Physics and Philosophy

Bachelor's degree

In Oxford

Price on request

Description

  • Type

    Bachelor's degree

  • Location

    Oxford

UCAS code VF53 Duration
4 years (MPhysPhil)
3 years (BA)
Entrance requirements
A*AA (with the A* in Physics, Maths or Further Maths)
Subject requirements
Physics and Maths
Maths Mechanics modules
Further Maths
Admissions test(s) ox.ac.uk/pat Written work None
Admissions statistics*
Interviewed: 30%
Successful: 9%
Intake: 14
*3-year average 2017-19
Contact
+44 (0) 1865 272200
Email Physics
+44 (0) 1865 276926
Email Philosophy
Subject requirements: Essential Recommended Helpful – may be useful on course
Unistats information for this course can be found at the bottom of the page
Please note that there may be no data available if the number of course participants is very small.
This course combines the most rigorous and fundamental subjects in the sciences and the arts. Physics is concerned with unravelling the complexities of the universe from the smallest to the largest scale. Philosophy deals with foundational questions of the most general kind: what there is, what we know and how we came to know it, and how we ought to act and structure our lives. Central to both subjects is the development and application of clear and precise thinking to foundational problems, the questioning of received wisdom and the critical articulation of ideas which aim for an understanding of how things are, in the broadest possible terms.

">Video of Physics and Philosophy at Oxford University
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Physics and Philosophy are historically intertwined and each continues to contribute to developments in the other. Philosophy played a crucial role in the two revolutions of 20th-century physics – namely, relativity and quantum mechanics – and continues to contribute both to foundational research in theoretical physics and to the articulation and critique of scientific method. Conversely, discoveries in physics provide profound implications for philosophical inquiry, such as the nature of space and time and the behaviour of matter at the quantum realm physics; how...

Facilities

Location

Start date

Oxford (Oxfordshire)
See map
Wellington Square, OX1 2JD

Start date

On request

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Reviews

Subjects

  • Articulation
  • Project
  • Maths
  • Modern Philosophy
  • Teaching
  • Email
  • Options
  • IT
  • Philosophy
  • Mechanics
  • University
  • GCSE Physics
  • Tutorials
  • Working
  • Lectures
  • Majority
  • Completing

Course programme

A typical week

Your work will be divided between independent study, tutorials, two or three classes and about ten lectures each week. Independent study (reading for and writing essays, completing problem sets) will take up the majority of your working time. Tutorials typically take the form of 2-4 students discussing themes arising from essays or problem sets with a tutor in the students’ college. Lectures and classes are typically held in either the Department of Physics or Faculty of Philosophy.

Tutorials are usually 2-4 students and a tutor. Class sizes may vary depending on the options you choose. There would usually be no more than around 10 students though classes for some of the more popular papers may be up to 20 students. Most tutorials, classes, and lectures are delivered by staff who are tutors in their subject. Many are world-leading experts with years of experience in teaching and research. Some teaching may also be delivered by postgraduate students who are usually studying at doctorate level.

To find out more about how our teaching year is structured, visit our Academic Year page.

Academic YearCourse structureYEAR 1

CURRENT COURSES

  • Physics
    • Classical mechanics and special relativity
    • Mathematical methods
    • Differential equations and waves
  • Philosophy
    • Elements of deductive logic
    • General philosophy
    • Introductory philosophy of physics

ASSESSMENT

First University examinations: three written papers in Physics; two written papers in Philosophy

YEAR 2

CURRENT COURSES

  • Physics
    • Thermal physics
    • Electromagnetism
    • Quantum physics
    • Mathematical methods
    • Physics practicals
  • Philosophy
    • Early modern philosophy or Knowledge and reality
    • Philosophy of special relativity

ASSESSMENT

Final University examinations, Part A: three papers in Physics; satisfactory lab work


YEAR 3

CURRENT COURSES

Core topics:

  • Physics - choose two of the following:
    • Symmetry and relativity
    • General relativity
    • Classical mechanics
  • Philosophy - compulsory topics:
    • Philosophy of science
    • Philosophy of quantum mechanics
Extra subjects, choose:
  • Either two Physics papers and/or projects from:
    • The remaining core subject not chosen
    • Atomic and laser physics
    • Computational and experimental projects
    • Condensed matter physics
    • Fluids
    • Nuclear and particle physics
  • Or one Philosophy paper from a range of options

ASSESSMENT

Final University examinations, Part B: three or four written papers in Philosophy; two or four subjects in Physics

YEAR 4

RESEARCH

Three units chosen in any combination from the lists for Physics and Philosophy, including an advanced philosophy of physics option.

ASSESSMENT

Final University examinations, Part C: a mix of three written papers and essays, or thesis (in Philosophy), or project (in Physics)

The options listed above are illustrative and may change. More information about current options is available on the Physics and Philosophy websites.

YEAR 1

CURRENT COURSES

  • Physics
    • Classical mechanics and special relativity
    • Mathematical methods
    • Differential equations and waves
  • Philosophy
    • Elements of deductive logic
    • General philosophy
    • Introductory philosophy of physics

ASSESSMENT

First University examinations: three written papers in Physics; two written papers in Philosophy

YEAR 2

CURRENT COURSES

  • Physics
    • Thermal physics
    • Electromagnetism
    • Quantum physics
    • Mathematical methods
    • Physics practicals
  • Philosophy
    • Early modern philosophy or Knowledge and reality
    • Philosophy of special relativity

ASSESSMENT

Final University examinations, Part A: three papers in Physics; satisfactory lab work


YEAR 3

CURRENT COURSES

Core topics:

  • Physics - choose two of the following:
    • Symmetry and relativity
    • General relativity
    • Classical mechanics
  • Philosophy - compulsory topics:
    • Philosophy of science
    • Philosophy of quantum mechanics
Extra subjects, choose:
  • Either two Physics papers and/or projects from:
    • The remaining core subject not chosen
    • Atomic and laser physics
    • Computational and experimental projects
    • Condensed matter physics
    • Fluids
    • Nuclear and particle physics
  • Or one Philosophy paper from a range of options

ASSESSMENT

Final University examinations, Part B: three or four written papers in Philosophy; two or four subjects in Physics

YEAR 4

RESEARCH

Three units chosen in any combination from the lists for Physics and Philosophy, including an advanced philosophy of physics option.

ASSESSMENT

Final University examinations, Part C: a mix of three written papers and essays, or thesis (in Philosophy), or project (in Physics)

The options listed above are illustrative and may change. More information about current options is available on the Physics and Philosophy websites.

YEAR 1YEAR 1YEAR 1

CURRENT COURSES

  • Physics
    • Classical mechanics and special relativity
    • Mathematical methods
    • Differential equations and waves
  • Philosophy
    • Elements of deductive logic
    • General philosophy
    • Introductory philosophy of physics

ASSESSMENT

First University examinations: three written papers in Physics; two written papers in Philosophy

CURRENT COURSES

  • Physics
    • Classical mechanics and special relativity
    • Mathematical methods
    • Differential equations and waves
  • Philosophy
    • Elements of deductive logic
    • General philosophy
    • Introductory philosophy of physics

CURRENT COURSES

CURRENT COURSES
  • Physics
    • Classical mechanics and special relativity
    • Mathematical methods
    • Differential equations and waves
  • Physics
    • Classical mechanics and special relativity
    • Mathematical methods
    • Differential equations and waves
  • PhysicsPhysics
    • Classical mechanics and special relativity
    • Mathematical methods
    • Differential equations and waves
  • Classical mechanics and special relativity
  • Mathematical methods
  • Differential equations and waves
    • Philosophy
      • Elements of deductive logic
      • General philosophy
      • Introductory philosophy of physics
  • Philosophy
    • Elements of deductive logic
    • General philosophy
    • Introductory philosophy of physics
  • Philosophy
    • Elements of deductive logic
    • General philosophy
    • Introductory philosophy of physics
  • Elements of deductive logic
  • General philosophy
  • Introductory philosophy of physics
  • ASSESSMENT

