
Physics Msci (Hon)
Course Overview - Physics Msci (Hon)
Our students often say their enthusiasm to study Physics stems from wanting to learn more about the Higgs particle, dark matter, nanotechnology or just a wide-ranging curiosity about how things really work. Whatever your reasons, our Physics department aims to inform and excite you in the study of Physics, the most fundamental of the sciences.
As one of the most respected centres for Physics teaching and research in the UK, you will join a vibrant environment, where you can pursue your studies and plan your future career.
On our four-year MSci course, we’ll cover t...
Our students often say their enthusiasm to study Physics stems from wanting to learn more about the Higgs particle, dark matter, nanotechnology or just a wide-ranging curiosity about how things really work. Whatever your reasons, our Physics department aims to inform and excite you in the study of Physics, the most fundamental of the sciences.<br/><br/>As one of the most respected centres for Physics teaching and research in the UK, you will join a vibrant environment, where you can pursue your studies and plan your future career.<br/><br/>On our four-year MSci course, we’ll cover the core material that a graduate physicist would be expected to know, including quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, statistical physics and thermodynamics, Einstein’s relativistic physics and the study of the fundamental structure of matter and the universe. You’ll also develop the mathematical, experimental and conceptual knowledge and skills to a more advanced level.<br/><br/>Your fourth year is intercollegiate, which means you can pick choices from other University of London colleges – modules can include Quantum Computation, Nanoscale Physics and others. You’ll also develop experimental, conceptual and observational skills from your final year Major Project, which will make you an attractive candidate in a range of sectors, including management and finance, as well as scientific, technical, engineering and teaching careers. <br/><br/>We’re based at the heart of the campus, where you’ll have access to laboratories, technical help, academic staff and, on the roof of the department, our astronomical dome. In Egham Surrey, we’re well away from the light pollution of the big city so our telescopes can give you the best observational astronomy in the University of London. Beyond the specialist equipment, we also have video-conferencing facilities that allow people to take part in seminars and lectures at other institutions. <br/><br/>Research is expanding in new and exciting directions, plus strategic partnerships such as CERN and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), SNOLAB and with industry, and there are impressive research facilities in the Physics labs with dedicated technical help.<br/><br/>We put a real emphasis on small group teaching – a close-knit, friendly and supportive environment with high staff-student ratio and an open door policy.<br/><br/>We enjoy a strong track record of high student satisfaction in the annual National Student Survey.<br/><br/>We’ve been awarded IOP Juno Champion and Athena SWAN silver awards for best practice in equality, promoting women in science and welcoming large cohorts of female students<br/><br/>This course is fully accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP)<br/><br/>A wide range of fourth-year options taught across the University of London physics consortium, providing access to world-leading experts.<br/><br/>Extended research project embedded within a research group, working directly with your personal academic supervisor.<br/><br/>Final year builds on the core physics content allowing you to gain specialist knowledge in your chosen area of interest.
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
21/09/2026
Campus
Main Site
Application Details
14 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
F303
Institution Code
R72
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff
Not Accepted
Scottish Higher
A,A,A,A,A
Including Maths and Physics.
Access to HE Diploma
D:33,M:12
Including Distinction in all Maths and Physics units. Please note that the Access to Higher Education Diploma will only be acceptable if the applicant has had a considerable break from education.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
34
6,6,6 at Higher Level including 6 in Maths at Higher Level and 5 in Physics at Higher Level with a minimum of 34 points overall.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Not Accepted
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H2,H2,H2,H2,H2
Including Maths and Physics
GCSE/National 4/National 5
We require at least five GCSEs at grade A*-C or 9 - 4 including English and Mathematics.
Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)
DD
Plus A-level grades AA Maths and Physics, plus a Pass in the practical element of any Science A-levels taken.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DD
Plus A-level grades AA Maths and Physics, plus a Pass in the practical element of any Science A-levels taken.
Scottish Advanced Higher
A,A,A
A,A,B
Including A in Maths and Physics.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
Applicants with the Cambridge Pre-U are strongly encouraged to apply to Royal Holloway. Offers will be made on the basis of equivalent A-Level grades as can be found on the Royal Holloway website.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D
Plus A-level grades AA Maths and Physics, plus a Pass in the practical element of any Science A-levels taken..
A level
A,A,A
A,A,B
Where an applicant is taking the EPQ alongside A-levels, the EPQ will be taken into consideration and result in lower A-level grades being required. Socio-economics factors which may have impacted an applicant's education will be taken into consideration and alternative offers may be made to these applicants. Required subjects: A in Mathematics and Physics, plus a Pass in the practical element of any Science A-levels being taken
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
Requirements are as for A-levels where one non-subject-specified A-level can be replaced by the same grade in the Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate.
Search Postgraduate Courses at Royal Holloway, University of London
Take the next steps at Royal Holloway, University of London with our postgraduate course search.
Fees and funding
Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year |
---|---|---|---|
England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland | £9,535 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |
EU, International | £29,900 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |