Physics with Philosophy BSc

University of York · honours · 3 years · optional placement year · optional year abroad · UCAS 5655course page ↗

AAB at A level, Physics and Mathematics; graduates earn a median £30,000 three years on.

Typical A level offer
AAB

Physics and Mathematics · 100% of entrants came with A levels · 85% stay on after year 1 · York course page, Discover Uni

Year 13 · applying

What do you need to get in?

AABtypical A level offer; aab including physics and mathematics.

Typical offer — the grades most applicants are asked for. Contextual offer: BBB, for applicants from under-represented backgrounds.

York course page, read 19 September 2026 · Discover Uni entry profile

  1. 1Physics and Mathematics
Who actually got in: 100% with A levels. 10% arrived with 208 or more UCAS tariff points — roughly A*A*A or better. Based on 15 entrants.

UCAS tariff points — a points scale for grades: A* = 56, A = 48, so A*A*A = 160. Entrants’ totals include extra subjects.

Other qualifications3
QualificationTypical offerRequired subjects
IB35 points35 points overall, including 5 in Higher Level Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) or 6 in Standard Level Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches), plus 5 in 5 in Higher Level Mathematics
Scottish HighersBB—
Advanced HighersBB in Physics and Mathematics plus—
Years 1–3

What do you study?

6compulsory modules in year 1

Compulsory modules this year: natural sciences 27% · mathematics & statistics 22% · language & communication 20% · arts & humanities 17%.

Module — one course unit, usually a term or a year long; “core” means everyone takes it. One UK credit is about ten hours of study; a full year is 120 credits.

