Students work at creating an artificial solar storm in the A14 Physics Labs in the Physics Building

Physics with Computer Science MSci

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, using machine learning techniques in physics, or carrying out simulations for computational astrophysics.

Why choose this integrated masters?

The final year of this MSci course supports you to graduate with highly-developed professional skills. You'll work on a major project based on a real-world problem or linked to one of our research groups. Supported by an active researcher in physics, you'll enhance your knowledge at the leading edge of current physics.   Combined with a range of synoptic modules, the MSci will develop your professional skills in:

  • problem solving
  • communicating information
  • teamwork
  • computer literacy

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?

  • Graduate with an integrated masters with highly-developed professional skills
  • 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
  • Accredited by the Institute of Physics

* 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

Force and Function at the Nanoscale

Optional

Year 4

From Accelerators to Medical Imaging

Optional

Year 4

Functional Medical Imaging

Optional

Year 4

Health Physics

Optional

Year 4

Introduction to Cosmology

Optional

Year 4

Molecular Biophysics

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

The Structure of Galaxies

Optional

Year 4

The Structure of Stars

Optional

Year 4

Theoretical Elementary Particle Physics

Optional

Year 4

Theory Toolbox

Mandatory

Year 5

Physics Research Project

Optional

Year 5

Advanced Techniques for Nanoscience Research

Optional

Year 5

Gravity

Optional

Year 5

Imaging and Data Processing

Optional

Year 5

Light and Matter

Optional

Year 5

Magnetic Resonance

Optional

Year 5

Modern Applications of Physics: From Research to Industry

Optional

Year 5

Modern Cosmology

Optional

Year 5

Order, Disorder and Fluctuations

Optional

Year 5

Quantum Coherent Devices

Optional

Year 5

Quantum Transport

Optional

Year 5

Research Techniques in Astronomy

Optional

Year 5

The Politics, Perception and Philosophy of 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
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Problem classes

For a typical core module the examination carries a weight of 80%, the remaining 20% usually being allocated for regular coursework and workshop assignments throughout the year.

Experimental and other practical work is continually assessed through laboratory notebooks and formal reports.

Assessment methods

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

Typically in the first year, there are 10 lectures per week including problem sheets and directed reading. Some modules are supplemented by additional workshops where you will have the opportunity to put your learning into practice.

You will take part in weekly small group tutorials (typically five students), where your tutor will provide support and guidance. 

The practical modules involve working between three and six hours per week in laboratories. Subsequent years will vary with the largest change being no more weekly tutorials.

You will be assigned a tutor who will guide your studies and take an interest in your academic progress and personal well-being. You will meet your tutor each week in year one, to review your work and answer questions on your lectures.

Our MSci course is ideal if you are interested in a physics or science-based career. The course develops your skills in problem solving, communicating, teamwork and computer literacy. These skills are highly valued by employers.

Over 20% of our physics MSci graduates work as programmers and software development professionals.

Other popular roles are:

  • Data analysts
  • Secondary education teaching professionals
  • IT business analysts, architects and systems designers
  • Finance and investment analysts and advisers

Top employers include BT, Experian, University of Nottingham and the Home Office.

(Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2018-2020 graduates of MSci courses from the School of Physics and Astronomy).

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