Physics with Philosophy (BSc)

Applicants come from a diverse range of backgrounds and we accept a broad range of qualifications. Special consideration will be given to mature applicants, and we are happy to consider applicants with other qualifications, including QAA-approved Access to HE courses.

Students from overseas should visit the International| pages for further information on the entry requirements from their country and English language requirements.  Royal Holloway International offers an International Foundation Programme and English language pre-sessional courses, allowing students the opportunity to develop their study skills and English language before starting their undergraduate degree.

We make decisions based on achieved or predicted grades, personal statements and references. More information on how your application will be assessed, and tips for your personal statement can be found on our Applying| pages.

All suitable applicants are invited to visit the Department for an interview, usually on one of our UCAS or Open Days. This also provides an opportunity to talk to members of staff and students, view our teaching and research facilities, explore the College and find out more about studying at Royal Holloway. We understand that some candidates, especially from overseas, may not be able to attend; if this is the case, our decision will normally be based on your UCAS application.

• Study in a Physics department known for internationally top-class research at the cutting edge of particle physics, nanoscience and nanotechnology, experimental quantum computing, quantum matter at low temperatures, theoretical physics and biophysics.
• Benefit from exceptional teaching quality – we are consistently near the top of the league tables.
• Take the unique opportunity to explore the connections between physics and philosophy. 
• The course offers reasonable class sizes with a focus on small group teaching and good access to your lecturers.
• Enjoy a friendly and informal atmosphere.

During the first two years you will advance your mathematical ability so that you can understand and apply the mathematics involved in any of the physics courses. In parallel you will develop your experimental, computing and communication skills. The essential core topics in physics are spread over the three years of the degree.

During the second and third years you should develop a deeper understanding of areas such as quantum mechanics, electromagnetism and classical and statistical thermodynamics. The final year offers a range of options in specialist areas including particle astrophysics and condensed matter. 

The philosophy element is equivalent to a quarter of your degree. You will study a broad range of texts from ancient Greek philosophy to modern philosophy, critically assessing issues to do with human values. In the following two years you can choose from a range of courses in ancient and modern philosophy, depending on your interests.

Throughout the course, you will:

• appreciate and apply the core theories of physics
• demonstrate the methods and techniques of physics
• account for the boundaries of current physical knowledge and appreciate the issues involved in extending those boundaries
• develop an ability to use a wide range of transferable skills.

All undergraduate degree courses at Royal Holloway are based on the course unit system. This system provides an effective and flexible approach to study, while ensuring that our degrees have a coherent and developmental structure. In the case of combined degree courses, this approach also makes it possible to change the balance of your subjects during your time at Royal Holloway.

The websites of the Department of Physics| and the Department of Classics and Philosophy| give detailed lists of the course units taken for each different degree.

The course has a modular structure, whereby students take 24 course units at the rate of eight per year. Some course units are compulsory while others are elective thereby offering flexibility and choice.  

Teaching in the Physics department takes place in lectures, seminars, laboratory practical classes and problem-solving sessions. Outside class-time students participate in group projects and guided independent study and have access to the college’s comprehensive e-learning facility, ‘Moodle’ where there is a variety of resources available for students.

Assessment is usually by two-hour examination at the end of the year. Coursework and in-class tests also contribute to the assessment of many course units. Experimental work is generally assessed by written reports or oral presentation. A minimum of six of the eight course units must be passed with a minimum score of 40 per cent each year.

In Philosophy, depending on the course unit, you will be taught through a combination of lectures and seminars. Outside class teaching, you will work both independently and collaboratively with other students, researching topics in preparation for class discussion and producing your assessed coursework. Private study and preparation are essential parts of every course, and you will have access to many online resources through Moodle.

 

 All Philosophy academic staff hold regular drop-in consultation sessions with students and, when you start with us, you will be assigned a Personal Tutor to support you academically and personally.

Most modules contain an element of assessed coursework, such as an essay, presentation and/or assessed seminar participation marks, which contributes to the final examination mark awarded. The results of the first year exams qualify you to progress to the second year but do not contribute to your final degree award. The second and final year results do contribute to the final degree result, with the final year work counting double that of the second year.

Highly advanced numerical skills and the ability to solve a wide range of problems are among the most sought after skills in today’s competitive job market. Your knowledge of physics coupled with your analytical, numerical and technical skills will make you attractive to a wide variety of employers.

In recent years our graduates have entered many different careers including scientific research and teaching, as well as gaining jobs in computing, financial services, accountancy and defence solutions.  Visit the department’s website to  find out what our graduates are doing now| or see the Institute of Physics| to see other career opportunities for physicists.

Philosophy degrees are well-regarded by employers because they give you the capacity to think through issues and problems in a logical and consistent way, and to develop critical and transferable skills which can be applied in almost any area of employment, from computing to the arts. 

Our recent graduates have very successfully entered a wide range of careers including roles in the Civil Service, public relations, human resources, management, law, journalism, broadcasting, accountancy and teaching. Many graduates also go on to advanced study in a variety of fields, at prestigious institutions both at home and abroad. For more information about what are graduates are doing now, please see the department’s website|.