York course page · optional modules vary by year

Year 1 · 6 core · 120 credits ≈ 1,200 hours
  • Logic
    What you learn (6)
    • explain core logical concepts including validity, consistency and necessity
    • translate simple arguments into truth-functional logic notation
    • apply truth-tables to assess tautological validity of arguments
    • translate complex arguments into first-order logic notation
    • construct a counter-interpretation to refute validity of a first-order logic argument
    • construct a formal proof demonstrating validity of a first-order logic argument
    PHI00005C 20 cr
  • Knowledge and Perception
    What you learn (2)
    • explain differing theories of the nature of knowledge
    • explain differing accounts of how knowledge is acquired
    PHI00008C 20 cr
  • Classical and Quantum Waves
    What you learn (5)
    • formulate wave phase and amplitude using complex-exponential and trigonometric forms
    • construct mathematical models of interference, diffraction and resonance
    • apply wave theory to real-world oscillators and optical systems
    • explain how quantum waves differ from classical wave theory
    • solve one-dimensional time-independent problems using the schrodinger equation
    PHY00028C 20 cr
  • Electromagnetism and Relativity
    What you learn (15)
    • describe electromagnetic fields as vector quantities
    • explain how forces act on charges within electric and magnetic fields
    • relate scalar potential functions to electric fields and potential energy
    • calculate electric fields produced by charge distributions
    • calculate magnetic fields produced by current distributions
    • calculate potential energies associated with charge and current distributions
    • apply Maxwell's equations in integral form to solve physical problems
    • apply Maxwell's equations in differential form to solve physical problems
    • explain how Maxwell's equations predict electromagnetic waves
    • describe the postulates of special relativity
    • derive the Lorentz transformations from relativity postulates
    • solve problems involving time dilation for objects in relative motion
    • solve problems involving length contraction for objects in relative motion
    • solve problems involving relativistic energy of moving objects
    • solve problems involving relativistic momentum of moving objects
    PHY00030C 20 cr
  • Mathematical, Computational and Professional Skills 1
    What you learn (23)
    • distinguish scalar quantities from vector quantities
    • apply vector methods to analyse physical systems
    • explain why complex numbers are useful in physics
    • apply complex numbers to find roots of polynomials
    • explain the concepts of differentiation and integration in one dimension
    • compute derivatives and integrals using standard techniques
    • explain the meaning of a partial derivative
    • calculate partial derivatives in multivariable series expansions
    • explain the significance of first and second order differential equations
    • solve differential equations to analyse physical systems
    • construct a basic python script
    • apply a python script to solve a physics problem
    • explain how physics skills prepare students for future employment
    • communicate ideas about career preparation effectively
    • reflect on personal skills to plan professional development as a physicist
    • describe the concept of scientific enterprise and roles available to physicists
    • engage in personal development activities relevant to physics careers
    • apply basic probability concepts to physical problems
    • apply binomial, poisson and normal distributions to data
    • calculate errors and standard error in measurements
    • identify ethical issues relevant to scientific practice
    • use computer software for numerical analysis in physics
    • use computer software to create graphs in physics
    PHY00031C 20 cr
  • Mathematical, Computational and Professional Skills 2
    What you learn (13)
    • compute multiple integrals in cartesian, spherical and cylindrical coordinates
    • apply multiple integration to solve a physical problem
    • define the fourier series of a periodic function
    • derive the fourier transform from a fourier series
    • describe directional rates of change of scalar and vector fields
    • apply python programming to model physical systems
    • apply python programming to analyse data
    • use office software to produce scientific presentations
    • communicate physics concepts in written form
    • communicate physics concepts orally
    • reflect on personal development through communication
    • work independently to complete tasks
    • collaborate effectively within a team
    PHY00033C 20 cr
Year 2 · 5 core, 11 optional · 100 credits ≈ 1,000 hours
  • Philosophy of Science
    What you learn (10)
    • explain key problems and debates in philosophy of science
    • express philosophical understanding in clear accessible language
    • generate alternative solutions to philosophy of science problems
    • present alternative viewpoints in an open-minded manner
    • construct arguments supporting alternative philosophical solutions
    • identify weaknesses and development points in philosophical arguments
    • judge the most convincing position on a philosophical problem
    • defend a chosen philosophical position with argument
    • evaluate own work against departmental marking criteria
    • apply feedback-based strategies to improve own work
    PHI00080I 20 cr
  • Quantum, Atomic, Nuclear and Particle Physics
    What you learn (32)
    • interpret the time-dependent schrodinger equation
    • derive the time-independent schrodinger equation from the time-dependent form
    • construct quantum operators for physical observables
    • calculate eigenfunctions and eigenvalues for multidimensional quantum systems
    • calculate expectation values for quantum systems
    • determine how quantum states evolve over time in multidimensional systems
    • apply quantum mechanics to particles in symmetric potentials
    • discuss quantum numbers arising from potential symmetries
    • relate quantum system behaviour to the postulates of quantum mechanics
    • describe atomic physics models
    • define degeneracy in quantum systems
    • calculate degeneracy in atomic systems
    • use spectroscopic notation to describe atomic states
    • explain how spectroscopic measurements are obtained
    • construct and compare atomic energy level diagrams
    • apply selection rules to atomic transitions
