BSc, 3 years, UCAS: F3F5
Typical A level offer: AAB-ABB
Subject overview
Why physics and astronomy?
The laws of physics are fundamental to all physical sciences. As a physicist or astronomer you are driven by curiosity to understand the world around you, studying interactions that give rise to the behaviour of matter at all levels. Knowledge of physics not only leads to a profound understanding of the physical world but provides a platform for developing new and innovative ideas – the technology we use in our daily lives is based upon the laws of physics. You will discover how to use well-understood physical principles to explain and predict the properties of complex systems, from sub-atomic particles to distant galaxies.
Why physics and astronomy at Sussex?
Physics and astronomy at Sussex was ranked 1st (89 per cent) for personal development and 5th (96 per cent and 92 per cent) for overall satisfaction as well as organisation and management in the 2012 National Student Survey (NSS).
Physics and astronomy at Sussex was ranked in the top 5 in the UK in The Times Good University Guide 2013, in the top 10 in the UK in The Sunday Times University Guide 2012, 16th in the UK in The Guardian University Guide 2014 and 21st in the UK in The Complete University Guide 2014.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy was ranked top in the South East and 12th nationally in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise. 95 percent of our research was rated as recognised internationally or higher, and 60 per cent rated as internationally excellent or higher.
Prize-winning students: since 2000, two of our students have won the prestigious Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) Student of the Year award, and another has won Best Physics Student of the Year. A number of our students have reached the final stages of this national competition.
World-leading physicists and astronomers will teach you all about established theories as well as the latest technologies, understandings and developments.
Well-established exchange programmes with universities in Europe and America.
All our degree courses are currently accredited by the Institute of Physics. On graduation you will qualify for Associate membership, which is the first step towards Chartered Physicist status.
We are a core part of the SEPnet (South East Physics network) consortium, giving us links to universities and industry across the region.
Programme content
If you are interested in astrophysics, but want the flexibility to sample other physics topics, this is the degree for you. For the first two years you follow the Astrophysics course, and gain a sound knowledge of a range of astrophysics topics. During the third year, you continue to take some astrophysics modules, but you are also able to focus on other topics and can choose either a physics or an astrophysics topic for your final-year project.
We continue to develop and update our modules for 2013 entry to ensure you have the best student experience. In addition to the course structure below, you may find it helpful to refer to the 2012 modules tab.
How will I learn?
Laboratory work, projects, group tutorials, self-directed learning and one-to-one consultation with your tutors all form an important part of your degree course. For each module you typically have two or three lectures per week. Accompanying the lectures are workshops, in which you work on your own or in a group, with help available from a tutor who explains and discusses the solutions to problem sheets.
Applying your existing talents and developing new skills, you discover new ways to solve problems, complete group and individual exercises in the laboratory and present your work through written reports and oral presentations. During your first-year modules you get the chance to design a website and give short talks.
Laboratory work develops your skills in experimental planning and critical analysis. The complexity of the experiments increases as you progress towards your final-year project.
In the final year of all our physics degrees, you work on a project in which you pursue a specialised investigation. In the case of the MPhys degree this is normally a major project designed to equip you for a career in research. For more information, visit Department of Physics and Astronomy: Final-year projects.
E-learning also plays an important part in our degree courses. The web-based Mastering Physics package provides an online tutorial system that is used for independent practice and assessment, with overall supervision by your lecturers.
In order to offer an opportunity for you to work closely with our excellent researchers, we have established a unique research placement course. If you are awarded a place on this course, you can join a state-of-the-art research project during the summer vacation of each year and thereby obtain a deeper understanding of a particular branch of physics or astronomy and develop research skills of great value for a future career. For more information, visit Department of Physics and Astronomy: Research placement projects.
We encourage you to customise your degree. You can take up to one-quarter of your modules each year in another subject area. We also offer flexibility between different physics courses, and if your interests change, our admissions team will be happy to help.
For more information, refer to Department of Physics and Astronomy: Teaching methods.
What will I achieve?
