Why study Physics and Astronomy at Manchester
A leading Department with a Nobel legacy
Explore the tiniest quantum particles to the vastness of space. Tackle the biggest questions – what is matter, how did the universe begin, could life exist elsewhere?
At Manchester, you’ll join one of the UK’s top physics departments and be part of a community driven by curiosity, discovery, and a passion for understanding how the universe works. It's the perfect place to start your physics journey and discover where it could take you.
Excellence meets impact
- Access outstanding facilities, including the iconic Jodrell Bank Observatory
- Learn from world-leading physicists in a department ranked 2nd in the UK for research
- Join a department with over a century of excellence and ties to 13 Nobel Prizes
- Study on courses accredited by the Institute of Physics
- Connect with global research centres and institutes
- Explore the full breadth of physics and discover how your skills can make a real-world impact.
How you’ll learn
Teaching
Teaching is delivered in a variety of ways to ensure students have a rich and well-rounded learning experience. In a typical week you’ll have a mix of lectures, small group tutorials and laboratory classes.
Self study
Outside of your timetabled teaching time, you’ll undertake group work, individual preparatory or set work, as well as any additional reading or research required from lectures.
Peer support
Our Peer-assisted study scheme (PASS) is a fantastic resource for first-year students. You’ll be assigned a PASS mentor who will lead weekly small group sessions with you and their other mentees, to help guide and support you in working through the questions and problems set in that week’s tutorial.
Study options
Integrated master’s
As well as our 3 year bachelor’s course, you can study for an extra year and graduate with an integrated master’s level qualification (MPhys).
Study abroad
We have exchange partners in the United States, Canada, Singapore and Australia as well as our dedicated Physics with Study in Europe course.
Year in industry
You can choose to take a year to work in industry. Our award-winning careers service will be able to help you with the application process.
Foundation year
If you want to study Physics but don’t have the required entry qualifications, you may want to explore our Integrated Foundation Year.
Careers and employability
Your future in physics
The University of Manchester is one of the most targeted universities in the country by employers. Throughout your degree, you will have the opportunity to develop skills that are highly valued by employers, across a range of industries including evidence-based reasoning, data analysis, numerical abilities and coding.
Graduates from our Department secure a variety of positions, including:
- National Laboratory of Physics
- NHS
- Bank of England
- AEA technology
- Luminous Group Ltd.
Supporting you
At Manchester, we don’t just teach you — we support you in planning your future from day one. You’ll have the access to our award winning careers service.
Your careers advisors have put together a guide to preparing for your study at Manchester, and how to make the most of your time here.
Courses
Physics and Astronomy degrees
Take a look at our range of Physics courses on offer at The University of Manchester. You can choose between a three-year BSc course, or the four-year MPhys option.
How to apply
Start your journey to an undergraduate in physics and astronomy
If you’re interested in applying to one of our degrees, here’s what you need to know.
Contact us
Have any questions? Get in touch
Physics and Astronomy enquiries
- Email: ug.physics@manchester.ac.uk
General undergraduate enquiries
- Tel: +44 (0)161 275 2077
- Email: study@manchester.ac.uk