How to Apply to Physics at Loughborough University: BSc Over Three Years or MPhys Over Four, with Theoretical Physics, Physics with Computing and Engineering Physics Variants, Accredited by the Institute of Physics, with Entry Routes and Prerequisites for UK, International (Including Chinese) and Transfer Applicants

Physics at Loughborough University is taught in the Department of Physics, which uses the £17 million STEMLab teaching laboratories and has its own undergraduate observatory. You apply through UCAS directly to a named course. This guide sets out the main points for September 2027 entry for UK applicants, international applicants (including those from China) and applicants wanting to join year two. It does not use the UCAS website or portal; check UCAS before you submit.

1. Degrees and variants

The undergraduate A-Z lists these physics degrees (UCAS codes are for the full-time course without, then with, a placement year):

• Physics BSc (Hons): three years, F300; four years with a placement year, F301. The university says it combines core physics and astrophysics with options drawing on research strengths in quantum physics, modern photonics, condensed matter, the physics of materials, statistical physics, medical physics and neuromorphic computing.
• Physics MPhys (Hons): four years, F303; five years with a placement year, F304; it includes an extended research project. The university says the MPhys fully satisfies the requirements for Chartered Physicist and Chartered Scientist, while a BSc partially meets them.
• Physics with Theoretical Physics BSc: three years F346, with placement year F342; it focuses on formulating and solving physical problems with mathematics and computing, adding applied mathematics such as probability theory and differential geometry.
• Physics with Computing BSc: three years FG33, with placement year FG34; core physics plus computational physics including algorithm design, big data, embedded systems and artificial intelligence.
• Engineering Physics BSc: three years F311, with placement year F382; core physics plus engineering content in a stream chosen at the end of year one: materials engineering, electrical engineering, or mechanical and manufacturing engineering.
• Mathematics and Physics BSc: three years F341, with placement year F340; core physics with pure and applied mathematics modules.
• Each of these variants also has an MPhys version in the A-Z (Physics with Theoretical Physics, Physics with Computing, Engineering Physics and Mathematics and Physics). Only the Physics MPhys page was used for this guide, so check the other MPhys pages for grades and length. A Physics with a Foundation Year course is also listed; its page was not used for this guide, so check it on the website.
• Natural Sciences with a physics major is only mentioned here; engineering degrees are not covered.

Accreditation: the university says its physics degrees are accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP); holders of accredited degrees are eligible for IOP membership and can follow a route to Registered Scientist (RSci) or Chartered Physicist (CPhys).

2. How admission works and the course structure

• You apply to a named course: each degree has its own UCAS code, and the course pages do not describe a general first year followed by a choice of physics route. On Engineering Physics the engineering stream is chosen at the end of year one. Whether you can change physics route after enrolling is not given on the pages used for this guide; ask the department.
• First-year compulsory modules (listed on the Physics BSc page): Mathematics for Physics I, Fundamentals of Laboratory Physics, Computational Physics: Modelling, Simulation and Good Practice, Core Physics I: Foundations of Physics, Core Physics II: Classical Physics of Particles and Fields, Methods, Philosophy and Frontiers of Physical Science, and Applications of the Scientific Method. Second-year compulsory modules include Core Physics III: Quantum Physics, Physics Laboratory: Design and Analysis for Science and Industry, Advanced Computational Modelling and Simulation, Astrophysics and Astronomy, Mathematics for Physics II, Core Physics IV: Thermal and Statistical Physics, Core Physics V: Solid State Physics and Mathematics for Physics III. The final year has a Group Project and a Physics Final Year Project, plus options such as condensed matter, photonics, medical physics, high energy particle physics, nuclear physics and the physics of nanodevices. The page notes that modules are examples and reviewed each year.
• Laboratories: the STEMLab holds two dedicated physics laboratories (the Physics and Optics Laboratory and the Physical Sciences Laboratory); the department also has an undergraduate observatory with 16-inch and 8-inch optical telescopes, a solar telescope and a spectrometer.
• Selection: applicants are usually selected on their UCAS application alone; no entrance maths or physics test is mentioned on the pages used. Applicants who receive an offer are invited to visit the department.
• Placement year: the Physics BSc page describes a 45-week placement and says you gain a Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) for a professional placement or a Diploma in Industrial Studies (DIS) for a year in industry. You secure the placement yourself, with department support. You can instead spend a year at a partner university overseas and gain a Diploma in International Studies.
• AP or IB credit for required courses and a maths placement test: not given on the pages used for this guide.

