Program Description

This course gives students the chance to explore the deep philosophical questions raised by modern physics: What does quantum mechanics tell us about the nature of reality? Is the universe random or deterministic, and does it matter? 

In your first two years, students learn the essential physics that all of the university's physics students cover: heat, motion, electricity, magnetism and quantum mechanics. Students will also be able to choose from a wide range of optional philosophy modules, which range from religion, ethics and politics, to feminism, the arts and death.

In practical classes, students will run experiments using the equipment in the faculty's modern laboratories to help them understand important theories that apply to the real world. In optional programming classes, students can learn skills that are key to modern physics and valuable in many graduate careers, from data science to computer game design. There are also optional modules on topics such as relativity and the physics of music.

In the third year, students can branch out into lots of different areas and complete their own research project in physics or philosophy. Physics options include topics like astrophysics, dark matter and nuclear physics. Philosophy options include free will, phenomenology and metaphysics.

Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.