MSci Physics with Computing with Industrial Experience

This course is built around hands-on scientific and computational training, with a full year spent working in industry. From your first year, you’ll gain practical experience through lab work, programming assignments, and collaborative projects — all supported by Bristol’s advanced facilities and expert-led teaching. The industrial placement adds a professional dimension, allowing you to apply your skills in a real-world setting and build valuable career connections.

Here’s how Bristol supports your experiential learning throughout the degree:

• Industrial Placement Year: A full 12-month paid placement in a scientific or tech-based company during your third year, where you’ll work on live projects and gain professional experience.
• 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 collaborate to develop software that solves a real physics challenge — a key 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.
• High-Performance Computing Access: You’ll use advanced digital tools to model physical systems and analyze large datasets.
• 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.
• Institute of Physics Accreditation: Ensures the course meets professional standards and supports your pathway to Chartered Physicist status.

Graduates from this program are exceptionally well-prepared for careers that demand both scientific insight and computational expertise. With a full year of industry experience and advanced training in physics, programming, and data science, students often go on to roles such as data scientist, software engineer, research physicist, or machine learning specialist.

Here’s how Bristol supports your career development:

• Careers Service: Offers tailored support including CV and application reviews, employer networking events, and a dedicated team to help you secure your industrial placement.
• Industrial Placement Year: A full 12-month paid placement in a scientific or tech-based company gives you real-world experience and professional connections before graduation.
• Graduate Outcomes: 90% of Physics graduates were in work or further study within 15 months (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020).
• Industry Connections: The School of Physics collaborates with organisations such as the UK Met Office, Rolls-Royce, and tech startups, offering placement opportunities and guest lectures.
• Accreditation Value: Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP), supporting your pathway to Chartered Physicist (CPhys) status — a long-term professional credential.

Further Academic Progression:
This MSci is an integrated master's degree, but it also provides a strong foundation for doctoral study. Many graduates continue into PhD programs in areas such as quantum computing, astrophysics, or computational modelling — often at Bristol or other leading research institutions.