3. Prerequisites (typical offers, September 2027 entry)

• A-level: Physics BSc, Physics with Theoretical Physics, Physics with Computing, Engineering Physics and Mathematics and Physics: AAB including Maths and Physics. Physics MPhys: AAA including Maths and Physics. Each page adds that applicants without A-level Physics may be considered case by case.
• IB: 35 points (6,6,5 at HL) for the BSc courses and 37 (6,6,6 at HL) for the MPhys, both including HL Maths and Physics.
• BTEC: for the BSc courses, an Extended Diploma in Applied Science or Engineering at DDD with Distinctions in named units plus A-level Maths at B; a National Diploma at DD with Distinctions in named units plus A-level Maths at B; or an Extended Certificate at D plus two A-levels at AB including Maths and Physics. The MPhys asks for A-level Maths at A in the first two cases and two A-levels at AA including Maths and Physics in the third.
• GCSE: English Language grade 4/C (the only GCSE listed on the course pages).
• Access Loughborough contextual offer: BBB including Maths and Physics for the BSc courses; ABB for the MPhys, with grades AB in any order from Maths and Physics.
• The MPhys versions of Physics with Theoretical Physics, Physics with Computing and Engineering Physics, and the grades for Physics with a Foundation Year, were not used for this guide; check the course pages.

UK applicants

• Route: apply through UCAS directly to a named course; each course and length of study has its own UCAS code. This guide does not use the UCAS website or portal. The application fee, personal statement and reference rules are not given on the pages used for this guide; check the UCAS website.
• General entry requirements page: applicants are normally expected to have at least three A-levels; the IB needs the full Diploma with at least three subjects at Higher Level, and both Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches and Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation can meet the maths requirement; Scottish applicants usually need at least two Advanced Highers plus Highers in three other subjects; the Irish Leaving Certificate needs at least five Higher Level passes; the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Diploma counts as one A-level alongside two A-levels; the A-level Science Practical Endorsement is not widely included in offer conditions but is expected to be passed; the EPQ is generally not part of offer conditions but may be used in further consideration after results.
• BTEC, T Levels, Access to HE: BTEC and Cambridge Technical combinations are given on each course page; T Levels are accepted for only some courses; the Access to HE Diploma is considered case by case (60 credits, 45 at Level 3). Core Maths cannot replace A-level Maths where it is required.
• GCSE: the university normally expects grade 4/C in English Language and, for most courses, grade 4/C in Mathematics; some courses ask for more, as set out for each subject below.
• Access Loughborough Contextual Offer: lower offers for applicants who may face barriers to university study; the grades are given for each subject below, and the eligibility criteria are on the university's contextual admissions page.
• Interview: the course pages say applicants are usually selected on their UCAS application alone; an interview may be needed in exceptional cases.
• Fees: the course pages give UK students £10,050 a year for 2027/28, in line with the UK government fee cap and subject to change; a placement year is about 20% of the full-time fee. The pages give two fee levels, UK and International, and do not separate England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. How fee status is decided is not given on the pages used for this guide; check the university's fee status page.

International applicants

• Route: UCAS, or progression from the ONCAMPUS Loughborough foundation programme.
• English language: the standard university requirement is IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each element; some schools or departments may ask for more, and this is stated in the offer. Other accepted tests include: TOEFL iBT 88 overall (at least 21 in each section) for tests taken before 21 January 2026, and for tests from that date the page uses a 4.5 scale (4.5 overall, at least 4.5 in Writing and Listening and 4.0 in Speaking and Reading); PTE 65 (at least 61 in each part); LanguageCert Academic 70 (at least 65 in each part); Oxford ELLT 7 (at least 6 in each part); Duolingo 120 (Speaking 110, Writing 115, Reading 110, Listening 105). Tests must be no more than two years old at the start of the course. Medium of instruction letters and English proficiency letters are not accepted. Applicants below the IELTS requirement may, at the department's discretion, take a pre-sessional English programme.
• Qualifications: the entry requirements page says the university accepts many international qualifications, such as the European Baccalaureate, French Baccalaureate, German Abitur, Hong Kong DSE and Indian Standard XII, alongside recognised International Foundation Programmes; students from a 12-year education system can enter through the International Foundation Programme at ONCAMPUS Loughborough. Country-by-country requirements are given in the “Select your country” text on each course page. Qualification verification, proof of funds and visa arrangements are not given on the pages used for this guide; ask Global Engagement.

Applicants from China

• Chinese senior high school graduation is not enough for direct entry: the China entry on the course pages says students taking the Senior Middle Examinations need to complete a suitable Foundation Year. The university offers a Foundation Year through ONCAMPUS, whose entry requirements are on the ONCAMPUS website (not used for this guide); you can also ask the Global Engagement team whether the foundation programme you are considering is acceptable.
• International Foundation Programme: the university's page describes a one-year programme for international students who have finished secondary education, with guaranteed progression to a Loughborough undergraduate degree on meeting the specified criteria. There are five pathways: Business, Economics, Finance and Management; Engineering and Physical Sciences; Humanities and Social Sciences; Life Sciences; Art and Design.The page does not say which pathway applies to physics; ask ONCAMPUS Loughborough or Global Engagement.
• One year at a Chinese university: a first year at a recognised university in China is accepted for first-year entry to some degrees, typically with an overall average of 75% to 80% and specific subject marks for some courses; contact the Global Engagement team to check.
• Gaokao: the course pages and the entry requirements page do not say how gaokao scores are used and give no gaokao cut-off; this is not given on the pages used for this guide. Ask Global Engagement or Undergraduate Admissions.
• Chinese applicants with A-levels or the IB: apply directly against the A-level and IB requirements for each subject.
• Interviews and verification bodies: nothing specific to Chinese applicants is given on the pages used for this guide. All students must meet the university's English language requirement.

