We’re one of the most respected centres for Physics teaching and research in the UK, ranked 10th overall in the UK by The Guardian in their 2022 League Table and 4th in the UK for student experience and 4th for Graduate prospects by The Complete University Guide, 2022.
Our students develop into talented, enthusiastic and highly employable physicists through our supportive environment emphasising fundamental understanding of physics, achievement and skill development. There is a strong focus on individual personal development, and with one of the best staff-student ratios of any UK physics department we can cater for individual interests and needs.
Our teaching and learning opportunities are consistently highly ranked for student satisfaction, according to the National Student Survey (NSS), and in 2021, 87% of our students agreed that staff are good at explaining things. The department is committed to the best possible outcomes for all our students, including women and underrepresented minorities. This commitment has been recognised by the award of the Institute of Physics’ Project Juno Champion status and Athena Swan Silver.
The physics department is a founding member of the SEPnet consortium of 9 departments in the South East of England. SEPnet's aims are to promote physics as a key strategic discipline. An important element of SEPnet for undergraduates is the employability activities, including meetings, workshops and most important industrial and academic placements. For postgraduate students, SEPnet provides important training via GRADnet.