Physics with Space Science BSc

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Leicester

Program Overview

This degree pairs core physics education – covering matter, energy, forces and waves – with a special focus on space technology, planetary science and Earth observation. It’s ideal for someone who’s fascinated by space exploration, wants to work in satellite or planetary systems, and enjoys applying physics in real-world contexts.

Curriculum structure

Year 1: You’ll start by building a strong base in physics and mathematics with modules like Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Mathematical Physics 1.1, Light and Matter, Waves and Quanta, Mathematical Physics 1.2, Experimental Physics 1 and Physics Skills and Professional Development 1. You’ll also choose an introductory option such as Introductory Astrophysics, Data Science and Space Science (or the climate/data/space variant) that begins to link physics to space science and Earth-observational themes.

Year 2: In the second year you go deeper into physics with units such as Mathematical Physics 2, Relativity, Quantum Physics and Particles, Electromagnetic Fields, Thermal and Statistical Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, Experimental Physics 2, and Physics Skills and Professional Development 2. You’ll also take one option from Intermediate Astrophysics and Space Science, Intermediate Data Science and Space Science or Intermediate Space Science and Climate Science, blending strong physics content with space-science applications.

Final Year (Year 3 or Year 4 if you take the ‘with Year Abroad/Industry/Research’ option): You’ll engage in advanced study with core modules such as Quantum Mechanics, Radiation and Matter, Physics Challenge, Research Project and Physics Skills and Professional Development 3. Then you choose from options like Astrodynamics, The Space Environment, Planetary Physics, Numerical Programming in C++, Quasars and Cosmology, Climate Change: Impacts, Vulnerability and Adaptation. These choices let you tailor the space-science side of the degree and develop strong specialist knowledge.

Focus areas:
“Physics fundamentals; space science technology; Earth observation; planetary and orbital physics; computational methods and data science”

Learning outcomes:
“You will develop deep physics understanding, apply it to space and Earth-observational systems, model and analyse data, conduct research projects, and communicate complex scientific ideas clearly”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The degree is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP), meaning it fulfils key educational requirements toward Chartered Physicist (CPhys) status.

Reputation (employability / rankings):
The School of Physics & Astronomy at Leicester is ranked 6th in the UK for “overall positivity” in subjects aligned to Physics in the NSS 2025.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Here’s how experiential learning is built into the MPhys Physics with Space Science programme at the University of Leicester — you’ll actively develop real-world skills, work with professional tools, and engage in hands-on projects rather than just sitting in lectures. The school’s labs, computing facilities, and research-linked environments mean you’ll move from theory straight into doing and collaborating.

Here’s what that looks like:

Dedicated laboratory sessions in the Michael Atiyah building where students do the practical part of their work in spaces that were previously used for building and testing equipment that was sent into space.
Access to high-performance computing and data-analysis resources — for example the ALICE supercomputer and “Data Intensive at Leicester” HPC resources (24,000+ cores) — enabling modelling, simulation and handling of large datasets.
Opportunities to collaborate on real research: the School states that “in your final year you will gain experience of scientific research by working with our staff on real physics research problems” (e.g., black holes, Martian rock analysis, planet-forming discs).
Structured workshops, small-group tutorials, open-plan problem-solving spaces where you’ll work in teams and develop your experimental, computing and communication skills.
Placement options such as a Year in Industry or Year in Research between Years 2 and 3, giving you a chance to apply your skills in a professional environment or research lab.
The proximity and link to Space Park Leicester — a world-leading hub for space-enabled research and satellite technology — meaning students can engage with a living space-technology ecosystem, not just classroom theory.

Progression & Future Opportunities

If you join the BSc Physics with Space Science programme at the University of Leicester, you’ll graduate ready for roles such as Satellite Systems Engineer, Space Data Analyst, Research Assistant in Earth Observation or Science Communicator in a space-tech company. Here’s how this degree sets you up for the future:

Progression & Future Opportunities:

The university’s Careers & Employability Service helps you secure placements, refine your CV, and connects you with industry-linked employers—support that begins at orientation and continues into alumni life.
Employment statistics for physics graduates at Leicester show a median salary of about £30,500 roughly 15 months after graduation, with a typical range of £24,500-£39,500.
You’ll benefit from industry partnerships and real-world projects: for example, options for a Year in Industry or Year in Research give you experience within companies or research teams.
Long-term accreditation value: the degree is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP), which means you meet a recognised route towards Chartered Physicist (CPhys) status.
Graduation outcomes: about 70% of recent graduates are in highly skilled work 15 months after finishing.

Further Academic Progression:
You could go on to a Master’s (MSc) or MRes in fields like astrophysics, space science, satellite engineering or data science—or move straight into a PhD to become a research scientist working on space missions, Earth-observation systems or instrumentation for space agencies.