Physics courses

About Physics And Astrophysics (bsc (hons)) in University College Cork

If you are passionate about how things work and enjoy scientific experiments and mathematics, you should study physics – the study of the universe, from the largest galaxies to matter itself. 

Physics and technologies developed by physicists play a major role in chemistry, biology, medicine, electronics, geology, and in the applied fields of optics, nanotechnology, computer science and engineering.

Its concepts, from relativity to quantum mechanics, challenge the imagination. A physics education not only develops problem-solving skills, it also provides a firm knowledge of basic science and the ability to apply and adapt that knowledge within the workplace.

Why Choose This Course

The programme at UCC offers excellent education in both experimental and theoretical physics.

Physics, and technologies developed by physicists, play a major role in atmospheric science, chemistry, biology, medicine, electronics, geology, energy, optics, nanotechnology, computer science and engineering.

An education in physics provides problem-solving, analytical, computational, mathematical and IT skills and can lead to a wide range of careers.

You will enter the jobs market with a top-class numerate degree from one of the strongest mathematical sciences departments in the country.

The emphasis on developing problem solving skills across a range of disciplines is highly regarded by employers. Our students have an excellent track record in both career development following graduation and in postgraduate study.

We have strong links with local, national and international companies, as well as a strong international reputation in research, which will add value to your degree.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

There are opportunities for studying abroad in Year 3 at a variety of universities in the US and Europe. Recently, UCC Physics students have spent Year 3 at the University of California, University of Massachusetts, the University of North Carolina and the University of Marburg. 

Skills and Careers Information

Refer to Skills and Careers Information for each separate degree programme in the CK408 entry route.

Academic qualification equivalents

 1.    All India Senior School Certificate 

 2.    Higher Secondary Certificate / Standard 12 

 3.    Indian School Certificate (Year 12) 

Band 1 Programmes

Minimum average of 90% + in any of the recognised secondary school qualifications.

Band 2 Programmes

Minimum average of 80-89% in any of the recognised secondary school qualifications.

Band 3 Programmes

Minimum average of 75-79% in any of the recognised secondary school qualifications.

Additional Requirements

Where Maths is required for a specific degree programme, a minimum score of 85% in Maths is required.

Where a Lab Science subject is required for a specific degree programme, a minimum score of 85% is required in the appropriate Lab Science subject.

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS: 6.5  Minimum individual sections 5.5
• TOEFL: TOEFL 90  Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing 17
• PTE: 63 Minimum individual sections 51

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