Student works on their project for forming ice in a vacuum in the physics labs

Physics with Computer Science BSc

University Park Campus and Jubilee Campus, Nottingham, UK

Course overview

Are you interested in how the world works and the technology used to shape it? If so, this could be the perfect course for you.

Study the theories of physics with the practical applications of computer science. This combination will help to ensure you graduate career-ready. You'll receive a comprehensive physics education taught by award-winning academics. Throughout the degree you'll gain skills in mathematical modelling and programming. You'll be able to use these as tools for problem-solving in later years of the course.

The year studying computer science will advance your computational skills. You can apply these to your physics research project in the final year. For example, machine learning in physics, or computational astrophysics.

Choose optional modules from year two in the areas that interest you most. There's a wide variety of topics including:

  • Astrophysics
  • Medical physics and imaging
  • Semiconductor physics
  • Theoretical elementary particle physics
  • Quantum dynamics
  • Software engineering
  • AI and Machine Learning

Why choose this course?

  • Study two interdisciplinary topics to graduate career-ready
  • Learn about modelling, programming, software engineering and AI
  • 91% of our undergraduates are in full-time employment or further study within 15 months of graduation*
  • 16th in the UK in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 (Computer Science and Information Systems)
  • 15th in the UK in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 (Physics and Astronomy)
  • Taught by award-winning academics and researchers from the School of Physics and Astronomy and School of Computer Science

* School of Physics and Astronomy and School of Computer Science, HESA Graduate Outcomes (2020 graduates).

Indicative modules

Mandatory

Year 1

Basic Mathematical Methods for Physics

Mandatory

Year 1

Computing for Physical Science

Mandatory

Year 1

From Newton to Einstein

Mandatory

Year 1

Frontiers in Physics

Mandatory

Year 1

Introductory Experimental Physics

Mandatory

Year 1

Quantitative Physics

Mandatory

Year 2

Classical Fields

Mandatory

Year 2

Intermediate Experimental Physics

Mandatory

Year 2

The Quantum World

Mandatory

Year 2

Thermal and Statistical Physics

Mandatory

Year 2

Wave Phenomena

Optional

Year 2

Force and Function at the Nanoscale

Optional

Year 2

Health Physics

Optional

Year 2

Molecular Biophysics

Optional

Year 2

Principles of Dynamics

Optional

Year 2

The Structure of Galaxies

Optional

Year 2

The Structure of Stars

Optional

Year 2

Theory Toolbox

Mandatory

Year 3

Databases, Interfaces and Software Design Principles

Mandatory

Year 3

Programming

Mandatory

Year 3

Systems and Networks

Optional

Year 3

Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence

Optional

Year 3

Introduction to Human Computer Interaction

Optional

Year 3

Introduction to Image Processing

Optional

Year 3

Introduction to Software Engineering

Optional

Year 3

Software Specification

Mandatory

Year 4

Atoms, Photons and Fundamental Particles

Mandatory

Year 4

Introduction to Solid State Physics

Mandatory

Year 4

Physics Project

Optional

Year 4

Atmospheric and Planetary Physics

Optional

Year 4

Enterprise for Scientists

Optional

Year 4

Extreme Astrophysics

Optional

Year 4

From Accelerators to Medical Imaging

Optional

Year 4

Functional Medical Imaging

Optional

Year 4

Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos

Optional

Year 4

Quantum Dynamics

Optional

Year 4

Scientific Computing

Optional

Year 4

Semiconductor Physics

Optional

Year 4

Soft Condensed Matter

Optional

Year 4

Symmetry and Action Principles in Physics

Optional

Year 4

Theoretical Elementary Particle Physics

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About modules

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Friday 31 May 2024. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Teaching methods

  • Computer labs
  • Lab sessions
  • Lectures
  • Tutorials
  • Problem classes

Theory modules are assessed by a combination of coursework and final examination. Practical and project modules are assessed by a combination of continuous assessment of lab notebooks, written reports and, in some cases, by progress interviews.

The computer science modules are assessed by combinations of continuous assessment of tasks, group projects, presentations and written examinations.

Assessment methods

  • Coursework
  • Group project
  • Lab reports
  • Research project
  • Written exam

You should expect to spend roughly half of your time in scheduled lectures, workshops, problem classes and practical sessions, with the remainder being left for individual and group study. 

You'll develop the transferrable skills needed for a future career in physics or computer science. Over 30% of our physics BSc graduates work as programmers and software development professionals (HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2020 graduates).*

Other popular roles are:

  • IT business analysts, architects and systems designers
  • Data analysts
  • Teaching professionals
  • Finance and investment analysts and advisers

Top employers of our graduates from these schools include Experian, Rolls Royce, Accenture and BAE Systems.

* School of Physics and Astronomy and School of Computer Science, HESA Graduate Outcomes (2020 graduates).

Average starting salary and career progression

91% of undergraduates from the School of Physics and Astronomy and the School of Computer Science secured employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £34,382.

HESA Graduate Outcomes (2020-21 cohorts). The Graduate Outcomes % is calculated using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2024, High Fliers Research).

Trent and Highfields lake
Undergradute student Hewan Zewdu studying in the George Green library, University Park. November 5th 2021.

Course data

Open Day June 2022