Physics is one of the most challenging majors to study. It requires so much patience and passion for you to pursue a degree in it! You will need to have a strong academic background in a wide range of science disciplines. Of course, not everyone can handle the academic pressure of this degree; however, it is very worth it in the end! Physics itself is a very broad term that has many different branches. 

In order to find a respectable, high-paying job, you must focus on the university and quality of education you choose. In the physics field, a degree from a world-renowned university will give you an edge over many others! There are specific countries where physics prevails, with universities that offer a full programme that is packed with knowledge and everything you need in order to be experienced enough. The United Kingdom is known for its high-quality education in several majors, including physics. 

There are several things you need to know and consider before choosing a university. First, you need to understand the programme, how it works, and if it’s suitable for your needs. Second, you want to know the fees of the university; the United Kingdom is as good as it is expensive! Third, you need to find good accommodation for physics students near the university you’re choosing. Casita, a student accommodation marketplace, offers several accommodation options for students all over the United Kingdom, so you don’t have to worry! 

Best Universities in the UK For Physics

Always at the top of the list, the United Kingdom is famous for its amazing physics programmes! Many students, both local and international, seek out universities in the United Kingdom because of their reputation and high-quality education. Let’s take a look at the best universities in the UK for physics! 

The University of Oxford

The University of Oxford, a collegiate research university in Oxford, is one of the best in almost all majors! Not only is it the oldest British university, but it has also strongly held its position among other universities ever since its foundation! So it is no surprise that the University of Oxford is one of the best physics schools in the United Kingdom.

All courses are taught by some of the most recognised and respected academics, with modern facilities that are needed to provide the necessary conditions to carry out several experiments and important research activities! 

The university offers diverse research programmes in six sub-departments, including:

• Astrophysics

• Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Planetary Physics

• Atomic and Laser Physics

• Condensed Matter Physics (including Biophysics)

• Particle Physics

• Theoretical Physics

There are two undergraduate courses offered by the university: an MPhys and a BA. An MPhys takes four years to complete, while a BA takes three years! For international students, the university’s annual fees are around £44,240. Students can easily find accommodation for Physics students near the University of Oxford by visiting Casita’s website! 

The University of Birmingham

Another famous university that offers one of the best programmes is the University of Birmingham! It is a public research university located in Edgbaston, Birmingham, and received its royal charter in 1900 as a successor to Queen's College, which makes it the first English civic or 'red brick' university to receive its own royal charter, adding to its already respectable reputation!

The School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Birmingham offers a wide variety of degree courses for all academic levels, from undergraduate to postgraduate, master’s, and PhD degrees. All of the courses are taught by professionals who will help you in your career later on! 

The university’s degrees include the following:

• Physics, Particle Physics, and Cosmology (BSc)

• Physics (MSci and BSc)

• Theoretical Physics (MSci and BSc)

• Physics and Astrophysics (MSci)

• Physiotherapy (MSci)

• PhD Translational Quantum Technology AQ (Doctorate)

• Nuclear Decommissioning and Waste Management (MSc and PG Diploma)

The duration of the programmes varies but can last up to four years. If you’re an international student, the annual fees will range from £12,390 and will go up to £25,740 according to the programme you’re choosing. As for the accommodation, you will find several accommodation for physics students when you visit our website and search for the University of Birmingham! 

Durham University

Highly ranked and considered among the best physics schools in the United Kingdom, the Department of Physics at the University of Durham is a prestigious educational centre. It is a collegiate public research university in Durham, England, that was founded by an Act of Parliament in 1832 and was incorporated by royal charter in 1837. Durham is known for its long, impressive history of academic excellence and solid reputation. 

You will find a wide range of courses at Durham University for you to choose from according to what suits you best. These courses are taught by chosen professors who are well-respected and famous for their great academic rank! Whether it’s an MPhys, a BSc, or an MSc, Durham has it all! 

Durham University’s degrees in Physics include the following:

• Physics (BSc)

• Physics (MPhys)

• Physics and Astronomy (MPhys)

• Particles, Strings, and Cosmology (MSc)

• Theoretical Physics (MPhys) 

• Natural Sciences (MSci)

The duration of these programmes can last up to four years. The annual fees for international students are around £23,500, and they range according to the programme you’re choosing. The university offers accommodation for its students with several amenities and features; however, if you want to live off-campus, there are numerous accommodation for Physics students at Casita, which you can choose from according to your needs, budgets, and preferences. 