    • describe the standard model particles including fermions and bosons
    • illustrate particle interactions using feynman diagram vertices
    • derive baryon and meson properties from quark substructure
    • discuss the origin of hadron substructure
    • discuss the properties of leptons
    • illustrate leptonic decay modes using feynman diagrams
    • determine conservation laws in standard-model reactions from feynman diagrams
    • relate hadron decay modes to their quark structure
    • discuss the significance of standard model particles in atomic and nuclear systems
    • apply the semi-empirical mass formula to explain the chart of nuclides
    • discuss key physics concepts of nuclear reaction and decay processes
    • apply nuclear physics concepts to calculate decay and reaction quantities
    • determine energies involved in nuclear reactions and processes
    • relate nuclear energy quantities to nuclear stability and drip lines
    • apply shell model rules to predict nuclear quantum properties
    • discuss nuclear force properties in terms of exchange particles
    PHY00032I 20 cr
  • Mathematics, Professional Skills and Introduction to Laboratories
    What you learn (17)
    • apply matrix methods to solve simultaneous equations
    • calculate eigenvectors and eigenvalues of a matrix
    • evaluate personal professional attributes valued by employers
    • communicate information and ideas to support employability
    • design a plan to achieve career objectives
    • identify ways to involve others in achieving professional goals
    • evaluate personal strengths and competencies relevant to a career sector
    • produce a CV and cover letter tailored to a target sector
    • use databases to find and evaluate relevant information
    • respond appropriately to peer expectations in group settings
    • use python libraries to implement computational algorithms
    • develop python code to solve physics problems
    • plan and conduct extended laboratory experiments
    • process and analyse experimental data using appropriate methods
    • assess sources of experimental error
    • critically discuss experimental results
    • present experimental findings clearly to an audience
    PHY00049I 20 cr
  • Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism
    What you learn (9)
    • explain key principles of electromagnetism
    • describe standard mathematical formulations used to express electromagnetic laws
    • apply Maxwell's equations to analyse electromagnetic phenomena
    • use mathematical and computational tools to solve unfamiliar electromagnetism problems
    • solve problems relating to heat and work transfer
    • calculate changes in entropy for thermodynamic systems
    • calculate thermodynamic properties of solids, liquids and gases using equations of state
    • apply simplifying assumptions to model material behaviour
    • explain how materials undergo phase changes
    PHY00053I 20 cr
  • Statistical and Solid State Physics
    What you learn (6)
    • derive macroscopic material properties from particle-level statistical models
    • describe classical and quantum statistical distributions
    • solve physics problems using statistical distribution functions
    • apply statistical methods to analyse real physical systems such as solids
    • describe crystalline microscopic ordering using lattice terminology
    • apply electron behaviour models to distinguish insulators, metals and semiconductors
    PHY00054I 20 cr
11 optional modules
  • Advanced Sensors and Instrumentation
    What you learn (11)
    • analyse how sensors convert physical quantities into measurable signals
    • describe the operating principles of various sensor types
    • identify limitations of different sensor technologies
    • explain how sensors contribute to control system design
    • analyse how application requirements determine sensor selection
    • design a basic control system for a sensing application
    • explain advanced technical concepts clearly and precisely
    • evaluate advanced technical concepts for accuracy
    • apply appropriate mathematical techniques to solve complex problems
    • apply problem-solving and critical analysis skills to engineering tasks
    • apply mathematical skills to analyse engineering problems
    ELE00075H 20 cr · Physics, Engineering and Technology
  • Religious Ethics
    What you learn (10)
    • explain key problems and debates in religious ethics clearly
    • formulate alternative solutions to religious ethics problems
    • present alternative viewpoints with an open mind
    • construct arguments supporting different ethical positions
    • identify weaknesses and development points in ethical arguments
    • judge the most defensible position on an ethical issue
    • defend a chosen ethical position with reasoned argument
    • appraise own work against assessment criteria
    • apply feedback-based strategies to improve academic work
    • evaluate contemporary ethical and cultural issues critically
    PHI00072I 20 cr · Philosophy
  • Applied Ethics
    What you learn (8)
    • explain key problems and debates in applied ethics clearly
    • formulate alternative solutions to applied ethics problems
    • construct arguments supporting alternative ethical solutions
    • identify weaknesses and development points in ethical arguments
    • justify a personal judgement on an applied ethics problem
    • evaluate own work against departmental marking criteria
    • apply feedback-based strategies to improve written work
    • analyse contemporary social and political issues using ethical reasoning
    PHI00079I 20 cr · Philosophy
  • Aesthetics
    What you learn (7)
    • communicate philosophical ideas clearly and accessibly
    • generate alternative solutions to problems in philosophy of art
    • present varied perspectives on aesthetic issues with open-mindedness
    • construct arguments supporting alternative views in philosophy of art
    • identify weaknesses and potential improvements in philosophical arguments
    • evaluate competing views to determine the strongest position on an aesthetic problem
    • defend a chosen philosophical position with reasoned argument
    PHI00091I 20 cr · Philosophy
  • The Limits of Reason: Kant’s Theoretical and Practical Philosophy
    What you learn (10)
    • explain Kant's theory of a priori knowledge and the phenomena/thing-in-itself distinction
    • describe Kant's account of pure and practical reason, free will and determinism
    • explain Kant's concepts of the good will and the categorical imperative
