Want to study physics at Newcastle, but not studying maths or science A levels (or equivalent)? If so, this Foundation Year programme is designed for you.
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At a Glance
UCAS Code F304
UCAS Institution Name and Code NEWC, N21
Degree Awarded Icon
Degree Awarded BSc Honours
Course Duration Icon
Course Duration 4 years
Entry Requirements Icon
Entry Requirements A Level: AAB or A*BB
IB: 35 - 37 points
Opportunities Icon
Opportunities
Take this Foundation Year to develop the knowledge you need to progress to our three-year Physics BSc Honours degree.
You will study topics such as:
foundation physics
foundation mathematics
individual physics project
On successful completion of your Foundation Year you are guaranteed entry to our Physics degree programme at Newcastle (subject to achieving the required grades).
Physics graduates report earning average salaries close to £27,000 on graduation. Graduates can expect this to increase over the course of their career (www.savethestudent.org).
Physics graduates can be found in almost every numerate career. Possible career paths include:
engineering
medicine
finance
nanotechnology
oil, gas and renewable energy
telecommunications
See the Careers section on our Physics website for more information about the skills that Physics graduates develop.
As a Physics student at Newcastle University, you will be based in the Herschel Building at the heart of our city centre campus.
Facilities
You will have access to high specification laboratory facilities equipped with leading experimental and computational physics capabilities. The Herschel Building also has dedicated study and social spaces, and a computing area.
Find out more about our facilities on the Physics website.
Support
You will have an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have.
Find out more about Physics at Newcastle on our Physics website.
The module and/or programme information below is for 2019 entry. Our teaching is informed by research and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, student feedback, or insufficient numbers of students interested (in an optional module). To find out more read our terms and conditions.
Module/programme information for 2020 entry will be published here as soon as it is available (end of May 2020).
Our degrees are divided into Stages. Each Stage lasts for an academic year and you need to complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each Stage. Further information, including the credit value of the module, is available in each of the module descriptions below.
Our degrees reflect the world-leading physics research at Newcastle and give you the chance to study at the cutting edge of the discipline.
Your degree content is driven and delivered by academic staff who are internationally leading researchers in their fields, as well as being passionate about sharing their knowledge with students.
All candidates are considered on an individual basis.
If your qualifications are not listed here, please see our additionalentry requirements web pagesto find out which other qualifications are considered.
The entrance requirements below apply to 2020 entry.
If you don’t think you will have the exact Mathematics and Science qualifications referred to in our entry requirements by the time you need them, you may not be sure what to do. We hope that the following will help.
If you already have, or are taking, the A level (or equivalent) Maths and Science qualifications specified in our entry requirements, you should apply for stage 1 (First Year) entry of the Physics or engineering degree course in which you are interested
If you have a Maths qualification but will not have it at A level (or equivalent) when you start your degree, you should apply for the relevant degree with Foundation Year. We may give you the opportunity to take the Newcastle University Pre-Entry Maths Course* and the option to start in First Year if we think that this will be the best route for you
If you have A level Maths (or equivalent) already but not at the required grade, you should contact us for advice. We may decide that you could be considered for Foundation Year entry, or it may be that our Physics or engineering courses are not the best options for you
If you will not have the equivalent of an A level in the Science subject (if any) required, you should apply for the relevant degree with Foundation Year.
If you are still not sure, do not worry.
Whatever you apply for, our Admissions Tutors will help you decide which is the best route for you. They may therefore make you an offer for a different course (e.g. Foundation Year entry instead of First Year entry) from the one you apply for.
(*The Newcastle University Pre-Entry Maths Course aims to provide the requisite mathematical skills and concepts needed on our engineering and Physics degree courses and to prepare students for the modes of learning they will encounter. The materials for the course are delivered electronically and include opportunities to practise your skills. You study the materials in your own time and, when you are ready, you book your exam with the School to which you have applied. A fee of £150 is payable at the time of booking the exam or shortly before the date set for examination.)
AAB or A*BB in any subjects excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking. For Biology, Chemistry and Physics A levels, we require a pass in the practical element. GCSE grade B or 6 in Mathematics and Physics (or Dual Award Science) required.
AB in any subject at Advanced Higher. Mathematics and Physics required at National 5, minimum grade B (or grade 2 Standard Grade or Intermediate 2 equivalent) if not offered at Higher Grade. Where a candidate has bypassed the assessment for National 5 qualifications, a minimum of grade C in the Higher in Mathematics and Physics is required.
Scottish qualifications can be taken in more than one sitting.
At least 30 level 3 credits at Distinction and 15 level 3 credits at Merit or higher. Grade B or 6 in GCSE Mathematics and Physics (or Dual Award Science) required if not offered at a higher level.
BBC or ACC in any subjects excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking. For Biology, Chemistry and Physics A levels, we require a pass in the practical element. GCSE grade B or 6 in Mathematics and Physics (or Dual Award Science) required.
The PARTNERS Programme is Newcastle University’s supported entry route for students from schools and colleges in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Find out more about the PARTNERS Programme.
Overall DMM in a science or engineering discipline.
The PARTNERS Programme is Newcastle University’s supported entry route for students from schools and colleges in England and Northern Ireland. Find out more about the PARTNERS Programme.
BC in any subject at Advanced Higher. Mathematics and Physics required at National 5, minimum grade B (or grade 2 Standard Grade or Intermediate 2 equivalent) if not offered at Higher Grade. Where a candidate has bypassed the assessment for National 5 qualifications, a minimum of grade C in the Higher in Mathematics and Physics is required. Scottish qualifications can be taken in more than one sitting.
The PARTNERS Programme is Newcastle University’s supported entry route for students from schools and colleges in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Find out more about the PARTNERS Programme.
If you are an international student and you do not meet the academic and English language requirements specified above, you should consider a preparation course at INTO Newcastle University, which will help to prepare you for study on this degree course.
ABB at A level is typically the minimum required for entry to an undergraduate course. You can check the equivalent grades for qualifications offered in your country.
We will also consider your application if you have lower or non-standard qualifications.
Research from the Institute of Physics indicates that physics graduates are more likely to find employment and earn more than other graduates.*
Physics graduates can be found in almost every numerate career. Possible career paths include:
engineering
medicine
finance
nanotechnology
oil, gas and renewable energy
telecommunications
*(The Career Paths of Physics Graduates, Institute of Physics, May 2012.)
Our students will be prepared for their future careers through the development of transferrable skills that are highly valued by employers such as problem-solving, analytical, mathematical, communication, presentation, teamwork and computing skills. The practical, experimental and research skills developed during the degree will help to enhance the employability of our graduates, as such skills provide a sound preparation for a range of careers in the physical sciences and beyond.
Further study, including postgraduate courses for secondary school teaching and PhD courses, are further options available to physics graduates.
Find out more about the career options for Physics from Prospects: The UK's Official Careers Website.
For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad,you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year.
Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.
Please note:
The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for UK students is set by the UK government.
As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.
See more information on all aspects of student finance relating to Newcastle University.
£9,250 You will pay the same tuition fees as UK students for the duration of your course.
For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad,you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year.
Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.
Please note:
As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.
See more information on all aspects of student finance relating to Newcastle University.
We also offer International Family Discounts which are available for all international students with a close family member who has graduated from or is now studying at Newcastle University.
Ask your teacher or adviser from your school or college for the UCAS buzzword. You need the buzzword when you register on the Apply system. This makes it clear which school or college you are applying from.
All UK schools and colleges and a small number of EU and international establishments are registered with UCAS.
If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.
Making your application
On the UCAS website you can also find out more about:
