Universities and Online Degrees Guide

University of York

Master of Physics Hons in Physics with Philosophy

The Master of Physics Hons in Physics with Philosophy in Physics is offered by University of York.

Program Length: 4 YEARS.

Master of Physics Hons in Physics with Philosophy offered by the University of York

Follow in the footsteps of philosopher-scientists from Aristotle to Bertrand Russell and tackle some of the fundamental questions of life, the universe and everything.

Get an insight into the minds of the great thinkers, where the works of Newton and Einstein stand alongside those of Plato and Kant.

Critically evaluate scientific methods and see physics laid bare. Study topics from plasma to paradox and discover fundamental truths about the nature of the Universe.

You'll study the foundations of physics, enhanced by the grand theories of metaphysics, ethics and logic. You'll learn to analyse real-life problems and communicate complex ideas and arguments - key skills for your onward career.

You'll work with world-renowned physicists and philosophers, probing the nature of existence and pushing the boundaries of research.

Accreditation

Physics courses are accredited by the Institute of Physics (iop.org), guaranteeing the standard of the teaching and learning. Completing this degree will put you on track to becoming a Chartered Physicist.

Course content

This course offers a good all-round study of physics set in the context of wider human knowledge. You'll gain a complete and thorough grounding in physics, from scientific principles to applied experimentation.

In your philosophy modules you'll go beyond the philosophy of science and study the entire history of thought. You'll develop knowledge of the great thinkers of antiquity, different strands of world philosophy and modern perspectives.

In your final year you'll design and carry out an original research project. You'll work under guidance from an academic supervisor to bring new knowledge and deeper understanding to a topic like quantum mechanics or nuclear physics, or a concept such as truth or time. You can choose to take an interdisciplinary approach, deconstructing scientific and philosophical theories. Alternatively join one of our internationally-renowned research groups and investigate a problem in physics.

Study abroad

There are opportunities for you to spend time abroad during your course:

Explore global opportunities

Year 1

Year 1 emphasises core material to consolidate your existing knowledge and prepare you for more advanced study. You'll cover key concepts in physics and gain essential mathematical skills. In philosophy you'll develop your powers of reasoning and argument, challenging your opinions and forming your approach to the bigger philosophical questions.

Core modules

Beginning Philosophy (10 credits)

Classical Mechanics and Relativity with Professional Skills (20 credits)

Electromagnetism, Waves and Optics (20 credits)

Introduction to Thermal and Quantum Physics (20 credits)

Mathematics I (20 credits)

Reason and Argument (20 credits)

Option modules

You will choose one of the following modules:

Ancient Philosophy (10 credits)

Metaphysics (10 credits)

Academic integrity module

In addition to the above you will also need to complete the online Academic Integrity module.

Year 2

In Year 2 you'll deepen your understanding of fundamental physical laws and processes. You'll explore in-depth issues in central philosophy and learn to approach problems creatively.

Core modules

Electromagnetism and Optics (20 credits)

Mathematics II (20 credits)

Quantum Physics II (20 credits)

Thermodynamics and Solid State II (20 credits)

Philosophy of Science (20 credits)

Option modules

Choose one (options change from year-to-year):

Ethical Theory (20 credits)

Philosophy of Language (20 credits)

Intermediate Logic (20 credits)

Religious Ethics (20 credits)

Hume's Empiricism (20 credits)

Rationalism: Spinoza and Leibniz (20 credits)

Nietzsche (20 credits)

Kant’s Copernican Revolution (Short) (20 credits)

Metaphysics (20 credits)

Philosophy of Mind (20 credits)

Year 3

Year 3 introduces some advanced concepts, building on the expertise you've developed. You'll cover key areas of advanced physics, with optional modules giving you the chance to delve deeper into your favourite philosophical topic.

Core modules

Philosophy of Physics (20 credits)

Quantum Physics III (20 credits)

Statistical Mechanics and Solid State II (20 credits)

Option modules

Philosophy

Pick one Philosophy module (options change from year-to-year):

German Idealism (20 credits)

Philosophy of Art: Hume to Tolstoy (20 credits)

Philosophy of Christianity (20 credits)

Contemporary Issues in Bioethics (20 credits)

Foundations of Maths (20 credits)

The Value and Meaning of Life (20 credits)

Philosophy of Physics Advanced (20 credits)

Physics

Choose 40 credits from:

Advanced Theoretical Techniques (10 credits)

Atomic Physics and Lasers  (10 credits)

Cosmology (10 credits)*

Galaxies and the Interstellar Medium and Cosmology (20 credits)*

Introduction to Plasma Science and Technology (10 credits)

Introduction to Quantum Computing (10 credits)

Magnetic Materials and Technology (10 credits)

Medical Physics (10 credits)

Modern Optics (10 credits)

Nanoscale (10 credits)

Particle Physics (10 credits)

Relativity (10 credits)

The Physics of Stars (10 credits)

* - Cosmology cannot be taken with Galaxies and the Interstellar Medium and Cosmology

Year 4

The fourth year consists of a number of advanced option modules, providing you with the opportunity to specialise further. You'll apply the core knowledge you've developed over the previous years to topics aligned with their internationally-recognised research groups.

You'll undertake a major research project under the supervision of an academic member of staff with expertise in the area you choose to focus on. You'll conduct original research to reach new conclusions and, at the highest levels, contribute to our understanding of physics and philosophy.

Core modules

Topics in Theoretical Philosophy (20 credits)

MPhys Project (60 credits)

Students widely acknowledge the MPhys project as one of the most satisfying and rewarding parts of the course. You'll undertake independent research to investigate a current problem in the field, or bring new perspectives to a familiar topic. You may need to design, build and evaluate equipment for a specific experimental purpose.

Recent projects have included:

Knowledge in Context: Exploring the Concept of Truth in Physics and Philosophy

The Meaning of the Time Variable in Post-Relativity Physics

Shape coexistence in thallium and bismuth isotopes studied by laser spectroscopy

Exploring Exotic Nuclear Shapes and Structures

Construction of a polarised TIRF microscope to probe membrane diffusion

Exotic nuclei studied with knockout and fragmentation reactions

You'll be supported by a professional skills module to hone your research techniques. You'll undertake a literature survey, write a review essay, develop a project plan and give oral and poster presentations in an end-of-year conference.

Option modules

Philosophy

Pick one Philosophy module (options change from year-to-year):

German Idealism (20 credits)

Philosophy of Art: Hume to Tolstoy (20 credits)

Philosophy of Christianity (20 credits)

Contemporary Issues in Bioethics (20 credits)

Foundations of Maths (20 credits)

The Value and Meaning of Life (20 credits)

Philosophy of Physics Advanced (20 credits)

Physics

Choose 20 credits from:

Advanced High Performance Computing (10 credits)

Advanced Plasma Physics (20 credits)

Advanced Quantum Mechanics (10 credits)

Biophysics (20 credits)

From Subatomic Physics to Astrophysics (20 credits)

Further Quantum Mechanics (10 credits)

High Performance Computing (10 credits)

Laser and Atom-light Interactions (10 credits)

Nanomaterials: from Graphene to Spintronics (20 credits)

Physics and Applications of Semiconductor Devices (10 credits)