Prospective students

Physics and Astronomy are key subjects for understanding the universe around us. There is a fascination and a challenge here. Why is the sky blue? What is the difference between metals and semiconductors? How might collective quantum effects change the behaviour of materials? How are matter and energy related? What happens near a black hole? How did the universe begin? Answers to these and similar questions can then lead to investigation and understanding of related phenomena, and to the development of new technologies.
 
We can use physics to understand aspects of systems ranging from the smallest parts of our bodies to the vast collections of galaxies. Physics is relevant in almost every human endeavour. Teaching puts the emphasis on an understanding of these ideas. The School's courses are interesting, relevant, and thought-provoking. Its research is highly rated, and is grouped around astrophysics, condensed-matter physics, and photonics, using theoretical, experimental, computational, and observational techniques.
 
Undergraduate and postgraduate study can lead to exciting careers within physics-based industry and science. The skills and knowledge developed in these degrees can also be transferred to more general careers, for example, in management, finance, the civil service, or teaching.