The fundamental ideas of physics underpin many other sciences, so you will be well equipped to adapt and apply your knowledge in whatever career you decide to pursue.
You will be able to develop independent ideas, use your newly acquired scientific, technical and interpersonal skills and establish yourself as a graduate ready to take on the world.
All our degree courses are currently accredited by the Institute of Physics. On graduation you will qualify for Associate membership, which is the first step towards Chartered Physicist status.
Core content
Year 1
You take topics such as mechanics • classical physics • mathe-matical methods for physics • data acquisition • data analysis • optics and imaging.
You take laboratory module(s) and also study introductory astrophysics.
Year 2
You take topics such as electro-dynamics • quantum mechanics • thermal and statistical physics • further mathematical methods • skills in physics • scientific computing.
You take laboratory module(s) and also study stars and planets.
Year 3
Core topics include nuclear and particle physics • condensed state physics • atomic physics. You also take options in topics such as particle physics • advanced condensed state physics • further quantum mechanics. Astrophysics students study galaxies.
BSc students work on a final-year project.
Please note that these are the modules running in 2012.
Year 1
Core modules
Year 2
Core modules
Classical Mechanics
15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 1
An introduction to mechanics and its applications, covering: Newton's Laws; particle dynamics; work and kinetic energy; potential energy and energy conservation; momentum, impulse and collisions; rocket propulsion; rigid-body rotation; torque and angular momentum; gyroscopes and precession; statics and equilibrium; fluid statics and dynamics; gravitation, satellite motion and Kepler's laws.
Classical Physics
15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 1
This module is focused around three main areas:
Electromagnetism:
-Electric forces and fields in systems with static discrete electric charges and static observers.
-Continuous charge distributions, Gauss's law. Electric potential energy and electric potential.
-Energy stored by the electric field. Motion of charged particles in static electric fields.
-Conductors and insulators in electric fields. Capacitance and capacitors. Energy storage in capacitors. Dielectrics. Drude's model of conduction.
-Creation of magnetic fields from linear motion of charges (ie, a current) electron spin and orbital motion; motion perpendicular to an electric field. Force on a charged particle moving perpendicular to magnetic field.
Relativity:
-Historical perspective.
-Inertial frames and transformations. Newton's laws in inertial frames.
-Michelson-Morley experiment - observed constancy of speed of light. Einstein's assumptions.
-Lorentz-Einstein transformations; Minkowski diagrams; Lorentz contraction; time dilation.
-Transformation of velocities - stellar aberration. Variation of mass, mass-energy equivalence.
-Lorentz transformations for momentum and energy.
Thermodynamics:
-Phases of matter; the zeroth law of thermodynamics; temperature and temperature scales
-Thermal expansion coefficients
-The ideal-gas law
-The kinetic theory of gases; the Maxwell speed distribution; mean free paths; transport properties of gases; the equipartition theorem
-Heat capacity; latent heat
-The first law of thermodynamics; internal energy of gases
-PV diagrams; work
-Adiabatic processes
Introduction to Astrophysics
15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 1
This module aims to explain the contents, dimensions and history of the universe, primarily at a descriptive level. It applies basic physical laws to the study of the universe, enabling simple calculations. Non-physics students taking this course should be aware that it includes mathematical content. This is mostly algebraic manipulation of equations, but includes calculus and first-order differential equations. This module covers:
- A brief history of astronomy.
- The scale of the universe.
- Time and motion in the universe.
- Planets, asteroids and comets.
- Stars: their birth and death.
- The Milky Way and our place within it.
- Nebulae.
- Galaxies: types, distance, formation, structure.
- Cosmology: dynamics of the universe, the Big Bang, the cosmic microwave background.
