Study at the cutting edge

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.

Visit our Physics website to find out more about Who's Who in the Physics team.

Teaching methods

You will be taught via a range of approaches, including:

• lectures and seminars
• small group tutorials
• problem classes
• laboratory sessions
• practical computing sessions

Typically 60 hours per semester will consist of practical sessions in our laboratories where you will take part in experiments and project work.

Assessment methods

Assessment is based on a combination of:

• examinations
• computer assessments
• problem solving exercises
• laboratory reports
• individual and group project work

Find out more

Visit our Teaching and Learning pages to read about the outstanding learning experience available to all students at Newcastle University.

We are keen to admit the brightest students onto our courses, regardless of background. In 2020 we will be making a number of unconditional offers across a range of subjects to students from the UK who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement. These offers will be made to students who we believe will make a substantial contribution to our student community, and who we really want to study with us.

If you receive an unconditional offer from us, this demonstrates our confidence that you have the necessary qualities to succeed in your exams at school or college and to excel on your chosen degree. The unconditional offer will allow you to focus on your studies so that you can achieve excellent results.

The criteria for receiving an unconditional offer will vary across different subject areas. You will be identified for an unconditional offer on the basis of your overall academic profile which will include:

• a minimum GCSE achievement level
• a minimum A level (or IB) prediction threshold
• an excellent personal statement and reference

If you accept your unconditional offer, it means that you have secured your place at Newcastle whatever you achieve in your final exams. We are confident that applicants who receive an unconditional offer will repay our confidence in them by continuing to work hard and achieve excellent grades.

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 including Mathematics and Physics, and excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking. For all grades: Biology, Chemistry and Physics A levels require a pass in the practical element.

AB at Advanced Higher including Mathematics.  Physics is preferred at Advanced Higher, but we are willing to consider applications from candidates offering Higher Physics alongside Advanced Highers in Mathematics and one of Biology, Chemistry, Computing Science, Design and Manufacture, Engineering Science or Mathematics of Mechanics, on a case-by-case basis.

Scottish qualifications can be taken in more than one sitting.

34 points with Mathematics and Physics at Higher Level grade 6 or above.

Candidates will be considered on an individual basis.

At least 30 level 3 credits at distinction including Mathematical Studies and Physics and 15 level 3 credits at Merit. A Newcastle University Mathematics and Statistics pre-entry course may also be required.

Candidates will be considered on an individual basis.

D3, D3, M2 in Principal Subjects including Mathematics and Physics.

BBC or ACC including Mathematics and Physics, and excluding General Studies. For Biology, Chemistry and Physics A levels, we require a pass in the practical element.  

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.

Candidates will be considered on an individual basis.

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.

BC at Advanced Higher including Mathematics.  Physics is preferred at Advanced Higher, but we are willing to consider applications from candidates offering Higher Physics alongside Advanced Highers in Mathematics and one of Biology, Chemistry, Computing Science, Design and Manufacture, Engineering Science or Mathematics of Mechanics, on a case-by-case basis. 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.

Applicants whose first language is not English require a minimum score of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent including 5.5 in each of the four elements of the test.

If you need help to meet our English Language requirements, we can provide support with extra tuition.

Read more about UK visas and immigration requirements.

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.

INTO Newcastle University is based on the University campus and offers a range of courses including the International Foundation in Physical Sciences and Engineering.

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.

2019 and 2020 entry:

£9,250

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.

2019 and 2020 entry:

£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.

2020 entry*:

£22,800

2019 entry*:

£22,110

*Please note:

• You will be charged tuition fees for each year of your degree programme (unless you are on a shorter exchange programme).
• The tuition fee amount you will pay may increase slightly year on year as a result of inflation.
• If you spend a year on placement or studying abroad as part of your degree you may pay a reduced fee for that year.
• See more information on all aspects of student finance relating to Newcastle University.

You may be eligible for one of a range of Newcastle University Scholarships in addition to government financial support.

• Newcastle University Scholarships
• Government financial support

You may be eligible for one of a range of Newcastle University Scholarships in addition to government financial support.

• Newcastle University Scholarships
• Government financial support

We offer a range of scholarships to eligible international students:

• Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships
• Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Scholarships
• Vice-Chancellor’s Global Scholarships

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.

Newcastle University offers Sanctuary Scholarships for eligible undergraduate students (excludes MBBS and BDS students) from asylum-seeker and refugee backgrounds. 

Some of our subject scholarships and sports scholarships are also available for international students.