Bachelor of Science Physics

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

If you’re the kind of person who’s always asked “why does that happen?” — this degree is built for you. The Bachelor of Science (Physics) at UNSW gives you a deep understanding of how the universe works, while building the analytical and technical skills that employers genuinely value in technology, research, finance and engineering.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Laying the Groundwork

Your first year is about building confidence in the fundamentals. In courses like PHYS1121 Higher Physics 1A, PHYS1231 Higher Physics 1B, and MATH1131 Mathematics 1A, you’ll explore mechanics, electromagnetism, calculus and linear algebra. You won’t just learn formulas — you’ll start thinking like a physicist, developing the logical reasoning skills that set you apart.

Year 2 – Thinking Deeper

This is where physics really starts to click. Through subjects such as PHYS2111 Classical Mechanics, PHYS2113 Quantum Physics, and PHYS2114 Electromagnetism, you’ll dive into quantum theory, wave mechanics and advanced modelling. Labs become more advanced, and you begin connecting theory with real-world experimentation — the kind of experience that builds real confidence.

Year 3 – Mastering Advanced Concepts

By third year, you’re working at a much higher level. Courses like PHYS3111 Advanced Mechanics, PHYS3112 Electrodynamics, and PHYS3113 Quantum Mechanics challenge you to tackle complex systems and abstract ideas. You may also engage in project-based learning, which is excellent preparation for research, postgraduate study, or technical industry roles.

Focus Areas:

Quantum mechanics, particle physics, condensed matter physics, astrophysics, electromagnetism, advanced mechanics, computational modelling, and experimental research.

Learning Outcomes:

Strong quantitative reasoning; advanced mathematical modelling; experimental design and data analysis; scientific communication; high-level problem-solving; computational and analytical expertise.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The program aligns with standards recognised by the Australian Institute of Physics (AIP), supporting graduates who wish to pursue professional physicist status after further study or experience.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings):

UNSW is globally recognised for science and technology and performs strongly in the QS World University Rankings, particularly in Physics & Astronomy. Its strong industry links and research reputation mean your degree carries weight — both in Australia and internationally.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of New South Wales School of Physics, your learning journey isn’t limited to lectures — it’s hands-on, collaborative and deeply practical. From your very first year you have opportunities to work on authentic research projects, engage with real experimental setups, and use the same tools that professionals and researchers use. The School’s strong research environment means you’re never just “learning about physics” — you’re doing physics alongside academics who are pushing the boundaries of discovery.

Practically speaking, experiential learning at UNSW Physics includes:

Undergraduate research projects: Join programs like Step into Research in first year and Taste of Research in later years — engage in structured projects (e.g., PHYS4200 Physics Research Project, SCIF2041/3041 Research Internships) where you apply coding, data analysis, machine learning and experimental design to real scientific questions.
World-class research centres & labs: Work around and learn from advanced facilities such as the Centre for Quantum Computing & Communication Technology (CQC²T), Future Low Energy Electronics Technologies (FLEET), ACEx and ASTRO 3D — research hubs focused on quantum tech, condensed matter physics and astrophysics.
Physics laboratories and hands-on sessions: You’ll have practical lab classes and experiments in dedicated physics laboratories (e.g., higher-year physics lab spaces) where you can design and carry out measurements, interpret data, and test theories experimentally.
Physics community and peer support: The UNSW Physics Society (PHYSOC) runs workshops (including Python and LaTeX), study sessions and networking events that build teamwork and professional connections beyond the classroom.
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL): Science students can undertake placements with external organisations or industry projects that count for credit, giving you workplace experience in a science or technology setting.

These rich, practical components help you develop real research experience, teamwork and digital skills that set you up for work or postgraduate pathways straight out of your degree.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Physics degree from UNSW doesn’t box you into one path — it gives you options. Graduates go on to work in research labs, tech companies, finance firms and government agencies, or continue into honours and postgraduate study. Common career outcomes include Research Scientist, Data Analyst / Data Scientist, Software Engineer, and Quantitative Analyst — all roles that value the problem-solving and analytical depth physics builds.

Here’s how UNSW actively supports your future:

Careers & Employability support that’s actually practical:
UNSW’s Careers and Employability team offers one-on-one career coaching, resume and LinkedIn reviews, interview preparation workshops, and employer networking events. You’ll also have access to the UNSW Careers portal for internships, graduate programs and industry roles.
Strong graduate outcomes:
Based on UNSW’s Graduate Outcomes Survey reporting, most Science graduates are employed or undertaking further study shortly after graduation — a reflection of how transferable and in-demand STEM skills are.
Real research and industry connections:
The UNSW School of Physics is home to major research centres such as the
Centre for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology and
FLEET.
These centres collaborate with industry and government partners, creating opportunities for research experience, internships and future employment pathways.
Professional recognition:
The program aligns with standards recognised by the Australian Institute of Physics (AIP), which is important if you plan to pursue professional physicist status after further study or experience.
Global reputation that carries weight:
UNSW consistently ranks strongly in Physics & Astronomy in the QS World University Rankings, meaning your qualification is recognised and respected internationally.

Further Academic Progression:

If you discover that you love research, the natural next step is a Bachelor of Science (Honours) year at UNSW. Honours allows you to complete a substantial research project and is the standard pathway toward a Master’s or PhD.

From there, many students continue into postgraduate Physics, Engineering, Data Science or Information Technology programs at UNSW. If your goal is advanced research, academia, or high-level industry R&D, progressing to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) within UNSW’s research-intensive environment is a well-established and supported pathway.

In short, this degree gives you flexibility. Whether you want to enter the workforce straight away or continue climbing academically, Physics at UNSW sets you up with skills that are powerful, respected, and future-proof.