Physics and Astrophysics (International Study) BSc

During your first year, you will study an appropriate language as a ‘Widening Horizons Module’. We strongly encourage second year students to follow an additional language course in their own time, taught by the Department of Modern Languages.

• Quantum Mechanics and Optics and Waves - 10 credits
• Classical Mechanics and Relativity 1 - 10 credits
• Classical Mechanics and Relativity 2 - 10 credits
• Mathematics for Physicists 1A - 10 credits
• Mathematics for Physicists 1B - 10 credits
• Physics Laboratory 1A - 10 credits
• Physics Laboratory 1B - 10 credits
• Physics and Communication Skills 1 - 10 credits
• Electromagnetism and Temperature and Matter - 20 credits
• Introduction to Probability and Statistics - 10 credits
• Introduction to Astrophysics - 10 credits

• Quantum Mechanics 2 - 10 credits
• Particles and Nuclei and A Quantum Approach to Solids - 10 credits
• Mathematics for Physicists 2A - 10 credits
• Mathematics for Physicists 2B - 10 credits
• Physics Laboratory 2 - 10 credits
• Physics and Communication Skill 2 - 10 credits
• Electromagnetism 2 - 10 credits
• Statistical Physics and Entropy - 10 credits
• Structure in the Universe - 10 credits
• Space Research/Astro Project - 10 credits
• Observational Astronomy - 10 credits
• Optics - 10 credits

Modules will depend upon the chosen University.

To undertake an exchange to a non-English speaking university, BSc students must hold a GCSE (grade B or above) an appropriate language. You are required to continue with language lessons during the first two years of your studies at the University of Birmingham.

Students wishing to study in Europe must do so at one of our partner institutions, with whom we can guarantee an exchange programme. Students wishing to study at an International University (ie, outside of Europe) are not guaranteed an exchange. This is because any allocation depends on academic achievement.

For exchange outside of Europe, you must list seven universities in order of preference, with the first three choices being from three different countries. International university placements have been undertaken in many countries, including Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and the United States of America.

On returning to Birmingham you will complete your studies by following the final year of year of the BSc course.

There is a reduced tuition fee for the academic year spent in industry or whilst studying abroad (where available). Fee information and further clarification is available on the University fees and funding page.

• Quantum Mechanics 3 - 10 credits
• Statistical Physics - 10 credits
• General Physics - 10 credits
• Group Studies - 20 credits
• Atomic Physics - 10 credits
• Observational Laboratory - 20 credits

Students must also take TWO of the following modules:

• The Life and Death of Stars - 10 credits
• Observational Cosmology - 10 credits
• Evolution of Cosmic Structure - 10 credits

Choose 20 credits. Example modules:

• Condensed Matter Physics - 10 credits
• Fission and Fusion - 10 credits
• Relativistic Astrophysics and Black Holes - 10 credits
• Evolution of Cosmic Structure - 10 credits
• Medical Imaging - 10 credits
• Complex Variable Theory - 10 credits
• Images and Communication - 10 credits
• Physics Critique - 10 credits
• Physics Teaching in Schools - 10 credits
• Particle Physics - 10 credits
• Nuclear Physics - 10 credits
• Semiconductor Optoelectronics - 10 credits
• Asteroseismology and Exoplanets - 10 credits
• Physics of Music and Sound - 10 credits
• Scientific Computing Laboratory 2 - 10 credits
• Physical Principles of Radar - 10 credits

Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. Unless indicated otherwise, the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2020. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to core modules; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.