Mathematical Methods for Physics 1
15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 1
Topics covered include:
- Introduction to functions: functions and graphs;
- Classical functions: trigonometry, exponential and logarithmic functions, hyperbolic functions;
- Differentiation: standard derivatives, differentiation of composite functions;
- Curves and functions: stationary points, local/global minima/maxima; graph sketching;
- Integration: standard integrals, integration by parts and substitution, areas, volumes, averages, special integration techniques;
- Power series expansions: Taylor expansions, approximations, hyperbolic and trigonometric functions;
- Convergence of series: absolute convergence; integral test; ratio test
- Complex numbers: complex conjugates, complex plane, polar representation, complex algebra, exponential function, DeMoivre's Theorem;
- Vectors: working with vectors, scalar product of vectors, vector product of vectors;
- Determinants and matrices: definition and properties, matrices and matrix algebra, solutions of systems of linear equations.
The computer lab component of the module will introduce you to Maple.
Mathematical Methods for Physics 2
15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 1
Topics covered include:
Integration of scalar and vector fields:
- surface integrals of functions of two variables using cartesian and polar coordinates
- surface integrals of functions of three variables using cartesian, spherical polar and cylindrical polar coordinates
- volume integrals of functions of three variables using cartesian, spherical polar and cylindrical polar coordinates
- line integrals along two- and three-dimensional curves
Differentiation:
- partial differentiation of functions of several variables
- definition and interpretation of partial derivatives
- partial derivatives of first and higher order
Differentiation of scalar and vector fields:
- directional derivative
- gradient, divergence and curl and their properties
- theorems of Gauss, Stokes and their applications.
The computer lab component of the module will introduce you to Python.
Optics & Imaging
15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 1
This module covers:
- Simple harmonic motion
- Forced oscillations and resonance
- Mechanical waves
- Properties of sound
- Phasors
- Coupled oscillators and normal modes
- Geometrical optics to the level of simple optical systems
- Huygens' principle, introduction to wave optics
- Interference and diffraction at single and multiple apertures
- Dispersion
- Detectors
- Optical cavities and laser action
- Practical introduction to the use of telescopes.
Physics in Practice
15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 1
This module covers:
- Dimensions and units
- Estimation of uncertainties: significant figures and decimal places; coupled with practice in reading Vernier scales
- Introduction to spreadsheets
- Mean, standard deviation and standard error: weighted averages, and the uncertainty thereon
- Error propagation: simple formulae covering addition, multiplication, and powers; general formula for small error propagation
- Histograms, and manipulation of distributions
- The Gaussian distribution
- Chi squared, and (straight) line fitting
- Identifying and dealing with systematics
- Assessing data quality
- Circuit simulation
- DC circuits: introduction, Ohm's Law, Non-Linear circuit elements, Oscilloscopes
- Capacitors: RC circuits, differentiator, integrator, low pass filter, high pass filter
Physics Year 1 Laboratory
15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 1
This module introduces you to fundamental experiments in physics. You will do a series of classic experiments to build up basic experimental and analysis skills. The experience of preparing, performing and analysing experiments will also deepen the understanding of the fundamental physical concepts involved.
Electrodynamics
15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 2
This module covers electro/magnetostatics and electrodynamics in differential form with key applications. Topics covered include: mathematical revision.
Electrostatics: equations for the E-field, potential, energy, basic boundary-value setups. Electrostatics: dielectrics, displacement and free charge. Magnetostatics: forces, equations for the B-field, vector potential, Biot-Savart, dipole field of current loops. Magnetostatics: diamagnetism and paramagnetism, auxiliary field H, ferromagnetism. Electrodynamics: Faraday's law, inductance and back emf, circuit applications, Maxwell-Ampere law, energy and Poynting's theorem. Electromagnetic waves: wave equation, plane waves, polarization, waves in dielectrics, reflection at an interface, wave velocity/group velocity/dispersion. Potentials and dipole radiation.
Mathematical Methods for Physics 3
15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 2
This module teaches mathematical techniques that are of use in physics, in particular relating to the solution of differential equations. It also aims to give experience of mathematical modelling of physical problems. The module includes:
- Fourier series
- Ordinary differential equations
- Some linear algebra
- Fourier and Laplace transform
- Series solutions of differential equations
- Partial differential equations.
Physics Year 2 Laboratory
15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 2
This module aims to teach you how to perform experiments, make measurements, analyse data, and present conclusions in the form of a report.
