Physics (Placement Year) Lancaster University

Physics is an exciting subject that underpins modern technological developments and the world around us. At Lancaster, you’ll join a world-leading and internationally recognised research community that is passionate about teaching the next-generation of physicists. Our courses combine fundamental topics, like electromagnetism and Newtonian mechanics, with cutting-edge topics like quantum technology, matter at ultra-low temperatures, and understanding sub-atomic particles like the Higgs Boson. With many opportunities to develop hands-on experimental and data analysis skills, you’ll be in high demand for a huge range of graduate careers, from working in clean energy to systems engineering, modelling climate change, software development, or further physics research.

What to expect

Our four-year BSc Hons Physics (Placement Year) degree starts with a first year that is common across all our single-honours physics degrees as we teach the fundamentals to provide you with a solid foundation for Years 2 and beyond. You may discover that your interests change throughout the year, and you have the flexibility to switch to any other of our degree schemes until the end of Year 1. Core topics include mechanics, quantum physics, thermodynamics, and electricity and magnetic fields. It’s so much more than lectures and workshops; you’ll spend time gaining hands on experience with experimental physics in our state-of-the-art labs.

As you progress into Years 2 and beyond, you will delve deeper into key physics concepts, such as relativity, particle physics, waves, optics and the properties of matter. You can choose modules tailored towards your interests, enabling you to explore the frontiers of physics research from our expert lecturers.

Your placement

In Year 3, you will undertake a placement that will enable you to apply the knowledge and skills learnt so far and gain invaluable experience that will then inform your studies in Year 4 and your career beyond.

Although it’s up to you to find your placement, we will support you all the way. Our Careers Service will provide guidance on CVs, applications, interview techniques and creating a digital profile.

Research and group projects

An important and exciting part of your degree is the opportunity to take part in a group project. You can choose a physics project working alongside one of our expert researchers, or an industrial project working with a business on a real-world problem.

Here are some examples of recent projects:

Industrial Group Project

• Space-based solar power

• Testing recycled plastics for industrial applications

• Tracking drones using audio signals

Physics Group Project

• Quantum cryptography

• Analysing open data from the Large Hadron Collider

• Superconducting quantum interference devices

• Laser trapping

Personal development

You will develop valuable transferable skills that make you highly desirable to future employers. Through working in collaboration, delivering presentations, communicating your research results, using modern computer programs and taking part in experiments, you will grow skills in analytical thinking, logic, reasoning, communication and digital proficiency. With a year’s experience added to your CV, you will be a standout graduate.

Before graduation, you will have the fantastic opportunity to showcase your transferable skills toolkit at the Physics at Lancaster Annual Conference and Exhibition (PLACE).

Entry requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. This section will tell you whether you need qualifications in specific subjects, what our English language requirements are, and if there are any extra requirements such as attending an interview or submitting a portfolio.

A levels

AAA. This should include Mathematics grade A and Physics grade A.

Access to HE Diploma

Generally not accepted

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDD considered alongside A level Mathematics grade A and A level Physics grade A

BTEC in combination with A levels

A level Mathematics grade A plus A level Physics grade A plus BTEC at D

International Baccalaureate

36 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects including 6 in Mathematics HL (either analysis and approaches or applications and interpretations) and Physics HL

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a specific subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject. If you do not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone, we will consider a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.

T levels

Not accepted

GCSE requirements

English Language grade 4/C.

We will also look at your overall GCSE profile when considering your application as a whole.

We do have flexibility when considering GCSE requirements. Go to our GCSE information for more details.

Additional requirements

You may be asked to attend an interview

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component for this programme. English language qualifications for undergraduate study.