MPhys (Hons) Physics with Philosophy

Year 1

Year 1 emphasises core material to consolidate your existing knowledge and prepare you for more advanced study. You'll cover key concepts in physics and gain essential mathematical skills. In philosophy, you'll develop your powers of reasoning and argument, challenging your opinions and forming your approach to the bigger philosophical questions.

Core modules

You will take core modules which may include:

• Beginning Philosophy 

• Classical Mechanics and Relativity with Professional Skills 

• Electromagnetism, Waves and Optics 

• Introduction to Thermal and Quantum Physics 

• Mathematics I 

• Reason and Argument 

Option modules

You will choose from a selection of option modules, examples of which may include:

• Ancient Philosophy 

• Metaphysics 

Year 2

In Year 2 you'll deepen your understanding of fundamental physical laws and processes. You'll explore in-depth issues in central philosophy and learn to approach problems creatively.

Core modules

You will take core modules which may include:

• Electromagnetism and Optics 

• Mathematics II 

• Quantum Physics II 

• Thermodynamics and Solid State II 

• Philosophy of Science 

Option modules

You will choose from a selection of option modules, examples of which may include:

• Ethical Theory 

• Philosophy of Language 

• Intermediate Logic 

• Religious Ethics 

• Hume's Empiricism 

• Rationalism: Spinoza and Leibniz 

• Nietzsche 

• Kant’s Copernican Revolution (Short) 

• Metaphysics 

• Philosophy of Mind 

Year 3

Year 3 introduces some advanced concepts, building on the expertise you've developed. You'll cover key areas of advanced physics, with optional modules giving you the chance to delve deeper into your favourite philosophical topic.

Core modules

You will take core modules which may include:

• Philosophy of Physics

• Quantum Physics III 

• Statistical Mechanics and Solid State II 

Option modules

Philosophy

You will choose from a selection of option modules, examples of which may include:

• German Idealism 

• Philosophy of Art: Hume to Tolstoy 

• Philosophy of Christianity 

• Contemporary Issues in Bioethics 

• Foundations of Maths 

• The Value and Meaning of Life 

• Philosophy of Physics Advanced 

Please note that some combinations of modules are not permitted. For more information please contact our admissions tutor.

Physics

You will choose from a selection of option modules, examples of which may include:

• Advanced Theoretical Techniques 

• Atomic Physics and Lasers  

• Cosmology *

• Galaxies and the Interstellar Medium and Cosmology *

• Introduction to Plasma Science and Technology 

• Introduction to Quantum Computing 

• Magnetic Materials and Technology 

• Medical Physics 

• Modern Optics 

• Nanoscale 

• Particle Physics 

• Relativity 

• The Physics of Stars 

Year 4

The fourth year consists of a number of advanced option modules, providing you with the opportunity to specialise further. You'll apply the core knowledge you've developed over the previous years to topics aligned with our internationally-recognised research groups.

You'll undertake a major research project under the supervision of an academic member of staff with expertise in the area you choose to focus on. You'll conduct original research to reach new conclusions and, at the highest levels, contribute to our understanding of physics and philosophy.

Core modules

You will take core modules which may include:

• Reading Philosophy

• MPhys Project

Our students widely acknowledge the MPhys project as one of the most satisfying and rewarding parts of the course. You'll undertake independent research to investigate a current problem in the field, or bring new perspectives to a familiar topic. You may need to design, build and evaluate equipment for a specific experimental purpose.

Recent projects have included:

• Knowledge in Context: Exploring the Concept of Truth in Physics and Philosophy

• The Meaning of the Time Variable in Post-Relativity Physics

• Shape coexistence in thallium and bismuth isotopes studied by laser spectroscopy

• Exploring Exotic Nuclear Shapes and Structures

• Construction of a polarised TIRF microscope to probe membrane diffusion

• Exotic nuclei studied with knockout and fragmentation reactions

You'll be supported by a professional skills module to hone your research techniques. You'll undertake a literature survey, write a review essay, develop a project plan and give oral and poster presentations in an end-of-year conference.

Option modules

Philosophy

You will choose from a selection of option modules, examples of which may include:

• The Phenomenon of Loneliness

• Property, Privacy, and Consent

• Non-Classical Logic

• Time, Tense, and Existence

• Advanced Topics in Buddhist Philosophy

• Science-Engaged Analytic Theology

• Advanced Topics in Ethics

• Social Justice and Political Economy

• The Nature of Grief

• Topics in Consciousness and Representation

Please note that some combinations of modules are not permitted. For more information please contact our admissions tutor.

Physics

You will choose from a selection of option modules, examples of which may include:

• Advanced High Performance Computing 

• Advanced Plasma Physics 

• Advanced Quantum Mechanics 

• Biophysics 

• From Subatomic Physics to Astrophysics 

• Further Quantum Mechanics 

• High Performance Computing 

• Laser and Atom-light Interactions 

• Nanomaterials: from Graphene to Spintronics 

• Physics and Applications of Semiconductor Devices