MSci Physics with International Experience (F307)

2025 entry

Course summary

Join a University ranked in the UK top five for Physics research (THE analysis of REF 2021) with an excellent reputation for teaching and learning.

Physics is an inherently international activity. It is carried out by scientists in institutions across the world, who sometimes compete but often collaborate. Physics with International Experience will give you an early introduction to this key aspect of the discipline.

Our course offers the chance to combine in-depth training as a physicist with the experience of living overseas. This course follows the structure of the MSci Physics degree, but you will spend your third year at a partner university, either studying or working as a researcher. The programme will be agreed with a tutor at Bristol and the working language will be English.

During your time abroad, you will spend most of your time taking advantage of opportunities available locally. This may mean carrying out a full-time research project as part of a research team at your host university. Previous students have studied astrophysics in Canada, nanophysics in Brazil, and particle physics in the US.

Alternatively, you can take taught courses through Bristol's Global Opportunities programme. This means that you will continue to study core physics via distance learning, in readiness for returning to Bristol for your final year.

In your final year, you will undertake a major project, working in a research group with a staff member. Our students' final-year projects address questions at the frontier of our research fields. The most successful have been published in scientific journals.

Join our friendly department with a very active, award-winning student society. We support you to develop a broad range of experimental, theoretical and analytical skills, as well as to develop your understanding of how to apply your skills more widely. These are vital for a career in research or industry.

Our physics graduates have an excellent record of employment post-study. This is a testament to the value that employers place on the transferable skills that you will gain on this course.

Think Big bursaries of £3,000 are available to support first-year international undergraduate students in this subject area.

Accreditations

Our Physics with International Experience MSci is approved by major professional bodies in the UK (IOP) so as a graduate you can gain exemptions from a number of their examinations or credits for prior learning.

Course structure

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Go to programme catalogue

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

A*AA including A*A (in any order) in Mathematics and Physics
AAB including AA in Mathematics and Physics

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
D*DD in Engineering BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in four specified Physics units, and A in Mathematics at A-level (or equivalent).

Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
38 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 7, 6 (in any order) at Higher Level in Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) and Physics
34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level, including 6, 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) and Physics

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
88% overall, with 9.0, 8.5 in Mathematics and Physics (in any order)
Advanced Higher: AA in Mathematics and Physics, and Standard Higher: AAAAA
Access to HE Diploma in Engineering, Science, or Computing (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: at least 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or above; and at least 12 credits at Distinction from Mathematics units (including algebra, calculus and trigonometry); and at least 12 credits at Distinction from specified Physics units. plus successful completion of a University of Bristol test and interview (or A at A-Level or equivalent in Mathematics and Physics).

More about Access to HE entry requirements
Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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