About the Physics flagship programmes
Take your passion for physics to the next level by transferring to one of our flagship programmes during your studies. Our flagship programmes allow you to pursue a cutting-edge research project in the UK or abroad, or with a local industrial partner.
Places on our physics flagship programmes are limited and you can compete for a position at the end of your second year. If your application is successful, you can enjoy final year devoted to research either here in the UK, at CERN in Switzerland or at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian in Boston.
MPhys Astrophysics with Year Abroad
Spend your final year at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian in Boston, working with a member of its research community on an astrophysics project.
You’ll have access to the combined expertise and facilities of the Harvard College Observatory and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, with research spanning topics such as star and planet formation, extreme astronomical objects, and the nature and evolution of the universe.
"In terms of the work, it’s more like being a PhD student or researcher, rather than a typical university student." - Kate Hotton, MPhys Astrophysics with Year Abroad graduate
MPhys Particle Physics with Research Year Abroad
Spend your research year at CERN in Switzerland and contribute to work on the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) experiment.
You’ll join research teams working on the world’s highest-energy proton collider, with opportunities to help build detectors and analyse data that is advancing our understanding of fundamental physics.
"The year at CERN was an incredible insight into professional experimental physics, and has prepared me for my PhD." - James Pillow, MPhys Physics with Particle Physics graduate
MPhys Physics with Year of Experimental Research
Join a Southampton research group and explore experimental physics in our world-class materials and photonics laboratories.
You’ll work alongside our researchers on an area that interests you, with possibilities ranging from photonics and nanotechnology to the quantum properties of matter.
"Working within a research group has given me the skills to write my first scientific paper and present at a conference." - Tom Crane, MPhys Physics with Year of Experimental Research graduate
MPhys Physics with Industrial Placement
Make direct links with industry and join a local company such as Merck for 6 months. The placement period occurs over the summer between the third and fourth year, and continues through the first semester of year 4.
"I spent my 6-month industrial placement at NKT Photonics, which gave me industry experience that will set me aside from other students, and a valuable insight to how physics is used in industry." - Connor Penfold, MPhys Physics with Industrial Placement graduate
MPhys Physics with Quantum Science and Technologies (QST) with Year Abroad
On this new flagship programme, you'll spend your final year in Okinawa, Japan at the world-class Okinawa Institute for Science and Technology, working on a research project in quantum science and technology.
