Entry Requirements
We accept a range of qualifications at the appropriate academic level. For direct entry to our three or four year degree courses, we require three A levels including AA in Mathematics and Physics or equivalent.
Standard offers
MPhys AAA
BSc AAB
Non-standard offers
MPhys AAB+
BSc ABB+
The + in the non-standard offers refers to an additional qualification or piece of evidence. These will include an EPQ A*/A or a fourth A Level at grade C or above. However we will consider making alternative offers based on individual cases so please make an application and then contact us to explain any additional evidence you would like taken into account.
Practical Science
It is the University of Southampton’s policy that anyone offering an A level which includes a separate practical science component will be required to pass the component as part of our UCAS offer. Please contact us to discuss if there are reasons why you won’t be able to achieve this; e.g. lack of facilities or specialist staff at your school.
Contextual offers
We will consider making contextual offers based upon the University’s standard criteria. Please see below for further information
Interviews
We also offer UCAS applicants the option of attending a virtual interview. This is a great opportunity to discuss your area of interest and ask a personal tutor who shares your passion, any questions you have about studying physics at Southampton. Applicants who attend the optional interview may receive a lower offer to study Physics at Southampton.
International and alternative qualifications
International Baccalaureate (IB)
BSc - 34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level including 6 in Maths, 5 in Physics
MPhys - 34 points with 18 at Higher Level including 6 in Maths and Physics
Other UK and EU Qualifications
For Scottish Advanced Highers or Irish Leaving Certificate, BTEC HND, HNC, DDM DM and other UK and EU science-based qualifications, we consider applications on an individual basis. We may recommend that you apply for a four year option including a Foundation Year.
GCSEs
If you are a UK applicant, you should have GCSE grades A-C in English and Mathematics.
Contextual Offers
The University of Southampton is committed to widening participation and ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data supports our admissions teams to recognise a student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Students flagged in this way will be given an offer of AAB for MPhys programs or ABB for the BSc program and their contextual status will be taken into account if they miss their offer.
International applications
We welcome applications from international students with good qualifications for any of our courses. All applicants will be considered on an individual basis. Depending on your academic background and achievements, we may also be able to accept you as a visiting student, or allow you direct entry into the second year of a degree courses.
If you have not studied science-based subjects to the required standard, you should consider our four-year courses which include the a Foundation Year.
If English is not your first language, you will be required to pass an approved English test. We normally ask for a score of IELTS Band 1C 6.5, with minimum of 5.5 in each component; for information on other accepted English language tests, please visit our English language proficiency pages.
Mature students
Applications from mature students (over 21 years in the October of the year of entry) are welcome. Applications will be considered on an individual basis. Contact us for advice
Get in touch
If you have any queries about your qualifications, the course requirements or the application process, please contact our admissions team before you submit your application.