A joint degree allows you to study in depth two complementary subjects that inspire you. Best of all, you’ll have the opportunity to develop a wider range of skills and your employability, when you graduate, will be boosted – according to graduate destination surveys.

Our students often say their enthusiasm to study Physics stems from wanting to learn more about the Higgs particle, dark matter, nanotechnology or just a wide-ranging curiosity about how things really work. Whatever your reasons, our Physics department aims to inform and excite in the study of Physics, the most fundamental of the sciences.

As one of the most respected centres for Physics teaching and research in the UK, this degree covers the core material that a graduate physicist would be expected to know, including quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, statistical physics and thermodynamics, Einstein’s relativistic physics and the study of the fundamental structure of matter and the universe. You’ll also develop the mathematical, experimental and conceptual knowledge and skills.

This degree course gives you the opportunity to combine your studies with Philosophy, which comprises 25% of the course and introduces you to key elements of philosophy such as ancient philosophy and reason, argument and persuasion. If you have a curious and inquisitive mind and are looking for a subject that teaches you how to think clearly and question perceptively, one that will sharpen your analytical skills and critical thinking then Philosophy is ideal for you. Philosophy, as an addition to your studies, will help you develop and express reasoned arguments, to use logical processing and critical analysis to defend your position and debate opposing opinions, skills that not only enhance your academic abilities but your employability too.

Choosing to include philosophy in your studies at Royal Holloway not only prepares you well for postgraduate study it also equips you with the skills and qualities that employers are looking for.  Philosophy degrees are well-regarded by employers because they give you the capacity to think through issues and problems in a logical and consistent way and to develop critical and transferable skills which can be applied in almost any area of employment from computing to the arts.   

So, by choosing to study this intellectually demanding discipline you will develop a broad range of highly prized transferable skills, such as the ability to communicate views and present arguments clearly and coherently, to critically digest, analyse and summarise complex ideas, effective time management, organisation and research skills and problem-solving skills.

A degree in Physics is one of the most sought after and respected qualifications available. Graduate employment levels for Physicists are amongst the highest of any subject.