You will become familiar with a number of basic measurement techniques employed in experimental physics and with the instrumentation associated with these. Learn how to estimate the uncertainties in various measurement techniques and how to quote statistically significant uncertainties in derived quantities.
You will also be able to report clearly on the conduct of an experiment and on the conclusions drawn from the data obtained.
You will choose a selection from the following experiments:
- Transmission lines
- Doppler effect
- Velocity of light
- Hall effect
- Stirling cycle heat engine
- High-temperature superconductivity
- Mercury spectroscopy
- Zeeman effect
- Guitar experiment I (Fourier analysis)
- Refractive index of gases
- Analogue electronics
Quantum Mechanics 1
15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 2
Module topics include
- Introduction to quantum mechanics, wave functions and the Schroedinger equation in 1D.
- Statistical interpretation of quantum mechanics, probability density, expectation values, normalisation of the wave function.
- Position and momentum, Heisenberg uncertainty relation.
- Time-independent Schroedinger equation, stationary states, eigenstates and eigenvalues.
- Bound states in a potential, infinite square well.
- Completeness and orthogonality of eigenstates.
- Free particle, probability current, wave packets, group and phase velocities, dispersion.
- General potentials, bound and continuum states, continuity of the wave function and its first
- derivative.
- Bound states in a finite square well.
- Left- and right-incident scattering of a finite square well, reflection and transmission probabilities.
- Reflection and transmission at a finite square well.
- Reflection and transmission at a square barrier, over-the-barrier reflection, tunnelling, resonant
- tunnelling through multiple barriers.
- Harmonic oscillator (analytic approach).
- Quantum mechanics in 3D, degeneracy in the 3D isotropic harmonic oscillator.
- Orbital angular momentum, commutators and simultaneous measurement.
- Motion in a central potential, Schroedinger equation in spherical polar coordinates.
- Schroedinger equation in a Coulomb potential.
- H atom.
- Spin, identical particles, spin-statistics theorem.
- Helium, basics of atomic structure.
- Time-independent perturbation theory for non-degenerate bound states.
- Applications of perturbation theory, fine structure in the H atom.
- Schroedinger equation for a particle coupled to an electromagnetic field.
- Summary and revision
Scientific Computing
15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 2
This module covers the revision of representation of numbers and basics of Python programming. Including the application of numerical methods to model simple physical problems, involving:
- solution of algebraic equations
- interpolation
- numerical integration and differentiation
- numerical solution of ordinary differential equations
- numerical solution of linear systems of equations
- visualisation of data.
Skills in Physics 2
15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 2
The aims and objectives of the module are to develop and enhance the deployment of a range of skills and knowledge, which should have been acquired in Year 1, to elucidate real problems and/or phenomena. The idea is to improve your abilities to make use of information from appropriate basic modules to solve problems, and to wean you away from the notion that real problems can be solved with the knowledge from a single module.
Stars & Planets
15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 2
Module topics include:
- Equations of stellar structure
- Star formation
- Stellar evolution and end points
- Proto-planetary disks
- Exoplanets
- Binary systems
Thermal and Statistical Physics
15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 2
Topics covered include:
- Review of kinetic theory of gases and first law of thermodynamics.
- Basics of statistical mechanics. Microstates, entropy, second law.
- Classical thermodynamics. Engines and refrigerators.
- More statistical mechanics. Maxwell-Boltzmann, Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac distributions.
- Blackbody radiation.
- Elements of phase transitions.
Atomic Physics
15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 3
Topics covered include: physics of the hydrogen atom; relativistic hydrogen atom (fine structure, antimatter); hyperfine structure of hydrogen and the 21-cm line; interaction with external fields (Zeeman Effect, Stark Effect); helium atom; multi-electron atoms and the periodic system; molecules and chemical binding; molecular structure: vibration and rotation; radiative processes, emission and absorption spectra.
BSc Final Year Project
30 credits
Autumn & spring teaching, Year 3
You will undertake individually a two-term project under the supervision of a member of teaching staff. The topic will be chosen from a list that will vary from year to year and will be made available to you during the second term of your second year.