    First University examinations: three written papers in Physics; two written papers in Philosophy

    ASSESSMENT

    ASSESSMENT

    First University examinations: three written papers in Physics; two written papers in Philosophy

    YEAR 2YEAR 2YEAR 2

    CURRENT COURSES

    • Physics
      • Thermal physics
      • Electromagnetism
      • Quantum physics
      • Mathematical methods
      • Physics practicals
    • Philosophy
      • Early modern philosophy or Knowledge and reality
      • Philosophy of special relativity

    ASSESSMENT

    Final University examinations, Part A: three papers in Physics; satisfactory lab work


    CURRENT COURSES

    • Physics
      • Thermal physics
      • Electromagnetism
      • Quantum physics
      • Mathematical methods
      • Physics practicals
    • Philosophy
      • Early modern philosophy or Knowledge and reality
      • Philosophy of special relativity

    CURRENT COURSES

    CURRENT COURSES
    • Physics
      • Thermal physics
      • Electromagnetism
      • Quantum physics
      • Mathematical methods
      • Physics practicals
    • Philosophy
      • Early modern philosophy or Knowledge and reality
      • Philosophy of special relativity
  • Physics
    • Thermal physics
    • Electromagnetism
    • Quantum physics
    • Mathematical methods
    • Physics practicals
  • Physics
    • Thermal physics
    • Electromagnetism
    • Quantum physics
    • Mathematical methods
    • Physics practicals
  • Thermal physics
  • Electromagnetism
  • Quantum physics
  • Mathematical methods
  • Physics practicals
  • Philosophy
    • Early modern philosophy or Knowledge and reality
    • Philosophy of special relativity
  • Philosophy
    • Early modern philosophy or Knowledge and reality
    • Philosophy of special relativity
  • Early modern philosophy or Knowledge and reality
  • or
  • Philosophy of special relativity
  • ASSESSMENT

    Final University examinations, Part A: three papers in Physics; satisfactory lab work


    ASSESSMENT

    ASSESSMENT

    Final University examinations, Part A: three papers in Physics; satisfactory lab work





    YEAR 3YEAR 3YEAR 3

    CURRENT COURSES

    Core topics:

    • Physics - choose two of the following:
      • Symmetry and relativity
      • General relativity
      • Classical mechanics
    • Philosophy - compulsory topics:
      • Philosophy of science
      • Philosophy of quantum mechanics
    Extra subjects, choose:
    • Either two Physics papers and/or projects from:
      • The remaining core subject not chosen
      • Atomic and laser physics
      • Computational and experimental projects
      • Condensed matter physics
      • Fluids
      • Nuclear and particle physics
    • Or one Philosophy paper from a range of options

    ASSESSMENT

    Final University examinations, Part B: three or four written papers in Philosophy; two or four subjects in Physics

    CURRENT COURSES

    Core topics:

    • Physics - choose two of the following:
      • Symmetry and relativity
      • General relativity
      • Classical mechanics
    • Philosophy - compulsory topics:
      • Philosophy of science
      • Philosophy of quantum mechanics
    Extra subjects, choose:
    • Either two Physics papers and/or projects from:
      • The remaining core subject not chosen
      • Atomic and laser physics
      • Computational and experimental projects
      • Condensed matter physics
      • Fluids
      • Nuclear and particle physics
    • Or one Philosophy paper from a range of options

    CURRENT COURSES

    CURRENT COURSES

    Core topics:

    • Physics - choose two of the following:
      • Symmetry and relativity
      • General relativity
      • Classical mechanics
    • Philosophy - compulsory topics:
      • Philosophy of science
      • Philosophy of quantum mechanics
  • Physics - choose two of the following:
    • Symmetry and relativity
    • General relativity
    • Classical mechanics
  • Physics - choose two of the following:
    • Symmetry and relativity
    • General relativity
    • Classical mechanics
  • Symmetry and relativity
  • General relativity
  • Classical mechanics
  • Philosophy - compulsory topics:
    • Philosophy of science
    • Philosophy of quantum mechanics
  • Philosophy - compulsory topics:Philosophy - compulsory topics:Philosophy - compulsory topics:
    • Philosophy of science
    • Philosophy of quantum mechanics
  • Philosophy of science
  • Philosophy of quantum mechanics

    • Either two Physics papers and/or projects from:
      • The remaining core subject not chosen
      • Atomic and laser physics
      • Computational and experimental projects
      • Condensed matter physics
      • Fluids
      • Nuclear and particle physics
    • Or one Philosophy paper from a range of options
  • Either two Physics papers and/or projects from:
    • The remaining core subject not chosen
    • Atomic and laser physics
    • Computational and experimental projects
    • Condensed matter physics
    • Fluids
    • Nuclear and particle physics
  • Either two Physics papers and/or projects from:Either two Physics papers and/or projects from:Either
    • The remaining core subject not chosen
    • Atomic and laser physics
    • Computational and experimental projects
    • Condensed matter physics
    • Fluids
    • Nuclear and particle physics
  • The remaining core subject not chosen
  • Atomic and laser physics
  • Computational and experimental projects
  • Condensed matter physics
  • Fluids
  • Nuclear and particle physics
  • Or one Philosophy paper from a range of options
  • Or one Philosophy paper from a range of optionsOr

    ASSESSMENT

    Final University examinations, Part B: three or four written papers in Philosophy; two or four subjects in Physics

    ASSESSMENT

    ASSESSMENT

    Final University examinations, Part B: three or four written papers in Philosophy; two or four subjects in Physics

    YEAR 4YEAR 4YEAR 4

    RESEARCH

    Three units chosen in any combination from the lists for Physics and Philosophy, including an advanced philosophy of physics option.

    ASSESSMENT

    Final University examinations, Part C: a mix of three written papers and essays, or thesis (in Philosophy), or project (in Physics)

    RESEARCH

    Three units chosen in any combination from the lists for Physics and Philosophy, including an advanced philosophy of physics option.

    RESEARCH

    RESEARCH

    Three units chosen in any combination from the lists for Physics and Philosophy, including an advanced philosophy of physics option.

    ASSESSMENT

    Final University examinations, Part C: a mix of three written papers and essays, or thesis (in Philosophy), or project (in Physics)

    ASSESSMENT

    ASSESSMENT

    Final University examinations, Part C: a mix of three written papers and essays, or thesis (in Philosophy), or project (in Physics)

    The options listed above are illustrative and may change. More information about current options is available on the Physics and Philosophy websites.

    The options listed above are illustrative and may change. More information about current options is available on the Physics and Philosophy websites.

    The options listed above are illustrative and may change. More information about current options is available on the Physics and Philosophy websites.

    The options listed above are illustrative and may change. More information about current options is available on the Physics and Philosophy websites.PhysicsPhilosophy

    The content and format of this course may change in some circumstances. Read further information about potential course changes.

    The content and format of this course may change in some circumstances. Read further information about potential course changes.

    .

    The content and format of this course may change in some circumstances. Read further information about potential course changes.

    The content and format of this course may change in some circumstances. Read further information about potential course changes.

    potential course changesMMathPhys YEAR 4

    The Physics and Mathematics Departments jointly offer an integrated master’s level course in Mathematical and Theoretical Physics. Physics and Philosophy students are able to apply for transfer to a fourth year studying entirely mathematical and theoretical physics, completing their degree with an MMathPhys. The course offers research-level training in: Particle physics, Condensed matter physics, Astrophysics, Plasma physics and Continuous media.
    mmathphys.physics

    Physics and Philosophy

    Price on request