Welcome to the School of Physics and Astronomy

Throughout its 100-year history, the School of Physics and Astronomy has brought people together to make world-changing discoveries.

From trailblazing work on the structure of the atom, to the international collaboration jointly responsible for the Nobel Prizewinning discovery of the Higgs boson, our discoveries capture headlines and showcase the diversity of our expertise and the breadth of our collaborations.

We know that physics and astronomy are awe-inspiring subjects, and that access to great teachers and excellent resources enables our students to achieve great things.

We also know that a degree in physics or astronomy is a fantastic start to a career, and that our graduates go on to an incredible range of meaningful and well-paid careers.

That’s why our degrees combine the academic rigour of a Russell Group university, an enriching programme of careers and employability activities, and a friendly and supportive environment. This productive combination is rated highly by our students; for five years running, the School has been placed top in London for I am so proud of our School, its programmes, our dedicated staff, and I am delighted that you are thinking about joining us.

Choosing a university is an important decision, it sets the path for your future – from the career you follow to the friends you make.

It could be the biggest decision you’ve made in your life so far and we are here to help you now that you are considering applying to study with us.

Professor Peter Hobson Head of School

overall satisfaction in the National Student Survey (NSS 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014).

We know that choosing where to study is a big decision, so we are here to help every step of the way. Explore this brochure to get a better understanding of what we can offer, get in touch with your questions and best of all, attend one of our Open Days to get a real feel for our university. For more information, visit: qmul.ac.uk/visitus

I like how the physics family at Queen Mary is really encouraging and supportive of each other. I know that my degree will equip me the skills and experiences that are applicable to a variety of jobs and are thought highly of by employers. Ambereen Razak, BSc Physics, 2021

Former Physics students Ambereen and Lauren using an X-ray diffractometer to study crystal structures in the School’s undergraduate laboratory.