University course Β· real outcomes from HESA / Discover Uni Β· part of Careermash
University degree

Physics with a Year in Industry

The University of Kent
Qualification
Degree
Length
4 yrs
UK fees / yr
Β£9,535
Study
full-time
Robin Β· your guide
Here's the honest picture on this course - what you'd study, whether you'd likely get in, what it pays, and where it leads. Everything's real data.
About this course

Physics is the fundamental science of matter, energy, space, and time. It asks the deepest questions about the nature of reality, from the behaviour of subatomic particles to the large-scale structure of the universe, and it provides the mathematical and experimental tools to pursue those questions with precision. The knowledge physics generates underpins the development of technologies across electronics, communications, materials science, medical imaging, quantum computing, and energy, making it one of the most foundational and practically consequential of all the sciences.

At the University of Kent, this four-year full-time degree with a year in industry gives you the opportunity to apply your physics knowledge in a professional setting before your final year. You will explore quantum mechanics, relativity, electromagnetism, condensed matter physics, and the connections between them, developing both a deep theoretical understanding and strong practical and computational skills. A typical entry tariff of 104 points applies.

Physics graduates with industry experience are exceptionally well positioned. Roles in technology development, research and development, data science, financial modelling, communications engineering, medical physics, and materials science are all natural destinations. Many go on to postgraduate research in physics or related sciences, while others apply their quantitative skills in finance, consultancy, and technology management.

The year in industry provides a significant professional advantage and often leads directly to graduate employment with the host organisation.

Could you get in?
The grades students arrived with
<48 pts5%
48-63 pts10%
64-79 pts10%
80-95 pts15%
96-111 pts25%
112-127 pts15%
128-143 pts5%
144-159 pts5%
How they qualified
90% got in with A-levels. The rest came in a mix of ways:
A-levels90%
the IB5%
Could I get in? Try your grades
120 UCAS pts
Pay & prospects
75%
In work or further study after
86%
Continue past first year
86%
Student satisfaction
What graduates earn over time
Β£28,000
3 years on
Β£36,000
5 years on
What graduates actually go on to do % of leavers
Teaching ProfessionalsHighly skilled15%
Sales occupations20%
Natural and social science professionalsHighly skilled15%
Elementary occupations5%
Information Technology ProfessionalsHighly skilled15%
Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsHighly skilled15%
Business and public service associate professionalsHighly skilled10%
Managers, directors and senior officialsHighly skilled5%
What students say National Student Survey
86%
of students are satisfied with the course overall
Teaching82%
Assessment & feedback74%
Academic support70%
Well organised86%
Learning resources89%
Student community92%
In students' own words
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…
Would do it again
This is the perfect place to study this subject. The best part: the cohort are bright and motivated, which makes the learning environment great. If I'm honest, accommodation allocation was stressful in the first year. On the city β€” local co…
Final year Β· Full-time
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…
Genuinely worthwhile
This is the perfect place to study this subject. The best part: small-group tutorials really push your thinking. If I'm honest, accommodation allocation was stressful in the first year. On the city β€” the city is a brilliant student city wit…
Class of 2022 Β· Full-time
More courses like this
Where this degree can lead
Like the look of it?
When you're ready, the full entry requirements and application are on The University of Kent's own site.
Apply on uni site
Careermash Β· real course data from HESA / Discover Uni, in plain English.

Career data: role, pay and progression profiles built for Careermash's careers engine; AI-impact estimates from Anthropic's observed AI-usage telemetry and OpenAI's AI Jobs Transition Framework. Course data: HESA / Discover Uni, including Graduate Outcomes, LEO and the National Student Survey. Apprenticeships: IfATE-published standards, approved only.

Β© 2026 Careermash. A concept for secondary schools.