What is Studying Physics at UK Universities Like?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the experience of studying physics at UK universities, highlighting the variability in course structure, exam formats, and workload. Participants note that universities like Warwick and Cambridge have different assessment weightings, with Warwick's MPhys program allocating 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% across four years, while Cambridge's first two years may not count towards the final degree. The consensus indicates that physics requires significant dedication, with students often sacrificing social activities for study, particularly in later years. Additionally, the unpredictability of exams is a common concern, as past papers may not reliably reflect future questions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of UK university degree structures
  • Familiarity with physics course content and assessment methods
  • Knowledge of the differences between BSc and MPhys programs
  • Awareness of the social dynamics within university life
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the specific physics programs at universities like Warwick and Cambridge
  • Explore the differences in exam formats and assessment criteria across UK universities
  • Investigate the workload and study habits of physics students at various institutions
  • Learn about the practical components of physics degrees and their impact on learning
USEFUL FOR

Prospective physics students, academic advisors, and anyone interested in understanding the academic and social aspects of studying physics at UK universities.

  • #31
cristo said:
If you're in the UK on a student visa then the number of hours per week you are allowed to work is restricted by the immigration services.
Yeah, but since he's from the EU, I don't think he'd have any restrictions imposed upon him. I'm not completely sure those transitive periods are over for all countries, though, so there might still be a catch somewhere.
 
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  • #32
Ryker said:
Yeah, but since he's from the EU, I don't think he'd have any restrictions imposed upon him.

If he is from the EU then he won't be here on a student visa.
 
  • #34
Looks like it did materialize. Can anyone tell me if this affair will affect universities in Scotland? Edinburgh or St. Andrews for example.
 
  • #35
H_man said:
If you want to really learn physics then you will spend most of your evenings studying and only a couple of evenings a week drinking in the union bar or some other activity.

That's not true. As a full time student you can spend all day studying - you can do something else every evening, and still *really* learn physics! That said, a couple of evenings a month is probably enough time to spend in the average union bar - try acting, dancing, chess, clubs, dating girls (!), Indian restaurants, russian restaurants, classical concerts, pop concerts... every night.. you get the idea... There is no time in your life when you will be able to experience such a wide range of experiences. Get out there and enjoy! As long as you don't get too many hangovers you'll be all the fresher for your day "job" - studying physics - which should also be fun - if not do something else!
 
  • #36
y=x^2 said:
Looks like it did materialize. Can anyone tell me if this affair will affect universities in Scotland? Edinburgh or St. Andrews for example.

For said universities the cap has been raised to £9,000, I'm afraid. (Unless you're scottish)
 
  • #37
Chewy0087 said:
For said universities the cap has been raised to £9,000, I'm afraid. (Unless you're scottish)

Well, now what?.. £36k of debt is a bit much for me. Perhaps it's not entirely off-topic, where else could I enroll in physics, regarding the fact that I know no other language except my native and English and I will be a bachelor in economics in a semester?
 

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