Studying Physics at Salford
Congratulations on your offer to study at Salford. We've got so much more to tell you!
Browse this page to get a flavour of what to expect when you arrive in September, including course highlights, how we work with industry and a look ahead to your first year.
You can also use our Offer Holder Hub to explore student life, check out our accommodation and book on an applicant visit day.
Remember, if you have any questions about your application, you can email enquiries@salford.ac.uk, or call us on 0161 295 4545.
Want to connect with other applicants? Join our applicant facebook group.
Get ready to study
Will the university help me to find work experience and industry placements?
Whilst students are responsible for securing their own work experience and industry placements, our tutors will guide and support you through the process. Industry experience not only enables you to apply your knowledge in real-world situations but allows you to form those vital connections early on in your career. We have links with a range of leading organisations and, where possible, will assist students in securing placements. Hear from BSc (Hons) Physics student Elizabeth Chard on her recent placement experience.
How will I benefit from studying an accredited course?
All of our Physics programmes are accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP), so you will be educated to the highest standards. This accreditation also means that upon graduation, you will meet the academic requirements for IOP membership and have a route towards Chartered Physicist status.
What career opportunities will be open to me when I graduate?
Due to the analytical and problem-solving nature of the courses, a wide range of career paths will be open to you. Our alumni have found roles in a variety of sectors, including medical physics, defence, finance, research, education, engineering and the nuclear industry.
What does a standard week look like?
For Physics students their first year will consist of 19 hours in-contact teaching a week. This will include six hours of mathematics (mixed teaching styles), three hours of physics keynote lectures, four hours of classroom based problem solving, three hours of laboratory and three hours problem based learning. There is also a weekly seminar from an external speaker. The teaching on each module is normally split into two hours of classroom teaching and one hour of seminar.
How much independent study will I need to complete each week?
We would recommend spending about ten hours per week on independent study and homework. There is plenty of support if you need extra help and guidance, both from the physics staff and MathScope - a study space manned by staff to help scientists and engineers with maths.
Will there be practical based sessions for first year Physics students?
First year students spend two half days in the labs. One session will cover laboratory skills and skills based investigations. This will be assessed through lab based observations and a follow up lab report. The second session is a problem based learning laboratory. Students will complete a number of group activities, some will be practical, while others will be research and presentation based.
Are there any fieldwork or external research opportunities?
The University of Salford Physics Society organise an annual trip abroad that typically takes place after the May exams. The location of this trip changes each year, but students have previously been to CERN and Berlin. First year students are also usually taken to Accelerator Science at Daresbury Labs.
For A-level study I use a Casio ClassWiz FX-991EX calculator. Will I need a more sophisticated calculator for the course?
For Physics students any standard scientific calculator is fine, as we will use computers for any more demanding calculations.
From laboratory to real-life
Physics Facilities
As a physics student, you’re going to spend lots of time in laboratories. So, we’ve made sure that you will learn and study in a tailor-made environment.
Our Joule Physics Laboratories feature purpose-built open-plan teaching areas. This dedicated space includes specialist laboratories for electronics, optics, lasers, computing and composite materials.
If you’re studying some acoustics modules, you’ll also experience some of Salford’s world-class facilities for exploring sound and vibration.
Studying at Salford
Life at Salford
Located in either Peel Park or Media City, yet minutes away central Manchester, you'll get to experience campus life and the big city buzz.
Accommodation
Living in student accommodation is a great way to get settled into university life, meet new people and immerse yourself in the student experience.
Fees and funding
Making the decision to study at university can be a big financial commitment, which is why it's important for you to learn about the fees you will need to pay as well as how to manage your money before you start your studies.
Support and wellbeing
We're sure you will enjoy your time with us, but there may be times when you need a little extra support. Whether you need advice about accommodation, settling in to student life, or just want a chat with our friendly team, we are here to help.
Contact us
If you have any questions not covered on these pages, you can contact our friendly team at enquiries@salford.ac.uk, or by phone on +44 (0)161 295 4545.