Delve into the make-up of the universe. Explore physics on a grand scale. And understand the forces that light stars and form galaxies.
Here, you’ll help chip away at the boundaries of knowledge, conducting real research and tackling as yet unanswered questions.
You’ll gain a thorough understanding of fundamental physics and maths concepts. And develop investigative skills to apply these concepts in new areas of science, technology and enterprise.
Highly valued by employers, a physics degree leads to varied and rewarding careers from research and development to accountancy and management.
100% of students
in work or further study 18 months after graduating
HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2026
2nd in the UK
for Satisfied with Teaching
The Guardian University Rankings, 2026
3rd in the UK
for Teaching Quality
The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2026
8th in the UK
for Student Satisfaction
Complete University Guide, 2027
This course is accredited by
Institute of Physics
accredited
Home to Viper
One of the most powerful supercomputers in England
Integrated Masters option
Undergraduate and postgraduate study combined
Award-winning focus
on diversity in physics
Learn modern physics
in our teaching lab
Learn from world-class
research experts and publishers
About this course
Study with experts exploring topics from planets in our solar system to distant galaxies and abstract phenomena. And gain the theoretical and practical tools to reveal and understand the underlying laws that govern the universe – from the smallest sub-atomic particle to the grand scale of cosmology.
You’ll develop the transferable data science skills that employers value – including in Python, one of the fastest-growing programming languages. And pick up sought-after skills in everything from communication and team work to problem solving, alongside programming, maths and research experience.
Nurtured by world-leading academics, you’ll have weekly tutorials in your first two years, plus one-to-one feedback sessions with your tutor throughout your degree.
We run a packed calendar of over 100 events every year, spanning widening participation, diversity and curriculum-enhancing activities. We’re part of a unique employability network, the White Rose Industrial Physics Alliance, which runs careers events featuring potential future employers. And our award-winning Changing Face of Physics Campaign means that Physics at Hull has one of the most diverse student populations in the country.
Explore the world and beyond in Hull
Foundation year
A foundation year at the University of Hull gives you a solid grounding of knowledge and boosts your academic skills, so you can progress on to your chosen programme with confidence.
The foundation course you enrol on may not be an exact match to your chosen degree, but don’t worry. Our foundation courses combine content from multiple related courses in the same subject area, giving you more flexibility and choice about the degree path you take.
For example, if you apply for a Music Foundation Year, you’ll join our Media Foundation course. So, if you decide to switch - say, from Music to Graphic Design - you can do so without restarting your foundation year.
Module options
Each year, you’ll study modules worth a certain number of credits, and you need 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits – so you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more. In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120. Some modules are compulsory, some are optional, so you can build a course that’s right for you.
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Foundation Mathematics A
You will study pure mathematics topics, including proof, algebra, trigonometry, differentiation, integration, exponentials, logarithms, sequences and series. The applied topic is probability and statistics.
compulsory
20 credits
Foundation Mathematics B
This module extends the knowledge gained in the Foundation Mathematics A - pure mathematics topics. You will also study functions and vectors. The applied topic is mechanics.
compulsory
20 credits
Introduction to Physics 1
This is the first of two foundation year modules that prepare you for studying physics or mathematics at degree level. You will study the basics of mechanics, properties of matter, electricity and magnetism.
compulsory
20 credits
Introduction to Physics 2
This is the second of two foundation year modules that prepare you for studying physics or mathematics at degree level. You will study the basics of oscillations, waves, and quantum and nuclear physics.
compulsory
20 credits
Preparing for Learning in Higher Education
This module is designed to give you the best possible start to your university studies, making sure you have all the essential skills you need to succeed. Through lectures and workshops we will teach you how to write in an academic style, how to find quality sources, and how to reference work, culminating in writing up a mini-research project.
compulsory
20 credits
Group Challenge
In a group, you'll formulate questions that can be tested by scientific investigations and take part in weekly workshops with academics.
