MSci Physics with Computing

This course is built around hands-on learning, giving you the chance to apply physics and computing in real-world contexts from your first year onward. You'll work with state-of-the-art software and equipment, collaborate on group coding projects, and carry out original research under expert supervision. The department’s facilities and research culture are designed to help you build practical skills that employers and research institutions value.

Here’s how Bristol supports your learning beyond the classroom:

• Scientific Computing in Physics: A dedicated unit where you’ll use programming to solve physics problems and simulate complex systems.
• Group Coding Project (Year 3): Students work together to develop software that solves a real-world physics challenge — a highlight of the course.
• Final-Year Research Project: Supervised by academic staff, this major project often contributes to active research and can lead to publication.
• Access to High-Performance Computing: You’ll use advanced computational tools to model physical systems and analyze data.
• Specialist Physics Laboratories: Equipped for experimental work across optics, quantum mechanics, and materials science.
• University Library and Study Spaces: Extensive resources including physics journals, computing texts, and collaborative work areas.
• Active Student Society: The award-winning Physics Society (PhysSoc) runs events, talks, and peer support activities.
• Institute of Physics Accreditation: Ensures the course meets professional standards and supports your pathway to Chartered Physicist status.

Graduates of this course are highly sought after for their combined expertise in physics and computing — a skillset that’s increasingly vital across science, technology, and data-driven industries. Typical career paths include roles such as data scientist, software developer, research physicist, and quantitative analyst. Many also move into emerging fields like AI, climate modelling, and scientific computing.

Here’s how Bristol supports your future success:

• Careers Service: Offers tailored support including CV clinics, interview preparation, and employer networking events. Physics students also benefit from subject-specific career panels and mentoring schemes.
• Graduate Outcomes: 90% of Physics graduates were in work or further study within 15 months (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020).
• Industry Connections: The department collaborates with leading employers including IBM, Dyson, and the UK Met Office, offering guest lectures and project opportunities.
• Accreditation Value: The Institute of Physics accreditation supports your pathway to Chartered Physicist status — a long-term professional advantage.
• Graduate Destinations: Alumni work in sectors ranging from finance and software to aerospace and academia, with many securing roles in research-intensive organisations.

Further Academic Progression:
This MSci is an integrated master's degree, but it also sets you up for doctoral study. Many graduates continue into PhD programs in theoretical physics, computational modelling, or interdisciplinary research areas like quantum computing and climate science — often at Bristol or other top institutions.