    • interpret primary philosophical texts in translation
    • reconstruct philosophical arguments from historical source texts
    • evaluate Kant's claims and arguments using secondary literature
    • formulate original critiques challenging Kant's philosophical arguments
    • articulate personal philosophical ideas on the module's themes
    • paraphrase Kant's ideas using one's own words
    • describe the significance of Kant's work within the history of philosophy
    PHI00116I 20 cr · Philosophy
  • Politics and Freedom: Anarchism and Conservatism
    What you learn (5)
    • describe the core beliefs of various conservative and anarchist traditions
    • explain the reasoning underlying different conservative and anarchist positions
    • explain the philosophical arguments that motivate conservatism and anarchism
    • identify value-theory issues underlying debates on conservatism and anarchism
    • articulate the central questions in debates on political authority, tradition and liberty
    PHI00118I 20 cr · Philosophy
  • Logic and Paradox
    What you learn (6)
    • describe a range of logical paradoxes
    • evaluate proposed solutions to logical paradoxes
    • apply non-classical logical systems to problems
    • judge the relative merits of different non-classical logics
    • discuss module topics constructively with peers
    • defend a reasoned position on course topics in writing
    PHI00121I 20 cr · Philosophy
  • Knowledge and Social Sciences
    What you learn (5)
    • evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of social research methods
    • explain theories of how social reality is constructed
    • justify a personal position on the extent and boundaries of social knowledge
    • identify hidden conceptual and normative assumptions in social theories
    • analyse the assumptions underlying social science methods and arguments
    PHI00122I 20 cr · Philosophy
  • Love, Law, and Solidarity: Recognition from Rousseau to Honneth
    What you learn (4)
    • describe major debates and arguments in the philosophy of recognition
    • evaluate the strength of arguments supporting recognition theory positions
    • formulate a personal philosophical position on recognition debates
    • present a reasoned philosophical argument clearly in writing or discussion
    PHI00123I 20 cr · Philosophy
  • Being and Reason
    What you learn (11)
    • explain key issues in Spinoza's philosophical system
    • express philosophical understanding clearly and accessibly
    • formulate alternative solutions to problems in Spinoza's philosophy
    • present alternative philosophical solutions with open-mindedness
    • construct arguments supporting alternative solutions to philosophical problems
    • identify weaknesses and development points in philosophical arguments
    • judge the most convincing view on a Spinozist problem
    • defend a chosen philosophical position with argument
    • appraise own work against departmental marking criteria
    • apply feedback-based strategies to improve academic work
    • interpret philosophical texts with sensitivity to cultural and historical context
    PHI00127I 20 cr · Philosophy
  • Astrobiology
    What you learn (14)
    • explain the chemical conditions that enabled life to emerge on Earth
    • describe the astrophysical conditions that enabled life to emerge on Earth
    • describe the biological conditions that enabled life to emerge on Earth
    • identify solar system environments with potential to support life
    • explain key biological processes relevant to habitability assessment
    • identify potential biosignatures produced by biological activity
    • evaluate astrophysical techniques used to detect biosignatures
    • relate current research debates to planetary and exoplanetary science
    • discuss philosophical questions concerning extraterrestrial life
    • synthesise information from multiple disciplines into a coherent discussion
    • write coherently on astrobiology topics using supporting evidence
    • construct coherent arguments on astrobiology questions using facts and theory
    • distinguish between factual evidence, theory and speculation in arguments
    • communicate scientific ideas clearly to a non-specialist audience
    PHY00061I 20 cr · Physics, Engineering and Technology
Year 3 · 3 core, 24 optional · 80 credits ≈ 800 hours
  • Philosophy of Physics
    What you learn (6)
    • explain key concepts of classical mechanics such as inertial frames
    • explain relativistic concepts including space, time and simultaneity
    • explain quantum phenomena such as wave-particle duality and entanglement
    • analyse how key physical concepts interact within physical theories
    • evaluate the influence of these concepts on the scientific world-view
    • apply core philosophical reasoning skills to analyse arguments
    PHI00013H 20 cr
  • BSc Research Project and Skills
    What you learn (14)
    • plan a major research project including timeline and resources
    • carry out a research project in accordance with safety procedures
    • produce risk and ethical assessments for a research project
    • present complex physics findings to peers through posters
    • write an academic report describing physical concepts and results
    • design a systematic investigation into a chosen physics topic
    • appraise literature sources critically within a specialist physics area
    • apply experimental, computational or theoretical techniques to a physics problem
    • search databases and libraries to locate relevant academic sources
    • evaluate the credibility of published scientific papers and books
    • record project work systematically in a laboratory notebook
    • maintain contemporaneous documentation of research activities
    • collaborate effectively with supervisors and project partners
    • communicate project progress clearly to stakeholders
    PHY00052H 40 cr
  • Classical Mechanics and Advanced Laboratories for Physics with Philosophy
    What you learn (15)
    • explain how postulates of newtonian mechanics enable mathematical formulation of problems
    • apply concepts of force, torque and energy to formulate motion equations
    • apply momentum, angular momentum and moments of inertia to describe rotating systems
    • solve linear mechanics problems using kinematic and dynamic methods
    • solve rotational mechanics problems using kinematic and dynamic methods
    • describe common statistical methods used in experimental analysis
    • generate simulated experimental samples using monte carlo methods
    • explain the principles underlying data analysis techniques
    • perform advanced data analysis using origin or python-based software
    • interpret data analysis results using statistical reasoning
    • research background concepts relevant to an experiment or simulation
    • design a plan for conducting an experiment or simulation
    • carry out an extended experiment or simulation using appropriate techniques
    • process and analyse experimental data using suitable methods
    • discuss philosophical issues related to a laboratory experiment topic
    PHY00080H 20 cr
24 optional modules
  • Introduction to Clinical Engineering and Physiological Systems
    What you learn (5)
    • apply medical technologies for patient prevention, diagnosis and treatment
    • explain physiological concepts relevant to medical technology applications
    • describe the process of adopting new technology in healthcare organisations
    • solve problems using critical analysis in healthcare technology contexts
    • evaluate the efficacy of a proposed solution for real-world suitability
    ELE00085H 20 cr
  • Contemporary Issues in Bioethics
    What you learn (5)
    • describe recent advances in biomedicine
    • apply philosophical theory to issues in biomedicine
    • critically read philosophical texts
    • present written philosophical arguments
    • participate in philosophical discussion
    PHI00002H 20 cr
  • Foundations of Mathematics
    What you learn (7)
    • explain the historical crisis in mathematical foundations
    • describe the emergence of logicism, intuitionism and formalism
    • describe the core claims of logicism, intuitionism and formalism
    • explain debates between Platonism and anti-Platonism in mathematics
    • evaluate the indispensability argument against anti-Platonism
    • critically analyse complex philosophical texts
    • construct and defend a reasoned philosophical argument
    PHI00017H 20 cr
  • Consciousness
    What you learn (7)
    • describe the explanatory problem posed by consciousness
    • explain major theories proposed to account for consciousness
    • write clearly and coherently on a chosen consciousness topic
    • identify key debates relevant to a chosen consciousness topic
    • analyse how arguments support or undermine opposing positions
    • formulate competing philosophical positions on consciousness
    • evaluate the relative merits of these positions to reach a conclusion
    PHI00018H 20 cr
  • Action and Agency
    What you learn (6)
    • explain why action is a central concept in philosophy of mind
    • articulate the implications of action's central role in philosophy of mind
    • explain how reasons relate to actions
    • evaluate competing philosophical theories of action
    • interpret complex philosophical texts critically
    • construct a sustained written argument defending a position on action theory
    PHI00049H 20 cr
  • Philosophy of Christianity
    What you learn (6)
    • explain core christian doctrines such as the trinity and incarnation
    • describe differing interpretations of christian doctrines
    • evaluate competing interpretations of christian doctrines against each other
    • justify the most convincing interpretation of a given doctrine
    • critique philosophical and theological texts from multiple perspectives
    • formulate a personal reasoned position on theological debates
    PHI00058H 20 cr
  • German Idealism: Moral, Legal & Political Philosophy
    What you learn (6)
    • explain the moral, legal and political theories of key german idealist philosophers
    • evaluate the arguments of german idealist philosophers on ethics and politics
    • describe core concepts used in german idealist philosophy
    • relate german idealist philosophy to current debates in moral and political thought
    • critically analyse challenging philosophical texts
    • construct and justify a personal position on complex philosophical issues
    PHI00073H 20 cr
  • Causation and Laws
    What you learn (3)
    • explain key theories of causation and natural laws
    • analyse the relationship between causal laws and natural laws
    • evaluate how theories of causation relate to moral responsibility
    PHI00095H 20 cr
  • Theories of Social Justice
    What you learn (8)
    • describe the key features of Rawls's theory of justice
    • identify major scholarly responses to Rawls's theory
    • compare areas of agreement and disagreement among theories of social justice
    • explain what is at stake in theoretical disputes over social justice
    • relate philosophical theories of social justice to real-world policy issues
    • critically analyse complex texts in contemporary political philosophy
    • formulate a reasoned personal position on questions of social justice
    • defend a personal position on social justice using philosophical argument
    PHI00112H 20 cr
  • Cognitive Anomalies, Decision-Making, and Democracy
    What you learn (6)
    • explain research on cognitive biases affecting rational decision-making
    • describe philosophical perspectives on the implications of cognitive biases
    • identify ethical implications arising from cognitive effects and biases
    • evaluate views on how cognitive biases affect individual and group decisions
    • relate cognitive bias research to broader debates in philosophy of mind and ethics
    • present philosophical arguments in both collaborative and individual written formats
    PHI00119H 20 cr
  • Happiness, Utility and Wellbeing
    What you learn (5)
    • evaluate competing philosophical accounts of happiness and well-being
    • articulate a personal position on the role of happiness in one's own life
    • evaluate how happiness informs ethical theory and moral reasoning
    • evaluate how considerations of happiness shape public policy decisions
    • discuss how other academic disciplines contribute to philosophical theories of happiness
    PHI00122H 20 cr
  • Mind and Morality
    What you learn (8)
    • explain key problems and debates in moral psychology clearly
    • formulate alternative solutions to moral psychology problems
    • construct arguments supporting alternative solutions in moral psychology
    • identify weaknesses and development points in proposed arguments
    • judge the most convincing position on a moral psychology issue
    • defend a chosen position with supporting argument
    • appraise own work against departmental marking criteria
    • apply feedback-based strategies to improve own work
    PHI00123H 20 cr
  • Property and Self-Ownership
    What you learn (5)
