MSci Physics with Computing with Industrial Experience (F334)

2024 entry | view 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.

Do you enjoy both physics and computing? Our MSci Physics with Computing with Industrial Experience combines study of the building blocks and forces of nature with training in computing and data-science skills. It includes a year gaining hands-on, paid experience in industry. In this degree programme, state-of-the-art computational methods are taught through the medium of examples drawn from the physical sciences.

Computing skills are vital across many physics-related careers. This course offers a unique combination of units and projects blending programming, machine-learning, data science and high-performance computing with fundamental concepts in physics. It aims to produce a new kind of scientist - one with a firm foundation in physics, a sound appreciation of scientific computing and an understanding of what can be achieved by combining them.

Year one gives you a comprehensive grounding in physics, mathematics and programming. Year two focuses on the principles of physics with further emphasis on scientific coding.

The third year is spent working on a computing project with an industrial partner. The industrial year can be a life-changing and rewarding experience providing valuable insights into the commercial pressures and real-world applications of physics and computing. During the third year you will study core physics via distance learning in readiness for your return and your final-year project. This will be a major research project, supervised by staff with expertise in physics and computing and addressing questions at the frontiers of our research fields. The most successful final-year research projects from related courses have been published in scientific journals.

You will join a friendly department with a very active, award-winning student society. We encourage you to develop a broad range of skills, including the experimental, theoretical and computational skills needed for a career in research and industry. Our physics graduates have an excellent record of employment which is a testament to the value that employers place on these skills.

If you have a fascination for physics and an appetite for scientific computing, you will enjoy this programme.

Course structure

Year one gives you a comprehensive grounding in physics, mathematics and programming. Year two focuses on the principles of physics with further emphasis on scientific coding.

The third year is spent working on a computing project with an industrial partner. You will study core physics via distance learning in readiness for your return and your final-year project. This will be a major research project, supervised by staff with expertise in physics and computing and addressing questions at the frontiers of our research fields. The most successful final-year research projects from related courses have been published in scientific journals.

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

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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)

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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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