FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Choosing the right course is a big decision, and we want to ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed choice. Click on the plus signs below to learn more.

BSc

✅ 3 years + ✅ Go on to complete your Master’s Level Study ✅ You will often study the same modules as MPhys for the first two years ✅ Industrial experience opportunities available

MPhys

✅ 4 years + ✅ Integrated Masters ✅ Opens up opportunity for more in-depth and inter-disciplinary projects in fourth year ✅ Industrial experience opportunities available

CAN I TAKE A PLACEMENT YEAR? AND ARE THERE OTHER WAYS TO GAIN INDUSTRIAL EXPERIENCE?

Yes! Although we don’t have a formal “Physics with Industrial Experience” course, many of our students choose to complete a year in industry. That said, a placement year isn’t your only option to gain industrial experience during your degree. Many of our students make great use of our award-winning Careers Service and events and meet future employers for summer placements and graduate schemes this way.

VISIT OUR CAREERS SERVICE
Industrial placements let employers know that you not only excel in technical skill but have hands-on experience too. Though, it’s not just this boost in employability which makes placement courses so popular.
Students often enjoy being able to experience a role in the working world before graduation, reporting that this not only helps prepare them for the working world, but allows them to apply that extra knowledge to their learning when they return to university for their final year.

Our MPhys Physics with Study in Europe course offers the exciting opportunity to complete a year of study in Europe, with most students heading to Germany, France, Italy or Spain. Alongside your Physics studies, you'll receive language tuition to prepare for your year abroad.

This course is only offered as an MPhys as the year abroad is taken in your third year before returning to complete your integrated Master's in your fourth year.

We do not require an A-Level in the relevant European language at the point of application for this course. However, applicants applying to this course should have prior knowledge of the relevant European language, and must have a CEFR B2 Level qualification or equivalent upon the start of the placement in Year 3.

Course credits are our way of measuring up your modules.

Most of the course units you will study here at Manchester will be in multiples of 10 from first through to third year.

If you also complete a fourth year with us, this will rise to multiples of 15 - which is more in line with our MSc courses.

In each academic year, you will complete 120 credits, which is usually split equally over two semesters.

A Foundation Year is a year of study prior to the first year of your degree designed to equip you with all the skills you need for successful undergraduate study. Our Integrated Foundation Year courses guarantee you a place on your chosen degree programme, provided you successfully meet the specified progression criteria.

There are many reasons students may choose to complete a Foundation Year, including:

  • You have not studied the A-Level subjects required for the course
  • You do not expect to meet the minimum grade requirement for your course
  • You have studied qualifications other than A-Levels
  • You would like to enhance your academic skills before starting your degree

As a Foundation Year student, you will have the same student experience as any other undergraduate student. You can also choose to live in halls or commute to campus, just as you would do for the standard course duration.

CHECK OUT OUR FOUNDATION YEAR BROCHURE

"I chose to take a foundation year as it felt like a great transition from my A-Levels to university. It provided me with a good foundation for the later years of my study and provided me with a head start as well."

Contextual means that we consider your UCAS application in context which helps us to ensure everyone has a fair chance at getting a place. The data we consider is automatically provided on your UCAS form.

Specifically, we look at whether any of the following apply:

  • You live in an area of disadvantage or with low progression into higher education (UK students under the age of 21);
  • The school or college where you took/are taking your GCSEs/A-Level equivalent has performed below the national average over multiple years (UK students under the age of 21);
  • You have been looked after in care for more than three months;
  • You have refugee status.

If you meet any of the above, you may be eligible for contextual admissions and therefore could receive further consideration from admissions teams.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CONTEXTUAL ADMISSIONS

There are many things to consider when it comes to choosing the exact course, but only you can make the decision.

Within Physics and Astronomy, there are a few factors to take into account - including the level of qualification you would like to graduate with or if you would like to undertake a year of industrial experience.

Lucky for you, we've designed a quick quiz to help you decide on the previous page!

TAKE ME TO THE QUIZ