2024/25 Undergraduate Programme Catalogue

BSc Philosophy and Physics

Total credits: 360

Entry requirements:

Entry Requirements are available on the Course Search entry

School/Unit responsible for the parenting of students and programme:

Philosophy, Religion and History of Science

Examination board through which the programme will be considered:

Relevant QAA Subject Benchmark Groups:

Philosophy
Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics

Programme specification:

The information on this page is accurate for students entering the programme in 2023/2024 or before. For students entering the programme from September 2024 or after, you can find the details of your programme:

BSc Philosophy and Physics(For students entering from September 2024 onwards)

Your course
A joint honours degree in philosophy and physics considers fundamental aspects of the universe from different scientific and philosophical perspectives.
Compulsory modules introduce you to central ideas in philosophy about the nature of the physical world, how we acquire knowledge of the world, the philosophy of physics and the nature of science itself, and key areas of physics such as classical and quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, condensed matter, and how to carry out laboratory work.
You’ll also choose from a range of optional modules in both subjects which give you the chance to explore the philosophy of other scientific disciplines, metaphysics, epistemology, logic, the philosophy of maths, cosmology, bio-nanophysics, or pursue more advanced study in key areas of physics in which you have developed an interest, so you can choose to specialise.
There will be a choice in your final year of different independent research projects which further provides the opportunity to specialise in either philosophy or physics, and so tailor your studies to your interests.
In both subjects you’ll be exposed to cutting edge research. You’ll gave the benefit of the purpose-built Sir William Henry Bragg Building, which serves as the academic home for physics students. Here, you will have access to top-of-the-line laboratories and specialized teaching spaces, as well as the Bragg Centre where scientists and engineers work together to address global challenges in technology and society.
The programme has an optional international variant, which includes a study abroad year at Level 3, and an industrial variant, which includes a work placement year at Level 3.
At all levels students will be able to study Discovery modules from other subjects in the university.
Your future
A joint honours degree in Philosophy and Physics will equip you with varied subject knowledge as well as an impressively broad set of skills, which are attractive to a variety of employers.
You’ll be confident interpreting both quantitative and qualitative data, undertaking qualitative, quantitative, analytical and laboratory research, and have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. Crucially, the philosophical perspective will enable you to look at a situation from different points of view. You’ll also be comfortable working independently or in a team, and you’ll be able to communicate technical information clearly, both verbally and in writing, to specialist and non-specialist audiences. Through managing the demands of two different subjects, you’ll develop good organisational skills.
Our world
This degree will enable you to think in different ways about humanity’s place in the universe and understand the fundamentals of nature and the universe itself. It will equip you to be an advocate for science and its relevance to addressing global challenges, and adopt an open-minded, questioning approach to thinking about our lives that is so essential for navigating many of the problems we face collectively.

Year1 - View timetable

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]

Compulsory modules:

Candidates must study 120 credits which may include up to 20 credits of Discovery modules.
Candidates must pass at least 100 credits, including any PFP modules and a minimum of 60 credits in Physics (PHAS) and 40 credits in Philosophy (PHIL), to progress to the next year of the programme.
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules

Optional modules:

Candidates may study up to 20 credits from the following optional modules:

Discovery modules:

Candidates may study up to 20 credits of discovery modules

Year2 - View timetable

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]

Over levels 2 and 3 taken combined students must pass:

- Physics: a minimum of 90 credits (at least 40 credits must be at level 3)
- Philosophy: a minimum of 80 credits (at least 40 credits must be at level 3)
- Plus 30 credits in the named subjects and used to ensure that credits at the appropriate level for award are taken.
- Plus 40 credits of Discovery Modules or further modules in the named subjects.

In order to be eligible for an honours degree, students must meet the normal Rules for Award by passing all modules which are designated to be passed for award or progression and by passing the required number of credits at each level as specified in the Curricular Regulations (at least 200 credits at level 2 or above, of which at least 100 should be at level 3). Students must pass at least 100 credits at Level 2 and all core modules to proceed to the next level of the programme.

Compulsory modules:

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules:

Optional modules:

Candidates are required to study at least 40 credits in Philosophy at Level 2, from the following modules:

Students must choose to take ONE of the following optional modules:

Students must take at least one of the following modules:

PHYS2003 Physics Laboratory 3 is compulsory for students wishing to do an experimental project in their final year.

Discovery modules:

Candidates may study up to 20 credits of discovery modules at Level 2 or may choose to study one of the following optional modules:

Year3 - View timetable

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]

Over levels 2 and 3 taken combined students must pass:

- Physics: a minimum of 90 credits (at least 40 credits must be at level 3)
- Philosophy: a minimum of 80 credits (at least 40 credits must be at level 3)
- Plus 30 credits in the named subjects and used to ensure that credits at the appropriate level for award are taken.
- Plus 40 credits of Discovery Modules or further modules in the named subjects.

In order to be eligible for an honours degree, students must meet the normal Rules for Award by passing all modules which are designated to be passed for award or progression and by passing the required number of credits at each level as specified in the Curricular Regulations (at least 200 credits at level 2 or above, of which at least 100 should be at level 3). Students must pass at least 100 credits at Level 3 and all core modules to proceed to gain the degree.

Compulsory modules:

Optional modules:

Candidates are required to study ONE of the following modules:

Candidates are required to select at least sufficient credits from the following modules to fulfil the programme requirements.

Discovery modules:

Students may choose to take up to 20 credits of discovery modules.

Last updated: 20/08/2024 14:36:05

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