Master of Physics (Hons) in Physics (Plus Optional Placement Year)

at University of York United Kingdom

This course is designed for you if you possess a strong background principally in computer science, design, or information technology and want to gain expertise and industry relevant practical skills in iterative, user-centred approaches for designing positive user experiences (UX) with interactive technology.

The course emphasises design that is driven from a deep understanding of users, through the use of qualitative and quantitative research techniques drawn from the diverse fields of cognitive psychology, computer science, sociology and beyond. You will gain expertise and skills in eliciting and analysing the goals of potential users, designing usable and inclusive user journeys, and evaluating the quality of user experiences with interactive technologies: all skills in demand in modern, UX related careers or in postgraduate study.

The course is also suitable if you are seeking to develop a more research-based career, as it provides breadth in an expanding and thriving research field, and the opportunity to specialise in particular areas through an independent research project.

Designed for those with an interest in exploring modern financial systems and statistical analysis, this highly specialised degree offers a firm foundation in economic and financial theory and develops the valuable analytical and quantitative skills required by the financial services industry.

Studying real-life data you will gain an appreciation and understanding of the advanced statistical methods that professional economists use to model the economy and you will learn to test these theories against evidence, becoming fully competent in data-based research.

Theoretical physics provides the tools for constructing the mathematical framework of the physical world.

On a foundation of advanced physics, you'll build your understanding of theoretical techniques. You'll use mathematical analysis and an array of computational methods to address complex problems. You'll learn key skills of analysis and research, write scientific reports to industry standards, and simulate huge physical systems using our supercomputers.

In your fourth year, you'll apply and develop your skills on a paid industrial placement. This gives you the chance to gain practical, real world experience, enhancing your degree and your CV.

Work with world-renowned physicists using sophisticated equipment to probe the nature of existence and push the boundaries of research. You will learn to utilise supercomputers like York's own Viking cluster, developing parallel code to model complex physical systems.

Chemistry is often referred to as the 'central science'. It covers topics as diverse as quantum mechanics and the study of atomic particles, to the molecular nature of biological systems and the Human Genome Project.

This degree will give you a strong grounding in fundamental chemistry. You'll also develop specialist knowledge of chemistry for biology and medicine, from the use of powerful microscopes to investigate the causes of genetic disease to exploring new treatments for cancer.

The vast chronological and geographical range of medieval cultures has been constantly rethought, reinterpreted and reinvented in subsequent epochs.

You'll explore the extraordinarily rich material legacy of the period, including urban structures, places of worship, sites of government, and universities. At York you'll be able to study in one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe.

Our flexible course enables you to learn about art geographically across much of Europe and the Islamic world. You can investigate a wide variety of art objects and their related visual practices, and take modules from related disciplines.

We have developed successful partnerships with museums, churches and galleries that will enrich your studies, and may offer you placement opportunities and privileged access to collections of medieval art.

Mathematics underpins all modern science and technology, and mathematicians are in high demand across a variety of fields.

University maths is about studying patterns in numbers, geometry and many other abstract concepts. It's also about applying those concepts in practical problem solving.

With a BSc in Mathematics from York, you can develop valuable skills for careers ranging from finance and IT to weather forecasting and engineering.

Debate these questions and many others within a lively research environment as you build up your knowledge and experience of early prehistoric societies from three million to 5,000 years ago.

The archaeology of human origins is a fascinating and dynamic area of research, with new evidence and theories constantly changing our interpretation of who we are. 

On this course you'll explore the archaeology and approaches to human origins whilst working alongside internationally renowned specialists in early prehistoric archaeology and human evolution. You'll have the opportunity to work on pioneering studies with the potential for significant media exposure and gain ‘hands on’ experience of museum collections at the York Museum. You'll be able to select modules to allow you to explore your own research interests and have the chance to visit Upper Palaeolithic rock art on a field trip to Creswell Crags.

‌Politics is all around us, and it’s moving fast. With our internationally renowned experts you’ll get to the very heart of political thinking.

Explore the principles of power – how it’s won and how it’s used to drive the decisions that influence our daily lives. You’ll discover how issues such as poverty, debt, terrorism, conflict and environmental change affect us all, and investigate emerging powers like China and India.

You will complete a professional placement in the third year of your course, allowing you to gain valuable personal and employability skills.

Develop your innovation and analytical skills to become an effective manager with an engineering firm.

All new technologies, products and services require careful management to take them from the concept stage to commercial success. This course will enable you to operate within a strategically important part of professional engineering, irrespective of the technical area.

The course is taught by internationally leading experts and practising managers to ensure you master not only the theory of management tools and techniques, but also how they are applied in real engineering situations.

Biochemistry sits at the boundary between the physical and life sciences. It concerns the molecular basis of health and disease, contributing to the discovery of new medicines, the growth of biotechnology, and the feeding of a growing population.

You will learn how knowledge of DNA sequences and appreciation of the structure and function of proteins are enabling us to better understand how living systems work, guiding the design of drugs to combat disease, and the engineering of biomolecules to enhance industrial processes.

You’ll work in the Departments of Biology and Chemistry and experience the excellent facilities for teaching and research. Both Departments provide you with the opportunity to learn in new, spacious and modern teaching laboratories which provide excellent facilities for practicals and small group project work, alongside state-of-the-art computing facilities.

Adding a year in industry or a year abroad are options with this course, so you can benefit from the advantages that a year away can bring.