Physics at uni – where?

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DS is in year 12 and wants to study physics at uni. Strong predicted grades for physics, maths, FM.

We're starting to think about open days. My question is: where would be a good place for someone to study physics who wants to be in a city, to not live at home (so not Bristol or Bath) and is potentially interested in going on to do a PhD and work in research? Probably more interested in theoretical than applied physics, has plumped for physics over maths because he enjoys both. Not that interested in Oxbridge at this stage. Thanks for any insights/experience.

I think the obvious one would be Imperial

Manchester is excellent for physics. Very high grades required though.

Came on to say Manchester. Could do a related/similar subject such as Materials Science if grades are slightly lower than those needed for Physics.

Imperial, UCL, Manchester would be after Oxbridge.
Also Lancaster plus Leicester and Cardiff for Astro.

Imperial would be the number one spot

Birmingham has a really good theoretical physics course

Birmingham

Durham! Amazing for things like computational cosmology.

Aha, thanks. I wanted to check we weren’t making assumptions - and to narrow down the field.

Durham, Imperial and Manchester are on the list and planning to visit open days. Interesting to hear about Birmingham, Lancaster, Leicester and Cardiff. Wasn’t sure re UCL so good to know. Thanks, too, for the Materials Science recommendation. I’ll get DS to have a look.

Are York and/or Newcastle worth a look while we’re in Durham?

I did physics at Newcastle, but that was 25 years ago! The department closed due to lack of numbers for quite a few years, but is back up and running now. It's a great city to study and live, but can't comment on the course. It's worth a look if you're going to Durham though.

Great, thanks @WinkyTinky. Will suggest a visit to Newcastle.

York is a great city and has a lovely caring uni. But I don’t know about the physics course!
My dd is at York uni, loving it!

I know a few people who studied Physics at Strathclyde and they all speak very highly of both the course and the university.

Hi, OP -

The research strength of his undergraduate institution should be an important consideration for anyone already thinking about a PhD. The chance to get letters from researchers whose names will be well known to those who read them, who are plugged into funding networks, etc is invaluable.

Is DS applying for MPhys? Otherwise he will probably need an MSc before a UK PhD (but not necessarily before a funded American one).

The REF 2021 is the most recent measure we have of UK wide subject area research strength. It’s not perfect and it can be gamed slightly. Nevertheless it is pretty good. The Physics Top 10 in rank order are

1. Sheffield
2. Manchester
3. Cambridge
4. Birmingham
5. Bristol
6. Portsmouth
7. Nottingham
8. St Andrews
9. Tie: Oxford and Leeds

I am sure other factors will come into play, but I see five or six choices on this (somewhat interesting) list that meet the criteria of your DS. Best wishes to him.

Thank you @poetryandwine - some very useful info. An interesting list - I think that’s exactly what I needed to know. Sounds like a visit to Sheffield should be in order as well as Manchester and Birmingham. Would definitely be easier on the finances than the London unis…

A supplementary question, @poetryandwine. If DS started a BSc at a uni that does MPhys, is it likely he could upgrade to that later on, or would he more likely need to start on the MPhys? Thank you.

My son is doing Physics at Lancaster and enjoying it but it is a very small city so may not be what your son wants. York is good for physics. He liked Sheffield too, very friendly place and extremely cheap!

I've known students who have enjoyed both the Physics with Theoretical Physics and Mathematical Physics courses at Nottingham. Beautiful campus + city so best of both worlds really.

They went straight from 4-year MSci to PhD.

Most of them let you decide whether or not to do the Masters year, after you've got your year2 results. We asked at Open Days - that was the answer at York, Sheffield, Lancaster, Nottingham.

oh, Nottingham also good for Physics, especially medical physics (MRIs and things?)

It’s easier to start the mphys then drop to the bsc, than it is to go up so to speak. But it’s not impossible

Sheffield good for physics and materials science.

Thanks all, lots to think about. It’s really helpful to understand where DS should be looking. Now to narrow them down to five!

York has the thumbs up for Physics from the one we have there. Chose over Manchester after visiting both so their choice.

Hi, again. At my university we are very flexible throughout the STEM subjects in letting students move between BSc and M(Subject). I think most universities are, as it means another year of fees. The usual requirement is that the student be on a 2.1
or First at the end of Y2, but the timing may vary by institution. And a student on an M(Subject) not achieving at this level st the end of Y2 will usually be changed over to a BSc. Also everyone understands that some on the integrated Master’s just decide to finish up in three years.

However in terms of finance it is easiest to organise the original loan for four years and change to a BSc if desired.

@poetryandwine - hadn’t thought about the finance points! Thanks for flagging that up. It sounds as if he should probably go for the MPhys.