Overview
This course aims to provide you with a solid grounding in understanding fundamental concepts in physics.
You will have the opportunity to translate this understanding into mathematical and computational models, allowing you to solve various physical and real world problems upon successful completion of the course. Over the course of your studies, you will have the chance to learn a variety of analytical and numerical tools used by physicists to tackle problems in the field of statistical mechanics, cosmology or quantum mechanics.
Exploring the scientific process which lies under every area of study provides you with the opportunity to become a well-trained graduate with strong problem solving skills.
Why Coventry University?
An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.
To ensure an optimised and continual student experience, the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses.
Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunitiesEmployability
Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeedTeaching Excellence
Taught by lecturers who are experts in their fieldCourse essentials
A degree which offers you more, at no extra costCourse information
This physics degree explores phenomena at all length scales, from the sub-atomic level (quantum mechanics) to the macroscopic scale (cosmology), and everything in between. It aims to train you to identify key aspects of physical phenomenon, as well as in the essential approximations required to carry out practical calculations.
An essential part of the course relies on understanding numerical and experimental processes and the uncertainties inherent to measurements. As such, there will be ample opportunity for you to engage with real-world data analysis and experimental techniques using activity-led learning, lab-before-lecture and flipped learning techniques, which have formed a long-standing part of Coventry University’s teaching and learning strategy.
The course will provide opportunities for you to engage in research through your final year project and summer research internships as well as benefitting from an optional industrial placement or study abroad year.*
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
Course Specification
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Modules
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
In more detail...
Studying a physics degree at Coventry University will provide you with the opportunity to delve into the laws governing the universe, from a microscopic (particles and atoms) to an astronomical scale (planets and galaxies), and much more. A degree in physics may also open the door to a huge range of rewarding careers.
Technological advances such as the current digital revolution, quantum computing, and holographic screens were driven by the curiosity of generations of scientists investigating the fundamental principles of physics. Future advances, will likewise, depend on our evolving understanding of physics. Since ancient times, critical thinking has been at the heart of all physical theory. It is a tradition in physics to question everything, to take nothing for granted, to test theory against experiments until one reaches a coherent and satisfying model of the world around us.
Studying this exciting subject will provide you with the opportunity to develop practical, experimental and strong problem-solving skills. This may open the door, not only to careers in all areas of science, engineering and teaching, but thanks to the transferable nature of the skills developed, physics graduates are also much appreciated in areas as diverse as data science, actuarial science, finance and banking.
Coventry University has long-standing research in many areas of theoretical and experimental physics: Fluid Mechanics, Magneto Hydrodynamics, Materials Science, Condensed Matter Physics, Statistical Physics and Complex Systems, Nanophysics, Cosmology and Lasers, to mention a few.
- You will be taught by current staff who have a passion for science and a strong desire to share their knowledge (please note, staff are subject to change).
- Coventry University currently has extensive industry links with potential future employers and placement opportunities with companies* that have previously included National Grid, GlaxoSmithKline pharmaceuticals and Morgan Stanley financial services. *Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
The course is built around the following main themes:
- Statistical Mechanics: including Critical Phenomena and Phase Transition, Soft Condensed Matter Fluid Dynamics: including Advanced Fluid Mechanics, Scientific Programming: including Programming for Physics, Intermediate Programming and Computational Physics.
The current research and teaching teams have strong expertise in all keys areas listed above. Through the study of those modules you will have the opportunity to develop important transferable skills including both group and individual work, time management, critical reflection of your own and others work as well as written and verbal presentation to both experts and non-experts.
You will learn through a suitable combination of lectures, examples classes, tutorial sessions and laboratory sessions. As well as having the opportunity to learn the theoretical foundations for studying physics, there is an emphasis on developing practical skills, which includes the use of physics laboratory sessions and PC sessions using software to solve problems in physics.
You will have opportunities to work with staff on real-world problems typically faced by industry (subject to availability), commerce and research groups. This supports you in developing professional skills at the same time as building upon the technical content of your degree.
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include in-class tests, exams, coursework, labs, presentations and reports.