    • explain major theories justifying property rights and self-ownership
    • evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of theories of property and self-ownership
    • critically appraise historical and contemporary philosophical texts
    • integrate ideas drawn from diverse philosophical sources and topics
    • construct a reasoned written argument evaluating a key module issue
    PHI00126H 20 cr
  • The Nature of Time
    What you learn (7)
    • construct arguments supporting particular theories of time
    • construct arguments opposing particular theories of time
    • evaluate competing theories of time to judge their plausibility
    • justify a reasoned position on the most plausible theory of time
    • critically appraise contemporary philosophical literature on time
    • produce well-structured philosophical arguments in writing
    • participate effectively in philosophical discussion
    PHI00127H 20 cr
  • Buddhism as Philosophy
    What you learn (8)
    • describe key teachings of the Buddha
    • identify major schools of Buddhism
    • identify philosophical problems arising from Buddhist teachings
    • assess whether analytic philosophy can resolve Buddhist philosophical problems
    • evaluate proposed solutions using scripture, tradition and reason
    • argue for a preferred solution or for the absence of one
    • explain key philosophical concepts and views in Buddhist philosophy
    • critique philosophical arguments and defend a personal position
    PHI00139H 20 cr
  • Experimental Philosophy: The Philosophy of Psychology
    What you learn (2)
    • explain the distinguishing features of the experimental philosophy approach
    • communicate philosophical ideas clearly to a mixed-discipline audience
    PHI00143H 20 cr
  • World and Mind
    What you learn (4)
    • describe the Cartesian view of thought and knowledge
    • explain major objections to the Cartesian account of mind
    • evaluate the strength of these objections to Cartesianism
    • justify a personal position on which Cartesian claims remain tenable
    PHI00144H 20 cr
  • Nine Art Works, Nine Philosophical Problems
    What you learn (4)
    • describe major topics in the philosophy of art
    • explain how philosophical topics relate to specific artworks
    • construct and justify a reasoned argument in an extended essay
    • participate constructively in critical peer discussions on aesthetics
    PHI00146H 20 cr
  • Topics in Feminist Philosophy
    What you learn (3)
    • identify key arguments within a philosophical text
    • critically analyse philosophical arguments for validity and assumptions
    • present analysis of philosophical arguments in structured written or spoken form
    PHI00148H 20 cr
  • Scientific Supercomputing
    What you learn (8)
    • describe different categories of high-performance computing hardware
    • select appropriate hardware for a given computational task
    • develop parallel software programs to solve scientific problems
    • use profiling tools to locate performance bottlenecks in code
    • devise strategies to resolve identified performance bottlenecks
    • explain the operation of high-performance computing systems
    • operate a high-performance computing system
    • analyse a scientific problem to select a suitable parallelisation strategy
    PHY00052M 20 cr
  • Condensed Matter Physics: Electrons in Solids
    What you learn (13)
    • derive statistical mechanics results from basic statistical postulates
    • relate statistical mechanics outcomes to classical thermodynamics laws
    • apply statistical mechanics formulas to determine properties of physical systems
    • use knowledge of microstates to analyse systems of varying complexity
    • describe models of electron-electron and electron-lattice interactions
    • explain the free electron approximation for metals
    • describe free electron behaviour under electric and magnetic fields
    • calculate density of states using Fermi statistics
    • determine the electronic contribution to heat capacity
    • describe conduction mechanisms in semiconductor materials
    • explain operating principles of diodes and transistors
    • distinguish types of magnetic behaviour in solid materials
    • explain the fundamental principles underlying superconductivity
    PHY00070H 20 cr
  • Nuclear and Particle
    What you learn (12)
    • explain how shell model mechanisms generate ground and excited nuclear states
    • predict angular momentum and parity of nuclear states from shell model
    • interpret published nuclear level schemes using single-particle and collective models
    • extract evidence of excitation types from nuclear spectroscopic data
    • explain the quantum-mechanical basis of alpha, beta and gamma decay
    • calculate decay rates for alpha, beta and gamma processes
    • analyse the physics of nuclear fission and fusion processes
    • describe the operation of nuclear power reactors based on fission and fusion
    • describe the fundamental interactions between elementary particles
    • explain how composite particles form from elementary particles
    • apply symmetry principles and force types to constrain particle reaction dynamics
    • evaluate detectors and techniques used in modern particle physics experiments
    PHY00071H 20 cr
  • Relativity and Cosmology
    What you learn (8)
    • construct space-time diagrams to represent relativistic events
    • apply four-vector formalism to describe relativistic motion
    • describe the outcomes of the four classical experimental tests of general relativity
    • explain black hole physics using semi-quantitative reasoning
    • calculate the evolution of different universe models using cosmological equations
    • explain the inflationary Big Bang theory and its supporting evidence
    • describe the principles of gravitational wave astronomy
    • explain how gravitational wave observations inform relativity and cosmology research
    PHY00077H 20 cr
  • Quantum Science and Technologies
    What you learn (8)
    • explain the fundamental principles of quantum computation
    • describe basic techniques of quantum error correction
    • identify criteria for physical systems to function as quantum computers
    • describe proposed physical implementations of quantum computers
    • explain the fundamental principles of quantum communication
    • describe modern protocols used in quantum communication
    • compare theoretical security with its practical implementation
    • describe methods used for quantum key distribution
    PHY00078H 20 cr