Condensed State Physics
15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 3
Classification of Solids
1. Types of solids; Classification of elements and compounds by physical properties. 2. Types of bonding. 3. Basic band theory of metals, electrical insulators and semiconductors.
Crystal Structures
4. Crystals; Unit cells and lattice parameters. 5. Bravais lattices; Crystallographic basis; Crystal axes and planes. 6. Cubic and hexagonal structures. 7. Reciprocal lattice.
Diffraction by Crystals
8. Physical Processes; Braggs law; Atomic and geometrical scattering factors. 9. Diffraction crystallography.
Lattice Vibrations
10. Thermal properties of electrical insulators: Specific Heat and Thermal Conductivity. 11. Vibrations of monatomic and diatomic 1-D crystals; Acoustic and Optical modes. 12. Quantisation of Lattice Vibrations; Phonons. 13. Einstein and Debye Models for Lattice Specific Heat.
The Free Electron Model
14. Classical Free Electron Gas. 15. Quantised Free Electron Model. 16. Specific Heat of the Conduction Electrons. 17. Electrical and Thermal Conductivity of metals. 18. AC conductivity and Optical Properties of metals.
Dielectric and Optical Properties of Insulators
19. Dielectric Constant and Polarizability. 20. Sources of Polarizability; Dipolar Dispersion.
Galaxies
15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 3
This module covers:
- Galaxy formation: linear perturbation theory; Growth and collapse of spherical perturbations; derivation of Jeans mass; hierarchical galaxy formation models, large-scale structures.
- Virial theorem; Stellar dynamics and kinematics: Solutions of Poisson's equation; Oort's analysis; epicyclic motions; two-body relaxation
- Phase-space distribution function and collisionless Boltzmann equation; Jeans theorems; Solutions of collisionless Boltzmann equation; application of Jeans' equations.
- Galaxy groups and clusters; galaxy evolution; intergalactic medium.
Nuclear and Particle Physics
15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 3
This module on nuclear and particle physics covers:
- Chronology of discoveries.
- Basic nuclear properties.
- Nuclear forces.
- Models of nuclear structure.
- Magic numbers.
- Nuclear reactions, nuclear decay and radioactivity, including their roles in nature.
- The weak force.
- Existence and properties of neutrinos.
- Qualitative introduction to neutrino oscillations.
- C, P and T symmetries.
- Classification of elementary particles, and their reactions and decays.
- Particle structure.
- Qualitative introduction to Feynman diagrams.
Advanced Condensed State Physics
15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 3
This module covers the following topics:
- Electronic Energy bands in Solids. Electrons in periodic potentials; Brillouin Zones; Bloch states. Nearly Free Electron (NFE) model. Tight-Binding Approximation (TBA) model. Band structure of selected metals, insulators and semiconductors. Optical Properties.
- Electron Dynamics. Electrons and holes. Effective Mass. Mobilities. Magneto-transport.
- Semiconductors. Classification; Energy Gaps. Donor and Acceptor doping. Equilibrium carrier statistics in intrinsic and doped materials. Temperature dependence of electrical and optical properties.
- Semiconductor Devices. p-n junctions. Diodes, LEDs, Lasers, Transistors. Superlattices and 2DEG devices.
- Lattice Defects. Types of defects. Electronic and optical effects of defects in semiconductors and insulators.
Lasers
15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 3
This module covers:
- Light-matter interaction.
- Rate equations of lasers.
- Principles of Gaussian optics and optical cavities.
- Types of lasers and their applications.