The University of Liverpool

The University of Liverpool is a university with a global reputation, excellent faculty, and amazing study programmes that always rank at the top. It is a public research university founded in 1881 that is based in the city of Liverpool and gained its Royal Charter in 1903. The university is known to be one of the six ‘red brick" civic universities, where it is referred to as the Original Red Brick. 

One of the main reasons why the University of Liverpool is so famous is that it offers a wide variety of courses in many fields, including physics, which gives students the opportunity to choose according to what they really like. They provide a BSc, an MPhys, and several postgraduate programmes. All of these courses are also taught by professionals who can help you gain so much experience! 

The University of Liverpool’s courses include:

• Astrophysics

• Physics with Astronomy 

• Physics with Medical Application

• Physics with Nuclear Science 

The duration of these programmes can be three or four years. The annual fees for an international student studying physics at the University of Liverpool are around £26,100, and they range according to the programme you’re choosing. The university offers accommodation for its students; however, if you want to live somewhere else, Casita offers many accommodation for physics students, including en-suite rooms, studios, and apartments, all near the university. 

Imperial College London

Imperial College London is a public research university in London that began with Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria. The university was founded in 1907, when Edward VII granted a royal charter establishing the Imperial College of Science and Technology. Imperial College London is well-known for being the only university in the United Kingdom to focus entirely on science, engineering, medicine, and business. 

Having specific majors to focus on gave Imperial College London a chance to prevail in these majors. The university is known for its high-quality education and good reputation. Physics is also something Imperial College London excels at, and both local and international students join this college specifically for its programmes. In addition, the university chooses very specific teachers in order to guarantee the best education possible!

The courses found at Imperial College London include:

• Astrophysics

• Condensed Matter Theory

• MSc in Optics and Photonics

• MRes Machine Learning and Big Data in the Physical Sciences

• MSc in Security and Resilience

• MSc in Quantum Fields and Fundamental Forces

These programmes can be three or four years long. If you’re an international student wanting to study Physics at Imperial College London, your fees will be around £36,200 and will vary according to which programme you choose. Also, if you’re looking for suitable accommodation for Physics students that is near Imperial College London and has all the amenities you need, check Casita’s website! 

The University of York

The University of York, a collegiate research university located in the city of York, is one of the best universities for physics programmes. It was established in 1963 and expanded to more than thirty departments and centres, covering many subjects. This variety has given the University of York a reputation that makes local and international students want to join. The university is rated as one of the top UK universities! 

Known for covering and offering many majors, the university helps its students find their passion and what they really want to study. This variety gives students the opportunity to do their research before applying. Additionally, it is better to have many options in case they change their minds. All of these options and majors are taught by the best professors, adding to the university’s great reputation.

These courses and majors at the University of York include:

• Physical Geography and Environment

• Physics with Philosophy

• Physics with Astrophysics

• Theoretical Physics

• Natural Sciences 

These courses can take up to four years, with fees ranging around £26,800 per year if you’re an international student. If you want to find suitable accommodation, our student marketplace, Casita, offers many accommodation for physics students, where you can find all the amenities you need, including free Wi-Fi and all-inclusive utility bills.

These universities are not the only options you have! There are several other universities that offer great physics programmes; all it takes is good research for you to find something that is convenient, suitable, and close to your university. This is now so much easier because of the many marketplaces that will help you, so good luck with your journey! 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are there any good universities for Physics in the United Kingdom?

There are several options for you to choose from! This variety will make you able to choose wisely and without any pressure! 

2. Where is the best place to study Physics in the UK?

The University of Oxford is at the top of the list! It offers so many great programmes and has one of the best professors who will make sure you get the best education possible! 

3. Is Physics a good degree in the UK?

Physics graduates are in high demand from employers as diverse as banking, health, IT, defence, the electronics industry, and education. So yes, if you want to pursue a degree in physics, that is an excellent choice!