Bachelor's in Physics
An undergraduate degree, usually three or four years after secondary school, that gives you a broad grounding in a field before you specialise, go on to a master's or start work.
Overview
Why study a Bachelor's in Physics?
A bachelor's in Physics gives you a thorough grounding in the laws that govern matter and energy, together with the mathematical and experimental tools used to test them. The first year usually revisits school topics such as mechanics, electricity and waves at a much deeper level, with heavy use of calculus and vectors. Later years introduce quantum mechanics, relativity, thermal and statistical physics and the physics of solids, nuclei and particles, before you choose options and complete a research project.
How long it takes depends on where you study. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland a BSc takes three years, and many universities also offer a four-year integrated master's such as the MPhys or MSci. In Scotland, the United States, Canada and Japan a first degree typically lasts four years, while in Australia physics is often a major within a three-year science degree, with an optional honours year. German bachelor's degrees usually take three years and are mostly taught in German.
When comparing programmes, look at the balance of theory and laboratory work, the programming taught and which options run in the final years, since these reflect each department's research. Check whether the degree is accredited by a body such as the Institute of Physics where that applies, and whether placements, a year abroad or undergraduate research schemes are available. Joint degrees with mathematics, astrophysics, computer science or philosophy are common and can suit students with broader interests.
Curriculum
What you may study
Bachelor's programmes usually include modules such as these.
- Classical mechanics
- Electricity and magnetism
- Waves, oscillations and optics
- Thermodynamics and statistical physics
- Mathematical methods for physicists
- Quantum mechanics
- Special relativity
- Condensed matter physics
- Nuclear and particle physics
- Computational physics and laboratory projects
Published programmes for Physics at Bachelor's
No programmes for Physics at Bachelor's are published yet.
Not in our catalogue yet: that reflects what Universta lists, not what universities teach.
Programmes show each university’s published offering. Course guides describe the course across universities.
Admission
Getting into Bachelor's in Physics
Universities generally ask for strong school-leaving results in physics and mathematics, and many look closely at your mathematics grade because the course depends on it. Indian applicants usually apply with Class 12 science-stream results, and the percentage required varies by university and country. UK and Australian universities often accept Class 12 directly, sometimes with a foundation year for those who need one, while German universities usually require extra study, such as a Studienkolleg or a year of university in India, before entry.
Most English-taught programmes ask for IELTS, TOEFL or PTE unless you qualify for a waiver, and German-taught degrees need proof of German. US universities assess the whole application, including essays, activities and recommendations, and may consider SAT or ACT scores where they are submitted. In your personal statement, show interest beyond the syllabus, such as Physics Olympiad participation, astronomy clubs, coding projects or books you have read, and explain what draws you to the subject.
Careers
Career pathways
With a bachelor's degree, physics graduates often start in roles such as these.
- Graduate Physicist
- Laboratory Technician
- Data Analyst
- Software Developer
- Systems Engineer
- Quality Assurance Engineer
- Technical Consultant
- Health Physics Technician
- Weather Forecaster
- Physics Teacher
- Science Communicator
- Patent Examiner
Sectors
Industries
Technology and Software
Bachelor's graduates join software, data and IT teams, where employers value their numerical problem solving and programming experience.
Engineering and Manufacturing
Graduates take testing, quality and systems roles with makers of electronics, aerospace systems, optics and scientific instruments.
Energy and Utilities
Physics graduates support nuclear power, renewables and grid operations, often in technical analysis, monitoring or radiation safety roles.
Education and Science Outreach
Many train as physics teachers, a shortage subject in several countries, or work for museums, publishers and outreach programmes.
Finance and Consulting
Banks, insurers and consultancies recruit physics graduates into analytical roles that rely on modelling and handling large datasets.
Weather and Climate Services
National meteorological services take on physics graduates to train as forecasters and to support climate observation.
Who hires
Employers
- Met Office
- National Physical Laboratory
- Rolls-Royce
- Siemens
- ASML
- Intel
- Thales
- Tata Consultancy Services
- Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
- Infosys
Named for illustration only; not a ranking, endorsement or partnership.
Outlook
Looking ahead
Many physics graduates go on to further study, either a master's to specialise in an area such as quantum technology, photonics, medical physics or data science, or a PhD for a research career. Others start work straight away, and the degree's emphasis on modelling and programming keeps a wide range of sectors open. Industrial placements, summer research internships and coding projects completed during the degree make a noticeable difference when you apply for either route.
Growth in quantum computing and sensing, semiconductor manufacturing, clean energy and climate science is creating new demand for people trained in physics, and machine learning is increasingly used in physics research and industry alike. Graduates who pair a solid physics foundation with strong programming and communication skills are likely to find the widest choice. Post-study work rules differ between countries and change over time, so check the current position before choosing where to study.
Specializations
Other Science specializations at Bachelor's
Subject
Science at Bachelor's
Questions
Questions about Bachelor's in Physics
Should I choose a BSc or an integrated master's in Physics?
An integrated master's such as the MPhys or MSci adds a year of advanced modules and a larger research project, and is often the better choice if you are aiming for a PhD or a research-focused career. A BSc is shorter and cheaper and still leads to a wide range of jobs or a separate master's later. Many universities let you switch between the two in the early years, subject to your grades.
Can I study Physics at bachelor's level without mathematics in Class 12?
Generally not. Physics degrees rely heavily on mathematics from the first week, so universities almost always require it at the highest school level, usually with a good grade. If you did not take mathematics, a foundation year in science or engineering may be an option in some countries, but check the specific entry rules for each programme.
How much laboratory work is in a Physics bachelor's?
Most programmes include regular laboratory sessions in the first two years, often a few hours each week, followed by more independent experiments and a final-year project. Theoretical pathways may reduce laboratory time in later years. The balance differs between universities, so look at the module descriptions and assessment breakdown before applying.
Is a three-year Physics degree accepted for master's study in other countries?
In many cases, yes, particularly in Europe and Australia. Some universities, including a number in the United States and Germany, look closely at the total years of study and the physics content covered, and may ask for extra modules or a longer degree. Check the requirements of the master's programmes you have in mind before you choose your bachelor's route.
Plan
Plan your Bachelor's
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