BSc Hons Physics with placement

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Surrey

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Physics with Placement at the University of Surrey is a professionally accredited degree that combines rigorous academic study with a year-long industry placement. It suits students who want to explore the fundamental laws of nature while gaining real-world experience in sectors such as aerospace, medical physics, energy, and data science.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Core Foundations)

Students begin with modules such as Classical Physics, Quantum Physics, and Mathematical Methods. This year builds a strong theoretical base while introducing laboratory work, ensuring students develop both analytical and experimental skills.

Year 2 (Intermediate Study)

The focus shifts to more advanced topics including Electromagnetism, Thermal Physics, and Nuclear and Particle Physics. Students also engage in group projects and laboratory experiments, applying theory to practical scenarios and strengthening problem-solving abilities.

Year 3 (Professional Training Year Placement)

Students undertake a Professional Training Year (PTY), working with leading organisations such as the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), aerospace companies, or medical research institutes. This placement provides invaluable industry experience, enhances employability, and allows students to apply their academic knowledge in professional contexts.

Final Year (Advanced Physics & Research)

Students return to campus to study advanced modules such as Condensed Matter Physics, Astrophysics, and Advanced Quantum Mechanics. The program culminates in a major research project or dissertation, often linked to Surrey’s collaborations with international laboratories, giving students the chance to contribute to cutting-edge physics research.

Focus Areas

Quantum physics, astrophysics, nuclear and particle physics, condensed matter, electromagnetism, applied mathematics, professional training, research methods.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

Apply advanced mathematical and computational methods to solve physics problems.
Conduct independent research using Surrey’s laboratories and facilities.
Communicate complex scientific ideas clearly and effectively.
Transition confidently into professional or academic careers in physics and related fields.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP), ensuring graduates meet professional standards and can pursue Chartered Physicist (CPhys) status.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Surrey is ranked Top 20 in the UK for Physics (Complete University Guide 2025).
Surrey is renowned for its Professional Training Year placements, with strong industry links to organisations such as the National Physical Laboratory.
The University achieved Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023), reflecting outstanding teaching and graduate outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the most exciting aspects of Surrey’s Physics program is how it blends academic study with hands-on experience in world-class facilities and industry placements. From the very first year, students gain practical skills in laboratories, use advanced digital tools, and engage with Surrey’s strong industry connections. The highlight is the Professional Training Year (PTY), where students spend up to 12 months working in industry or research, applying their knowledge in real-world contexts and building a competitive CV before graduation.

To make this experiential learning tangible, here’s what students can expect:

Professional Training Year (Placement): Award-winning placement opportunities with organisations such as the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), aerospace companies, and medical physics institutes, giving students invaluable industry experience.
Specialist Laboratories: Access to Surrey’s dedicated undergraduate physics labs for mechanics, optics, and electromagnetism, alongside advanced facilities in nuclear physics and gamma-ray detection systems.
Surrey Observatory: Hands-on training in astronomy and astrophysics at the university’s observatory, offering real observational physics experience.
Advanced Technology Institute (ATI): Exposure to cutting-edge research in photonics, quantum technologies, and nanomaterials, integrating students into Surrey’s research-led teaching.
Group Projects & Case Studies: Collaborative assignments simulate real-world problem-solving, from designing experiments to presenting findings, strengthening teamwork and communication skills.
Digital Tools & Computational Physics Software: Students use advanced computational methods and Surrey’s Virtual Learning Environment, alongside access to specialist physics databases and e-resources.
Library & Learning Centre: The Surrey Library provides extensive physics journals, e-resources, and collaborative study spaces, supporting both independent and group research.
Global Research Links: Surrey’s Nuclear Physics Experimental Group conducts experiments at international accelerator laboratories (e.g., GSI/FAIR in Germany, RIKEN in Japan), and students benefit from this global research culture.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Surrey’s Physics program are well-prepared for diverse and rewarding careers. Many move into roles such as Research Scientist, Data Analyst, Software Engineer, and Medical Physicist, applying their analytical and technical expertise across industries from aerospace and energy to healthcare and finance. The combination of rigorous study and a year-long placement ensures students graduate with both academic excellence and real-world experience.

Here’s how the University of Surrey supports your career progression and long-term opportunities:

University Career Services: Surrey’s Employability and Careers Service provides tailored support including CV workshops, interview coaching, and employer networking events. Physics students benefit especially from the Professional Training Year (PTY), which offers placements with organisations such as the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), aerospace companies, and medical research institutes.
Employment Stats: Surrey consistently ranks highly for employability, with 95% of graduates in work or further study within 15 months of completing their degree (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023).
University–Industry Partnerships: Strong collaborations with the National Physical Laboratory, international accelerator laboratories (e.g., GSI/FAIR in Germany, RIKEN in Japan), and companies in quantum technologies and medical physics provide students with unique exposure to cutting-edge research and industry practice.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP), graduates meet professional standards and can pursue Chartered Physicist (CPhys) status, enhancing career mobility and credibility.
Graduation Outcomes: Alumni have progressed into careers in scientific research, data science, software engineering, medical physics, and teaching, leveraging their Surrey degree to lead in both academic and professional contexts.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BSc (Hons) Physics with Placement, students can continue their academic journey by pursuing a Master’s degree in Physics, Quantum Technologies, or Medical Physics at Surrey, or progress into a PhD in Physics. This pathway allows graduates to deepen their expertise, contribute to groundbreaking research, and position themselves for academic or high-level consultancy careers.