Our degree programmes include a wide range of options, allowing you to develop your own particular interests.
All our MPhys and Single Honours BSc degrees are accredited by the Institute of Physics. Accredited MPhys degrees fully satisfy the educational requirements of the Chartered Physicist (CPhys) professional qualification.
Professor Tim Naylor on 'Why choose Physics?'
The study of Physics is both stimulating and thought provoking, and requires commitment. At the University of Exeter you will discover a very well-equipped department of Physics, staffed by academics dedicated to their research and teaching. Set in a beautiful location, our department provides an inspiring environment for you to address the intellectual challenges that arise as part of your scientific training.
Our research is highly rated, which has enormous benefits for you as a student. Lectures are illustrated with in-depth descriptions of recent discoveries and many of our option modules reflect our research interests. You can obtain first-hand experience of what it is like to conduct research by undertaking a project in one of our research groups. In some cases such project work has led to published research papers.
The department is well equipped with a variety of modern apparatus in the undergraduate laboratories and extensive IT facilities for you to use. Besides the main University library, we also have our own dedicated physics library.
Our degree programmes include a wide range of options, allowing you to develop your own particular interests. The options within physics range from cosmology and biophysics to quantum devices, and you can also take options in certain other subjects such as a modern language.
We firmly believe in individual attention, and you will meet the academic staff in tutorials, in problem-solving classes, in the laboratories and when you undertake project and research work. There is an active and effective Staff/Student Consultative Committee where suggestions and problems can be discussed and resolved. You will feel part of a department that is enthusiastic about physics and wants you to succeed.
- 8th in the UK for world leading and internationally excellent research1
- 5th in the UK for Physical Science in The Sunday Times University Guide 2012
- 95% satisfaction with teaching quality in the National Student Survey (2011)2
- 8th in the UK for graduate level employment3 (Unistats 2011)
- Newly renovated student resources including teaching laboratories and study environments
- Weekly, small group tutorials with academic staff
- An experimental or theoretical project of up to 2 academic years duration on the MPhys degrees
- Multi-million pound investment in electromagnetism, biomedical and astronomy research, plus a new Centre for Graphene science
- Opportunities to study abroad or take a salaried industrial placement year
Admissions
We welcome enquiries regarding admissions and hope to make the process as easy as possible for you. Visit the University Applications pages for full details on how to apply, including advice on writing your personal statement and information for mature students. If you have any questions about any of our degree programmes, please contact:
It's great to have small group tutorials with a member of staff active in research as we get to hear about their research and get an idea of how "real" science works.
Physics undergraduate
What I enjoy about teaching the course is opening students' eyes to the way the universe works, and then that moment when you have to say "no - we don't understand that", and the students begin to see the challenges for the next generation of physicists and astronomers.
Professor Tim Naylor
Head of Physics, Norman Lockyer Professor of Astrophysics
1 Research Assessment Exercise 2008 based on percentage of research categorised as 4* and 3*
2 Percentage of students who agreed they were satisfied
3 Based on the percentage of students currently in employment who hold a graduate-level position
