Three reasons to study a degree in Physics at Imperial

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• Study a broad degree, or specialise, at an elite university
• Join a lively community of students and staff
• Get set for an exciting career in research or any other sector

Study a broad degree, or specialise, at an elite university

As an undergraduate student at Imperial, you will join one of the most research active and research-driven physics departments in the UK, where exceptional teaching meets cutting-edge facilities and interdisciplinary collaboration. Ranked 3rd in the UK by the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, our courses are designed to ignite your scientific curiosity. 

Not sure what to specialise in yet? We are a large physics department with cutting-edge research in all areas of physics, and therefore we can offer a wide range of choice in your third and fourth year, allowing you to choose freely which area you want to specialise in. Our supportive staff will guide you through choices such as: 

• Studying Physics OR Physics with Theoretical Physics in your first two years
• Tailoring your course to an area of physics that interests you in your following years of study, or you can keep your degree broad 
• Studying a three-year BSc OR a four-year MSci or MSci with year abroad options 

Join a lively community of students and staff

With around 250 students joining us each year and 1,000 undergraduates in total, you’ll become part of a vibrant, welcoming physics community at Imperial. The department hosts regular dinners, guest lectures, and social events, while our student-run Physics Society offers plenty of opportunities to connect with peers. You can also explore societies like Robotics, Space, and the Women and Non-Binary Individuals Society. Imperial is home to the UK’s first Black Physicists Society, which has inspired similar initiatives across the UK. 

Get set for an exciting career in research or any other sector

You will be trained to tackle some of the world’s biggest questions in science which can be applied to a career in research or any other sector. Our Graduate Prospect score of 97%, according to the Complete University Guide 2024, is the best in the UK.  

Research careers 

During your studies, you’ll learn to critically assess complex problems and deepen your understanding of advanced topics. Your final-year project will give you hands-on research experience, and you’ll have the chance to take on a paid summer research placement, working alongside leading academics. Approximately half of Imperial students also pursue MSc or PhD degrees, and the skills you learn in your BSc is perfect preparation for this.  

Industry careers 

Alternatively, many of our graduates have entered sectors like communication, education, medicine, and finance, securing roles at top organisations such as the European Space Agency, EDF Energy, Morgan Stanley, and Toshiba Europe Ltd. They follow in the footsteps of alumni such as Nicola Fox (who was recently named as head of NASA Science), space scientist Maggie Aderin-Pocock (presenter of The Sky at Night) and popular science author and theoretical and particle physicist Simon Singh.