“What you learn” restates each module’s published learning outcomes in our own words, as short skill statements in the same form as the GCSE and A level curriculum, with the help of an AI model; fields of knowledge follow the twelve fields of the knowledge sphere. The university’s module page, linked from each title, is the authoritative description.

After graduating

Where does it lead?

£30,000median pay three years after graduating
Lower quarter£24k
Median£30k
Upper quarter£40k

Median — the middle earner: half earned more, half less. Pay is for graduates of this subject at this university who finished in 2016-18, not adjusted for inflation; based on 125 graduates.

Discover Uni dataset (HESA and Office for Students, CC BY 4.0, contains HESA data); earnings from the Longitudinal Education Outcomes data (Department for Education) · aggregation level 13, 24, 23

Half of graduates earned between £24,000 and £39,500. Five years on, the median is £37,500. 85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing; 90% of those in work were in professional or managerial jobs.

All outcome figures7
MeasureValueBased on
Continue after year 115% left85%15
In work or study, 15 months on25% studying85%55
Professional or managerial job90%25
Pay 15 months on, median£34,00020
Pay 3 years on, median£30,000125
Pay 5 years on, median£37,500145
Money

What does it cost?

£10,050a year for UK students, 2027/28 entry

Tuition fee loan — paid straight to the university; repayments start the April after you leave, at 9% of income above the threshold. UK fees are capped by government and rise with inflation; placement and study-abroad years are usually charged at a lower rate.

York fees page · source

About £30,150 in fees over 3 years, covered by a tuition fee loan you repay only when earning above the threshold. International students: £33,500 a year (2027/28).

National Student Survey 2025-26

What do students say?

83%agreed the course was good overall (question 26)

NSS — a yearly survey of final-year students at every UK university; 72% of this course’s final year answered. Small groups can swing a lot year to year.

National Student Survey, via Discover Uni · 115 students answered

Highest: 94% agreed on question 15; lowest: 52% on question 14.

All questions26
QuestionAgree
Question 188%
Question 279%
Question 391%
Question 488%
Question 580%
Question 685%
Question 786%
Question 884%
Question 989%
Question 1064%
Question 1182%
Question 1278%
Question 1379%
Question 1452%
Question 1594%
Question 1690%
Question 1774%
Question 1876%
Question 1989%
Question 2091%
Question 2188%
Question 2287%
Question 2376%
Question 2460%
Question 2565%
Question 2683%

Question texts are published by the Office for Students; the dataset carries only the question numbers.

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