How to apply for physics at the University of Lincoln: BSc Physics (F300), Physics with Astrophysics (F308) and the four-year MPhys (F303) ask for a B in A Level Maths and a C in Physics, with Institute of Physics accreditation and a Science Foundation Year route, for UK, international (including Chinese) and transfer applicants

The University of Lincoln is in the city of Lincoln in the east of England. Physics is taught in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, in the Isaac Newton Building on the Brayford Pool campus. This guide covers 2027-28 entry using Lincoln's own website, for UK applicants, international applicants (including those from China) and transfer students.

1. Courses

The Physics subject page lists these undergraduate degrees (UCAS codes are given where a course page shows them):

• BSc (Hons) Physics (F300): 3-4 years, part-time study available
• BSc (Hons) Physics with Astrophysics (F308): 3-4 years, with modules such as Stars and Stellar Evolution, Galactic and Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology and General Relativity, and an optional field trip (previous destinations include the observatory at La Palma in the Canary Islands)
• MPhys Physics (F303): an integrated Master's of 4-5 years, plus MPhys Physics with Astrophysics
• BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (GF13) and the MMath version, listed under both Mathematics and Physics

You apply directly to the named course. First-year core modules on BSc Physics include Calculus, Computer Algebra and Technical Computing, Electricity, Magnetism, Thermal and Quantum Physics, Geometrical Optics, Waves and Mechanics, Introduction to Modern Astronomy, Laboratory 1, Linear Algebra and Professional Skills and Group Study. Year 2 includes Differential Equations, Electrodynamics, Laboratory 2, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics, Scientific Computing, Statistical and Quantum Physics I, a Group Project and Industrial and Econo-Physics. Year 3 core modules include Advanced Project and Communication, Condensed Matter Physics, Cosmology and General Relativity and Numerical Methods, with options such as Fluid Dynamics, Methods of Mathematical Physics and Physics Pedagogy. The pages do not say when or on what conditions you can switch course after starting; ask the admissions team.

Accreditation: the BSc Physics page says the course is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP), supporting progression towards Chartered Physicist (CPhys). The MPhys page says holders of accredited degrees are eligible for IOP membership and can follow a route to RSci, CPhys and/or CSci. The Physics with Astrophysics page does not mention IOP accreditation; check with admissions.

Placement and time abroad: full-time students can take a placement year, which carries a placement year fee and your own travel and living costs. The Physics with Astrophysics page lists a "Physics Year in Industry" option, and the course pages list an optional Study Abroad – SEPS module, a year at a partner institution that lengthens the programme by a year. Optional modules depend on numbers and staffing.

2. Entry requirements (2027-28)

BSc Physics and BSc Physics with Astrophysics (same wording on both pages):

• 104-112 UCAS Tariff points from at least 2 A Levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications, including 40 points from Maths and 32 points from Physics
• A Level: BBC including a B in Maths and a C in Physics
• BTEC and T Level: considered with a B in A Level Maths and a C in A Level Physics; applicants without A Level Physics but with a BTEC of A Level size or above in Applied Science or Engineering will also be considered
• Access to HE Diploma: 112 points from 45 Level 3 credits, including 40 points from 15 credits in Maths and 15 credits in Physics
• IB: 29 points overall including Higher Level 5 in Maths and Physics
• GCSE: at least three at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths
• Contextual offers: one grade or 8 UCAS points lower; the Maths and Physics requirements still apply

MPhys Physics: 112-120 UCAS points (A Level BBB with a B in both Maths and Physics), IB 30 with Higher Level 5 in Maths and Physics, Access diploma 112-120 points; BTEC Applied Science or Engineering is also considered.

Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (BSc, GF13): 104-112 UCAS points, A Level BBC including a B in Maths, IB 29 with Higher Level 5 in Maths.

Interviews and tests: the physics course pages used for this guide do not mention an interview or admissions test. Check UCAS Hub after applying (Lincoln says some courses need a successful interview before an offer) or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk.

