foundation in core physics concepts, graduate skills and attributes defined by the Institute of Physics (IoP) accreditation framework. You will have opportunities for individual advanced project work, collaborative learning, work and educational placements, and to explore frontier topics guided by our world-leading researchers - from real-world applications to “blue-skies” astrophysics. In your first year you will gain a solid grounding in the fundamentals of physics, including gravitation, relativity and matter, electricity, magnetism and waves. You will also begin to develop the skills and practical experience that underpin this programme, including computer programming with python, laboratory work, mathematical skills required to understand and analyse physical phenomena, and the arts of problem-solving and scientific writing.

Year two continues to build on your understanding of physics principles with exploration of optics, quantum mechanics and nuclear physics. You will further your laboratory, mathematics, computing and career skills by working on individual experiments and team investigations, building your CV and gaining important new applied mathematical skills. A specialist module in applied physics will explore new applications in breakthrough scientific areas and emerging industries, that may play a significant role in the 21st century. In your final year, you will undertake a substantial piece of meaningful research on a topic which aligns with your interests and career goals.

The research project provides the opportunity for you to pursue a self-directed, independent investigation of an experimental, computational or theoretical nature. With the guidance of a supervisor, you will plan, execute and report your results, including a presentation aimed at potential employers. You will further deepen your expertise through advanced modules in electromagnetism, solid-state physics, and quantum mechanics, while also enhancing your teamwork and project management skills by working on a group report that tackles a real-world issue, aimed at policy-makers. This programme has recently been refreshed, and the new structure is being reviewed by the IoP to ensure continued accreditation.

Industry-ready graduates Designed to provide you with the specialist skills you will need as a physicist, our Physics programme has core practical, academic and professional employability modules embedded throughout the curriculum. From hands-on practice in conducting physics experiments and learning computer programming, to dedicated career-focused sessions and innovative assessments, we will provide you with a strong foundation of key skills for your future career. Our experts Research-led teaching is at the heart of our programme. Our academic staff specialise in two main areas: astrophysics and condensed matter physics, with many performing internationally renowned work in the fields of exoplanets, stellar physics and star formation (both observational and theoretical), nearby galaxies, and the study of soft condensed matter like polymers, biological molecules and of novel two-dimensional materials.?

Our research specialisms feed into modules in the latter years of your degree and in your final year of study, you will have the opportunity to work on an individual student project, supervised by a member of academic staff. *We have compared the positivity ratings of all participating UK institutions using the NSS 2025 sector data to determine Keele's position relative to other broad-based universities (i.e. excluding specialist institutions and further education colleges). Physics ranked Top 10 in England (NSS 2025, broad-based universities)* Engage in hands-on activities and apply theory through exciting project work Explore frontier topics guided by our world-leading researchers Gain the problem-solving, experimental, programming and teamworking skills that are highly valued by employers in a broad range of sectors Undertake a research project and professional development activities in preparation for academic research and industry roles For more details, please see the course page on the Keele website.

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Entry requirements for this course

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