compulsory
20 credits
Discovery Skills
Learn the discovery skills to join the next generation of 21st Century physicists. Skills include experimental design, problem solving, data analysis, research skills, teamwork and professional conduct.
core
20 credits
Mathematics for Physicists
Develop your maths abilities to solve physics problems and formulate the outcome of your experiments in the lab.
core
20 credits
Classical and Quantum Physics
Explore Newton's Laws and extend them to simple fluid dynamics, then study the experimental and theoretical foundations of Quantum Mechanics.
compulsory
20 credits
Our facilities
Watchlist
Dr Elke Roediger
Course overview
2 mins
Life on campus
University life
2 mins
Teaching Facilities
University life
2 mins
The Gold Standard for Teaching
University life
1 min
Featured academics
From the Big Bang to black holes, quantum mechanics to the theory of everything. Our research is at the frontier of physics.
You’ll study under world-leading academics whose research is helping make sense of the world around us – and pursuing explanations for the wonders of the universe.
Dr Elke Roediger
Reader in Astrophysics, Director of the E.A. Milne Centre for Astrophysics
Elke’s research includes investigating clusters of galaxies, galaxy evolution and hydrodynamics. She has a range of international research experience and previous roles include Visiting Scientist at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.
Dr David Benoit
Senior Lecturer in Molecular Physics and Astrochemistry
David has carried out international research in the field of computational chemistry including at the University of Ulm and MPI-FKF in Germany. He also lectured at Queen Mary, University of London and University College London before joining Hull.
Entry Requirements
What do I need?
When it comes to applying to university, you'll need a certain number of UCAS points. Different qualifications and grades are worth a different amount of points. For this course, you'll need 72 UCAS points.
For applicants with qualifications in subjects other than those key to the degree, we will usually require a minimum of 72 points from A levels, BTEC, or other equivalent qualifications.
We consider experience and qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations above.
But it's not just about the grades - we'll look at your whole application. We want to know what makes you tick, and about your previous experience, so make sure that you complete your personal statement.
Have questions? Our admissions team will be happy to help.
Typical offer
72 UCAS points
A levels
DDD
BTEC
MPP
Fees & Funding
How much is it?
Tuition fees for 2027 entry have not been confirmed. Please use 2026-27 information as a guide.
For UK students, our standard course fee is £9,790 per year. Keep in mind that some courses are longer - for example, spending your third year abroad will make your degree four years in total.
If you choose to study a foundation year as part of your course, the fee is £9,790.
How do I pay for it?
You can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the full cost of your course. Once you’ve successfully applied for this, you don’t need to do anything else – the money is sent straight to us.
You can also take out a maintenance loan of up to £10,544 a year to cover your living costs, depending on your household income.
Remember, you won’t start paying your loans back until you’ve left university and earn more than £25,000 per year.
See our full fees and funding information for more details and to find out what support we can offer.
Foundation Year Fee
£9,790
Standard Tuition Fee
£9,790 / year
The amount you pay may increase each year, in line with inflation - but capped to the Retail Price Index.
Future prospects
A degree in Physics and Astrophysics opens the doors to a whole range of future prospects in fields like data science, laser systems engineering, telecommunications, IT and computing, medical physics and nuclear engineering.
Our graduates have secured roles at companies including Rolls-Royce, Thales, QinetiQ, NPL, Reckitt and Clyde Bergemann. Others have gone onto graduate training schemes with the National Grid and the NHS.
This degree meets the educational requirements towards a sought-after qualification as a Chartered Physicist, which opens even more doors to future employment and research opportunities – such as staying on an extra year to gain a Masters.
Become part of the next generation of futuremakers
Like what you've seen? Then it's time to apply.
The standard way is to apply through UCAS. This will give you the chance to showcase your skills qualities and passion for the subject, as well as providing us with your academic qualifications.
Not ready to apply yet?
Visit our next Open Day, and see all that the University of Hull has to offer. Talk to our lecturers about your subject, find out what university is really like from our current students, and take a tour of our beautiful campus and amazing facilities.
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All modules on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.