Immerse yourself in how the universe works, applying core physics principles to real-world challenges, developing hands-on expertise in scientific exploration, and collaborating with cutting-edge researchers, with a foundation year to prepare you for t
Be a physicist from day one, using key principles to solve real-world problems.
Explore the universe, from black holes to the Higgs Boson.
Specialise in anything from astro to particle physics.
Use physics creatively to discover new things.
Apply theory to hands-on experiments, placements, projects and modelling.

Learning in small, close-knit and supportive groups, you’ll study a range of classical and modern physics, using mathematical and analytical tools to solve the problems you encounter. The skills you’ll develop are some of the most versatile of any subject, preparing you to excel in the world of physics and beyond.

This foundation year course is for those who don't meet the entry requirements for our BSc Hon Physics, or would like extra preparation before starting degree-level study.

Work placements

You’ll have the opportunity to arrange a year-long work placement in between your second and third years. This gives you a real-world experience to prepare you for your future career. Although optional (and competitive), a placement is actively encouraged to improve your employability at the end of your degree significantly. We’ll help you find a placement, as well as offering mentoring from returning placement students. Our mix of training and support has meant the physics course has one of the highest rates of placement uptake.

Live projects

As part of the course you’ll work on projects with local businesses. By partnering with local industry, you’ll have the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge you’ve learned in a live setting. Our industry partners provide real projects for you to tender for and work on – using the research and analytical equipment in our research centre. You’ll then be able to present your findings to the industry partner for appraisal and feedback. 

In the final year of your degree you can complete a year-long dissertation project in partnership with industry. Some students choose to continue work they started during their placement year r you can work on live projects developed in tandem with business, where you develop sector-specific skills and visit sites to see your research in action.

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

The course is suitable if you don’t meet the entry requirements for our BSc (Hons) Physics course, or you want extra preparation before starting degree-level study. You share the first year with other engineering, maths and physics foundation year students, then move on to the degree.

We’ve designed a balanced mix of activities to develop you as a professional physicist and enhance your career prospects. The physics course's focus at Sheffield Hallam is to teach in an applied way, highlighting the links between academic learning and its professional applications. As part of this, you’ll undertake projects with local industry partners to solve the real issues they’re encountering – developing professional skills and research techniques side by side.

You learn through

• lectures
• tutorials
• seminars
• practical laboratory sessions
• problem-based and practical activity-based sessions
• group and individual project work
• acting as mentors for other students

Physics prepares you for a very wide range of careers. The training in mathematics is widely sought after in both manufacturing and business and the research and problem-solving aspects of the degree support careers in further academia or research and development. 

This course prepares you for a career in

• aerospace
• education
• energy
• electronics
• nanotechnology
• instrumentation
• physics research
• space exploration
• banking
• finance
• law

 

UCAS points

• 80

This must include at least 32 points from one A level or equivalent BTEC qualifications. For example:

• CDD at A Level.
• MMP in BTEC Extended Diploma.
• A combination of qualifications, which may include a maximum of one AS level, EPQ and general studies

You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.

GCSE

• English Language at grade C or 4
• Maths at grade C or 4
• Science at grade C or 4

• Access - an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 15 level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate.

We may also accept you, if you have no formal qualifications but can show evidence of ability and a genuine commitment to studying the subject.

Some applicants may be invited to attend an informal interview with the course leader to ensure that the programme is suitable for themselves and their aspirations.

UK students may be able to claim financial support for the course.

If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.

Please note the University will only admit students who are aged 18 or over at the point of enrolment.

mportant notice:

The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.

You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.

Year 1 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Engineering And Mathematics In Practice	20	Coursework
Foundation Mathematics, Mechanics And Electronics 1	40	Coursework
Foundation Mathematics, Mechanics And Electronics 2	40	Coursework
Fundamentals Of Materials And Manufacturing	20	Practical

 

Year 2 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Bridging The Gap From Classical To Quantum Physics	40	Coursework
Exploring The Building Blocks Of Matter - Particle, Nuclear, And Atomic Physics	40	Coursework Exam
Physics In Practice - Skills For Real-World Applications	20	Coursework
Psychology Practicals And Statistics	20	Coursework

 

 

Year 3 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Exploring The Cosmos Through Mechanics, Relativity, And Astrophysics	20	Coursework
Harnessing Quantum And Computational Physics For Discovery	40	Coursework Exam
How To Predict The Future - Thermodynamics And Statistical Physics	20	Coursework
Physics Unleashed - Mastering Real-World Applications	40	Coursework

 

Year 4 Optional modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Placement Year

 

Final Year Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Developing Further Advanced Topics In Physics And Its Applications	40	Coursework Exam
Discovering Advanced Topics In Physics And Its Applications	40	Coursework
Project: Implementation	20	Coursework
Project: Management And Scoping	20	Coursework