Particle Physics
15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 3
Physics Methods in Finance
15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 3
Quantum Mechanics 2
15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 3
This module on quantum mechanics employing Dirac notation and algebraic methods. Topics covered include:
- Dirac's formulation of quantum mechanics - bras&kets, observables, algebraic treatment of harmonic oscillator, x&p representation, compatibility, uncertainty
- Symmetries and conservation laws - generators of translations&rotations, parity, time evolution, Heisenberg picture
- Angular momentum - algebraic treatment, spin, "addition" of angular momenta, explicit form of rotation operators
- Approximation methods - time-independent perturbation theory: first and second orders, degeneracies; WKB approximation & tunneling
- Interaction picture and time-dependent perturbation theory
- Basics of field quantisation - creation and annihilation operators, EM transitions
- Basic scattering theory
- Mixed states and quantum measurement - density matrix, Bell's inequality
- Elements of relativistic QM and antiparticles
Entry requirements
Sussex welcomes applications from students of all ages who show evidence of the academic maturity and broad educational background that suggests readiness to study at degree level. For most students, this will mean formal public examinations; details of some of the most common qualifications we accept are shown below. If you are an overseas student, refer to Applicants from outside the UK.
All teaching at Sussex is in the English language. If your first language is not English, you will also need to demonstrate that you meet our English language requirements.
A level
Typical offer: AAB-ABB
Specific entry requirements: A levels must include both Mathematics and Physics
International Baccalaureate
Typical offer: 34-35 points overall
Specific entry requirements: Higher Levels must include both Mathematics and Physics, with a grade of 5 or 6 in each.
For more information refer to International Baccalaureate.
Other qualifications
Access to HE Diploma
Typical offer: Pass the Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher.
Specific entry requirements: Successful applicants will need A levels in both Mathematics and Physics, both at grade B, in addition to the Access to HE Diploma.
For more information refer to Access to HE Diploma.
Advanced Diploma
Typical offer: Pass with at least a grade B in the Diploma and at least A in the Additional and Specialist Learning.
Specific entry requirements: The Additional and Specialist Learning must be an A-level in either Mathematics or Physics, grade A; with the other subject taken as an extra A level (again at least grade B is required).
For more information refer to Advanced Diploma.
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma
Typical offer: DDD
Specific entry requirements: Successful applicants will need to have A levels in both Mathematics and Physics (both at grade B) in addition to any BTEC Extended Diploma.
For more information refer to BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.
European Baccalaureate
Typical offer: Overall result of 77-80%
Specific entry requirements: Evidence of existing academic ability in both Mathematics and Physics is essential (normally with a final grade of at least 8.0 in each).
For more information refer to European Baccalaureate.
Finnish Ylioppilastutkinto
Typical offer: Overall average result in the final matriculation examinations of at least 6.0.
Specific entry requirements: Evidence of existing academic ability in both Mathematics and Physics is essential.
French Baccalauréat
Typical offer: Overall final result of at least 13/20
Specific entry requirements: Successful students will need to be taking the science strand within the French Baccalauréat with a final result of at least 12/20 in both Mathematics and Physics.
German Abitur
Typical offer: Overall result of 1.8 or better
Specific entry requirements: Successful applicants will need a very good final result in both Mathematics and Physics (at least 12/15 in each).
Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher level)
Typical offer: AAAABB-AABBBB
Specific entry requirements: Highers must include both Mathematics and Physics, grade A.
Italian Diploma di Maturità or Diploma Pass di Esame di Stato
Typical offer: Final Diploma mark of at least 90/100
Specific entry requirements: Evidence of existing high levels of academic ability in both Mathematics and Physics is essential.
Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers
Typical offer: AAABB-AABBB
Specific entry requirements: Highers must include both Mathematics and Physics, both at grade B. Applicants should also have Advanced Highers in both Mathematics and Physics (again grade B).
For more information refer to Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers.
Spanish Titulo de Bachillerato (LOGSE)
Typical offer: Overall average result of at least 8.0
Specific entry requirements: Evidence of existing high levels of academic ability in both Mathematics and Physics is essential.
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma
Typical offer: Pass the Core plus at least AB in two A-levels
Specific entry requirements: A levels must include both Mathematics and Physics.
For more information refer to Welsh Baccalaureate.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with not less than 6.0 in each section. Internet-based TOEFL with 88 overall, with at least 20 in Listening, 19 in Reading, 21 in Speaking and 23 in Writing.
For more information, refer to alternative English language requirements.
