Physics with Particle Physics
Particle physics is the study of the fundamental constituents of matter and the forces through which they interact. It addresses the deepest questions that physics can pose: what is the universe made of at the most basic level, and what rules govern how those components behave? The discovery of the Higgs boson at CERN's Large Hadron Collider was a landmark moment in the discipline, confirming a key prediction of the Standard Model of particle physics, and the search for physics that goes beyond that model remains one of the most active and exciting frontiers in contemporary science.
At Royal Holloway, this three-year full-time BSc covers the full range of a physics education while placing special emphasis on fundamental particles, high-energy particle detectors, and accelerator physics. You will build a thorough grounding in classical and modern physics, including quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics, before engaging with the specific concepts and tools of particle physics. A field trip to CERN is included as part of the course, giving you direct exposure to the world's leading particle physics facility and the experimental work that is defining the cutting edge of the discipline.
The programme includes a sandwich year, a year abroad, and a work placement, giving you professional and international experience alongside your academic study. With a typical entry tariff of 120 UCAS points, the programme is accessible to students with strong scientific preparation.
Graduates from physics with particle physics programmes are well placed for careers in research, technology, finance, data science, and any field where rigorous quantitative and analytical skills are valued. Research roles at universities and national laboratories, technology development in industry, and data science and computing positions are all common paths. The skills developed in a physics degree, particularly one with a specialisation in fundamental physics, are highly transferable.
Postgraduate study in physics, astrophysics, or data science provides a natural continuation.