Science Foundation Year: if you do not meet the standard requirements, you can take a foundation year first, giving four years in total (five for an integrated Master's). For the mathematics and physics route it asks for 64 UCAS points including 32 from a STEM subject, MPP in BTEC, and three GCSEs at grade 4 including English and Maths. Foundation codes include Physics F301, Physics MPhys F304, Physics with Astrophysics F318 and F312 (MPhys), and Mathematics and Theoretical Physics GF14.

3. International applicants and applicants from China

• English: the physics course pages ask for IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each element; if you fall short you may be able to take a Pre-sessional English course.
• ATAS: the MPhys Physics page says non-exempt nationals with time-limited immigration permission (for example a Student visa) need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate to enrol. The BSc Physics page used for this guide does not carry this line; check with admissions whether your course needs one.
• Other qualifications: the course pages point international applicants to Lincoln's country pages for equivalents.

Applicants from China: the China page lists any one of the following for entry to Year 1 of a bachelor's degree:

• the Gaokao with an average of at least 65%
• the Huikao with an average of at least 75%
• three years of senior high school with an average of at least 75%
• the first year of a Chinese bachelor's or diploma with an average of 70% or above
• a recognised International Foundation programme
• the IB with 27 to 34 points, or three A Levels

The page adds that requirements vary by programme and points to the course pages. How these general routes relate to the physics pages' "B in Maths, C in Physics / IB Higher Level 5 in Maths and Physics" is not stated; ask the International Admissions Team (intadmissions@lincoln.ac.uk). The China page gives no Gaokao maths or physics score and no interview arrangements.

4. How to apply and deadlines

• Full-time undergraduate applications go through UCAS, and applications for 2027 entry are open. You can choose up to five courses and need a personal statement and a reference.
• Lincoln's application page does not give the UCAS deadline for 2027 entry; check the date on the UCAS website.
• Track offers and interview invitations in UCAS Hub; offer holders are invited to an Offer Holder Day.
• International applicants can also apply through Lincoln's partner education agents.

5. Fees and scholarships

• Tuition fees: the fee section of the course pages is loaded dynamically and the pages used for this guide show no 2027/28 figures for overseas or UK students. Check the Fees and Scholarships section of the course page and Lincoln's fees pages.
• Global Undergraduate Scholarship: for eligible international students starting in September 2027, a £2,000 tuition fee discount for each year of the programme. No application is needed; you are considered automatically if you meet the entry requirements and apply by 16 August 2027. It does not apply to a placement year or a year abroad; foundation-year students receive it when they move on to the next year.
• Advanced-entry students from China are not eligible for it, but may be eligible for the China Advanced Entry Undergraduate Scholarship (see the website for criteria).
• Lincoln describes the range of its international scholarships in two ways: "£1,000 up to 50% of tuition fees" on the China page and "£2,000 to 50%" on the international fees page.

6. Transfer and advanced entry

• The China page says that, depending on your background and course, you may be able to join Year 2 or Year 3 of a Lincoln bachelor's degree (advanced entry).
• Whether this is possible for physics, and which courses you must have taken, is not given on the pages used for this guide. Email intadmissions@lincoln.ac.uk.

7. Checklist by background

UK applicants: a B in A Level Maths and a C in Physics for the BSc; B in both for the MPhys. Other UK qualifications such as Scottish Highers are not listed on the course pages; ask admissions.

International applicants: IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in each element), IB 29 with Higher Level 5 in Maths and Physics; for the MPhys, confirm whether you need ATAS.

Applicants from China: a Gaokao average of 65% is the country page's general entry route; confirm the maths and physics requirements with admissions, apply through UCAS and check the 2027 deadline on the UCAS website.

Transfer students: ask the International Admissions Team first about Year 2 or Year 3 entry.

Sources: University of Lincoln, Physics subject page; BSc Physics; BSc Physics with Astrophysics; MPhys Physics; Mathematics and Theoretical Physics; Science Foundation Year (Mathematics and Physics); How to apply; Entry requirements for China; International fees and funding; Global Undergraduate Scholarship. Entry requirements are for 2027-28; check Lincoln and UCAS for the latest deadlines and fees.