Physics (International Study)BSc

Learn about quantum mechanics, optics and particle physics while building problem-solving, teamwork and experimental skills. Enjoy a year at a partner university overseas for a global perspective on the subject and broaden your career opportunities.

Course structure

Join our four year full time BSc programme with International Study comprising of taught and optional modules. Each module will be assessed in a number of ways, including exams, class tests, problem sheets, lab assignments and project reports.

 Our research spaces include our own particle accelerators, the MC40 cyclotron for charged particles and HF-ADNeF, the most intense accelerator driven neutron source worldwide, as well as labs used for the construction of the detectors and electronics in experiments at the Large Hadron Collider, CERN.

Spend your third year studying physics at an international university, immerse yourself in another culture and build language skills for working abroad.  As a Birmingham Physics graduate, you'll have a broad range of options for the future.

• Benefit from state-of-the-art teaching and research spaces - including our very own particle accelerator
• Invest in your future, with employability embedded through the course 
• Learn in a friendly and supportive academic environment
• Study physics both in the UK and abroad, gaining a wider perspective
• Enjoy the flexibility to study modules from across the range of Physics disciplines
• You'll be taught by academics who are global experts in their field
• Take part in group projects, developing teamwork, planning and problem solving skills

• Learn about cutting-edge developments in your chosen areas of interest, with lectures delivered by world-leaders in their fields
• Take part in tutorials that promote independent problem-solving and enquiry-based learning
• Develop a spectrum of skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, time management, and communication through project work
• Gain valuable experience by engaging in practical assignments that simulate real-world tasks and cultivate job-ready skills

You can benefit from our incredible facilities, including state-of-the-art study spaces, computing suites and laboratories. Our research spaces includes our own particle accelerator, our MC40 cyclotron, and labs used for the construction of the detectors and electronics used in the experiments at the Large Hadron Collider, CERN. 

Assessment

Work alongside renowned academics who are pushing the frontiers of scientific knowledge. Our researchers will teach your lectures, lead your labs, act as your personal tutors and supervise your projects.

Modules are assessed in a variety of ways: exams, class tests, problem sheets, lab assignments and project reports. There is a strong emphasis on project work in the final year of your degree course. Lab work is assessed continuously throughout the term.

Each year contains 120 credits of taught material and laboratory studies, delivered in modules that are typically worth 10 or 20 credits.

To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.

Number of A-levels required: 3.
Required subjects and grades: A-level Mathematics and A-level Physics grades A*A (or AA as part of the four A level offer). 
GCSE Grade 6 in relevant language to study abroad at a non-English speaking university.
General Studies accepted as 4th A-level in AAAA entry criteria.

Foundation Year

Would you like to study this course but lack the entry qualifications? If you are not studying A-level Mathematics, you can consider a Foundation Year programme which can lead to entry onto one of our courses. Learn more:

• UK students (not eligible if studying A-level Mathematics)
• international students

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

• TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 19 in Writing.
• IELTS*: 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any band.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills.
• Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015)***: C1 Advanced - Minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component.
• Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 25 in each skill.
• Trinity ISE II: Distinction all skills.
• Trinity ISE III: Pass in each Skill

The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If your offer is for 2025 year of entry, we expect that the tuition fee for your first year of study will be £9,535 for UK students.  If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay.  If you are applying for 2026 year of entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee closer to the time.

Undergraduate loans

To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.

Scholarships, grants and bursaries

At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.

Course scholarships

We offer a range of scholarships which are exclusive to our programmes.

Apply

The UCAS code for this course is F301.

View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.

Careers Network

Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.