Physics (International Study) MSci

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

Choose 10 credits. Example modules:

• Chaos and Non-linear Systems A - 10 credits
• Introduction to Particle Physics and Cosmology - 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
• Physics Project - 10 credits
• Optics - 10 credits

Choose 20 credits. Example modules:

• Observational Astronomy - 10 credits
• Nuclear Physics and Neutrinos - 10 credits
• Structure in the Universe - 10 credits
• Electronics 10 credits
• Eigenphysics - 10 credits
• Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics - 10 credits

Modules will depend upon the chosen University. Your programme of study will be devised through liaison with the academic tutors at Birmingham and those at your host institution. This will ensure that during your year abroad you study comparable material to the content of the standard MSci Physics programme.

To undertake an exchange to a non-English speaking university, MSci Students must hold an A Level (grade B or above) in 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, students 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 your 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.

In the fourth year you become a member of a research group for an individual project.

• Project Seminar and Viva - 20 credits
• Project Planning and Preliminary Report - 10 credits
• Project Dissertation - 20 credits

Select 70 credits. Example optional modules:

• Numerical Weather Forecasting and Climate Modelling - 10 credits
• Physics Critique - 10 credits
• Observational Cosmology - 10 credits
• Phase Transitions - 10 credits
• Superconductivity - 10 credits
• The General Theory of Relativity - 10 credits
• Advanced Condensed Matter Physics - 10 credits
• Complex Variable Theory - 10 credits
• Images and Communication - 10 credits
• Many Particle and Quantum Field Theory - 10 credits
• Condensed Matter Physics - 10 credits
• Nuclear Physics - 10 credits
• Quantum Optics - 10 credits
• Relativistic Astrophysics - 10 credits
• Evolution of Cosmic Structure - 10 credits
• Asteroseismology and Exoplanets - 10 credits
• Quantum Mechanics 4 - 10 credits
• Fission and Fusion - 10 credits
• Current Topics in Particle Physics - 10 credits
• Experimental Particle Physics Techniques - 10 credits
• Inference from Scientific Data - 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.