Transfer and direct entry to year two

• The course and entry requirements pages do not give conditions for transferring into year two from another university, credit transfer rules or deadlines; these are not given on the pages used for this guide. Contact Loughborough's Undergraduate Admissions Office (the entry requirements page lists +44 (0)1509 274403).
• The entry requirements page says BTEC HND and HNC qualifications are also considered and in some cases may allow progression directly to year two; Open University courses normally need 120 Level 1 credits for first-year entry, and specific subjects may be required.
• Conditions for moving between courses inside the university are not given on the pages used for this guide; ask the relevant department.

Fees and scholarships

• Tuition fees: the course pages give £31,500 a year for international students and £10,050 a year for UK students in 2027/28; a placement year is about 20% of the full-time fee. Fees may change from year to year; check the website.
• International Excellence Scholarship (international students only): £3,000 a year, up to £9,000 over a standard degree; no separate application, because applicants through UCAS or ONCAMPUS are considered automatically. You will typically need AAA at A-level (or equivalent), be a self-funded international fee-paying student without another university award or external sponsorship, make Loughborough your firm choice and reach the grades at the first sitting without resits. It does not apply during a placement year or an overseas-study year, or to Foundation courses.
• Future Leaders Scholarship (international students only): a one-off £10,000 discount on first-year tuition; you must already hold an offer for September 2027 and then complete an application form by 11 April 2027; applicants must be self-funded and able to show funds for the remaining tuition and living costs. Scholarships cannot be combined; if you win several, only the highest-value one is honoured.
• UK students: the Loughborough University Bursary (means-tested) pays £1,000 per year of study, with a £500 placement start-up grant; it is not available to students from Wales, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.Women applicants can look at the Women in Science Bursary, open to UK students only: £1,000 a year for women entering Computer Science, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Natural Sciences in 2027, with a statement of about 500 words, a deadline of 5 June 2027 and payments conditional on a 2:1 average each year; it is not available for the foundation programme.
• Placement and overseas year: courses offer an optional placement year (with an additional Diploma in Professional Studies) or a year at a partner university overseas (with a Diploma in International Studies). You are responsible for securing the placement, with support from the university.

Timeline (September 2027 entry)

• The UCAS key dates page describes the 2026 application cycle and does not give dates for 2027 entry. Its wording is below; check the exact 2027-entry dates on the UCAS website: UCAS applications open in September; 15 October is the first deadline for Oxford, Cambridge, medicine, veterinary science and dentistry; 13 January is the second deadline for all other applications and the last point at which the university gives equal consideration; most offers are made by the end of March; 5 May is the first deadline to reply to offers; 30 June is the last date for late applications; Clearing begins on 2 July; A-level results day is 12 August.
• A separate deadline for international applicants is not given on the pages used for this guide; check with Loughborough's Undergraduate Admissions or Global Engagement team.
• Applicants who receive an offer are invited to visit the department.

Checklist

UK applicants:

• A-level Maths and Physics (AAB for the BSc courses, AAA for the MPhys), or IB 35 (MPhys 37) with HL Maths and Physics; GCSE English Language 4/C
• Apply through UCAS by 13 January (check the 2027-entry date); check the degree and UCAS code you need

International applicants:

• IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in each element) or an accepted equivalent; A-level or IB results as above
• For the International Excellence Scholarship: make Loughborough your firm choice, reach AAA or equivalent at the first sitting; the Future Leaders Scholarship needs a separate application by 11 April 2027

Applicants from China:

• Chinese senior high school: complete a recognised foundation year first (for example ONCAMPUS Loughborough); how gaokao scores are used is not given, so ask Global Engagement
• One year at a recognised Chinese university: average about 75% to 80%, with subject marks for some courses

Transfer applicants:

• Conditions for entry to year two are not given; HND and HNC holders may in some cases go straight to year two

Not given on the pages used, or to check

• The 2027-entry UCAS deadline, any separate international deadline and the application fee
• How gaokao scores are used; ONCAMPUS entry requirements and fees
• Conditions for entry to year two and credit transfer; changing physics route after enrolment; conditions for Physics with a Foundation Year
• How fee status is decided; visa and proof-of-funds requirements

Sources: Loughborough University, Undergraduate courses A-Z; Physics BSc; Physics MPhys; Physics with Theoretical Physics BSc; Physics with Computing BSc; Engineering Physics BSc; Mathematics and Physics BSc; Entry requirements; English language requirements; Key dates; International Foundation Programme; Undergraduate Excellence Scholarships; Future Leaders Scholarship; Women in Science Bursary; Loughborough University Bursary. Courses, offers and fees follow the course pages marked September 2027 entry (2027/28); the UCAS key dates page describes the 2026 application cycle, as noted in the text. Check Loughborough for the latest details.