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Apply physical principles to diverse areas of Physics
- Solve problems in Physics by choosing appropriate mathematical and physical techniques
- Make appropriate approximations when solving problems
- Critically analyse experimental results and place them in their context
- Use mathematical or computational techniques to model physical phenomena
- Communicate scientific information in a clear and accurate way
- Work cooperatively on a project
- Create working solutions to a variety of computational and real world problems using an appropriate programming language (or languages) for the task.
Additionally, upon successful completion of the MPhys course, you will be able to:
- Apply physical and mathematical principles to solve research informed problems in Physics at the forefront of discipline
- Demonstrate an understanding and communicate complex scientific ideas concisely and accurately
- Demonstrate an understanding of scientific research and be able to propose realistic methods to advance the research further
- Apply a range of postgraduate level transferable skills in data analysis, science communication, critical thinking and problem solving
- Plan and execute an open-ended research project.
Actual teaching contact hours will vary depending on the level of study and the requirements of a particular semester. In a typical week your contact hours will be divided amongst personal tutorials and small group teaching; medium group teaching (e.g. seminars, tutorial sessions, lab sessions and workshops); and large group teaching (lectures).
In addition, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study each week depending on the demands of individual modules. The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 18 contact hours per week in the first year, reducing by approximately 3 hours per week in subsequent years as you become a more independent learner.
Students completing the MPhys have a final year project in Year 4 instead of Year 3, leaving time and space for an additional module in Year 3. Hence, during the second semester of Year 3, students completing the MPhys should expect an additional 3-4 contact hours per week compared to BSc students, who will be completing their final year project. In the fourth year, the first semester consists of around 13 contact hours per week, whilst the second semester is entirely dedicated to the final year project.
If you have a desire to gain international experience, there are opportunities to spend a year studying abroad*. The opportunity for a placement year means that we will aim to support you in applying for a placement.
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
Global ready
Did you know we help more students travel internationally than any other UK university according to data from the experts in higher education data and analysis, HESA?
In 2018/19, we were able to provide a total of 5,469 experiences abroad that lasted at least five days.
Much of this travel is made possible through our Global Leaders Programme, which enables students to prepare for the challenges of the global employment market, as well as strengthening and developing their broader personal and professional skills.
Explore our international experiences1st for
international experiences
Sending more students overseas than any other UK uni 2016/17
5,469
Student experiences
The number of student trips abroad for at least 5 days in 2018/19
12,000
and counting
The number of students we’ve helped travel internationally since 2016
12
global programmes
As well as trips, we offer other opportunities like language courses
Entry Requirements
Tuition Fees
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis and offer a wide range of scholarships to support students with their studies. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
For more information, please visit our Finance pages.
Course essentials at no extra cost
We're committed to communicating study costs clearly to make sure you're not faced with having to make any unexpected payments.
This is why our ‘Flying Start’ package provides you with a few course essentials. Your full-time fee for an undergraduate degree will cover the following:
UK field trips
Any mandatory site visits and trips within the United Kingdom.Key material
This can include core textbooks, software and equipment.Laser prints
1,000 A4 sides of black and white laser printing credits per year.Optional year
Pay no tuition fees for optional work placements or study abroad trips.This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to) travel, accommodation, activities and visas.
This course may incur additional costs associated with any equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire.
EU student fees
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.
For tuition fee loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
For maintenance loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
Career prospects
Graduate Immigration Route visa
Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.
Studying physics will give you the opportunity to help you to develop skills in logical thinking, and demonstrates to employers your advanced numerical and analytical ability.
It may also give you an advantage in the job market upon successful completion, opening up a wide range of career opportunities in industry, banking, data science, computer analysis and scientific research. You may be employed in a wide variety of roles, for example, as a research scientist, actuary, computer programmer, data analyst or teacher.
With an aim to help to improve your employment prospects and to support you in gaining valuable professional experience, we strongly encourage you to spend a year on industrial training between Year 2 and Year 3. Our Talent Team will help you to identify an appropriate placement.
We are committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The university’s Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.
Where our graduates work
Previous students on our Mathematics and Physics BSc (Hons) degree have worked at a wide range of employers including, for example IBM, GSK, Pfizer, Cummins, Scottish Power and Warner Bros.
Disclaimer
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2020/21 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.
For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