For more information about the admissions process at Sussex:
Undergraduate Admissions,
Sussex House,
University of Sussex, Falmer,
Brighton BN1 9RH, UK
T +44 (0)1273 678416
F +44 (0)1273 678545
E ug.enquiries@sussex.ac.uk
Related subjects
Fees and funding
Fees
Home/EU students: £9,0001
Channel Island and Isle of Man students: £9,0002
Overseas students: £16,2003
1 The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.
2 The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.
3 The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.
To find out about your fee status, living expenses and other costs, visit further financial information.
Funding
The funding sources listed below are for the subject area you are viewing and may not apply to all degrees listed within it. Please check the description of the individual funding source to make sure it is relevant to your chosen degree.
To find out more about funding and part-time work, visit further financial information.
Care Leavers Award (2013)
Region: UK
Level: UG
Application deadline: 31 July 2014
For students have been in council care before starting at Sussex.
First-Generation Scholars Scheme (2013)
Region: UK
Level: UG
Application deadline: 13 June 2014
The scheme is targeted to help students from relatively low income families – ie those whose family income is up to £42,611.
First-Generation Scholars Scheme EU Student Award (2013)
Region: Europe (Non UK)
Level: UG
Application deadline: 13 June 2014
£3,000 fee waiver for UG Non-UK EU students whose family income is below £25,000
High Flier Scholarship (Physics and Astronomy) (2013)
Region: UK
Level: UG
£1000 for new Physics or Astronomy undergraduates (UK only) starting Autumn 2013
Mrs Emily O Akinluyi Scholarship (2013)
Region: UK
Level: UG
Application deadline: 19 October 2013
£5000 paid over the length of the course
Careers and profiles
Career opportunities
Our courses help you to develop versatile skills that are in high demand among employers. Our graduates are able to go into employment in fields such as research and development, banking and finance, product development, health sciences, teaching and postgraduate study, and computing and information technology.
Our careers officer gives advice and organises events and talks by speakers such as Sussex graduate and Rough Science star Jonathan Hare.
Recent graduates have taken up a wide range of posts with employers including:
- business analyst at American Express
- PhD student at University College London
- PhD student at the University of Portsmouth
- telephone researcher at Network Research
- tutor at Maths Doctor.
Specific employer destinations listed are taken from recent Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education surveys, which are produced annually by the Higher Education Statistics Agency.
For more information, refer to Department of Physics and Astronomy: Career opportunities and Department of Physics and Astronomy: Student perspectives.
Careers and employability
For employers, it’s not so much what you know, but what you can do with your knowledge that counts. The experience and skills you’ll acquire during and beyond your studies will make you an attractive prospect. Initiatives such as SussexPlus, delivered by the Careers and Employability Centre, help you turn your skills to your career advantage. It’s good to know that 94 per cent of our graduates are in work or further study (Which? University).
For more information on the full range of initiatives that make up our career and employability plan for students, visit Careers and alumni.
Contact our School
School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
The School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences brings together two outstanding and progressive departments - Mathematics, and Physics and Astronomy. It capitalises on the synergy between these subjects to deliver new and challenging opportunities for its students and faculty.
How do I find out more?
For general information, contact our admissions team:
Department of Physics and Astronomy,
University of Sussex, Falmer,
Brighton BN1 9QH, UK
E ug.admissions@physics.sussex.ac.uk
T +44 (0)1273 678557
F +44 (0)1273 678097
For information about our foundation year, contact:
E fy.admissions@physics.sussex.ac.uk
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Department of Physics and Astronomy: People and contacts
Visit us
Campus tours
We offer weekly guided campus tours.
Mature students at Sussex: information sessions
If you are 21 or over, and thinking about starting an undergraduate degree at Sussex, you may want to attend one of our mature student information sessions. Running between October and December, they include guidance on how to approach your application, finance and welfare advice, plus a guided campus tour with one of our current mature students.
Self-guided visits
If you are unable to make any of the visit opportunities listed, drop in Monday to Friday year round and collect a self-guided tour pack from Sussex House reception.
Go to Visit us and Open Days to book onto one of our tours.
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