Physics at Lancaster University
We are one of the UK's top Physics Departments, and have a reputation for high quality teaching driven by outstanding research.
- for Physics in the UK Guardian University Guide 2016
- for Physics in the UK The Times University League Table 2015
- for Physics in the UK Complete University Guide 2017
Our Teaching is Excellent
All our programmes are accredited by the IOP, and provide a comprehensive state-of-the-art physics education at the frontiers of the discipline. Our courses follow a modular structure offering a great deal of flexibility, with numerous advanced options and projects directly based on our broad research portfolio.
We are ranked 2nd for Physics in the Guardian University Guide 2016, equal 4th place by The Times & Sunday Times University League Table 2015 and 12th in the Complete University Guide.
High Quality Fundamental Research
In the most recent Research Assessment (REF2014), Lancaster's Physics Department is 2nd for world-leading research.
28% of our research has been rated as being world-leading, ranking us second among UK physics departments. A further 51% of our research is considered to be internationally competitive. Furthermore, we were ranked first overall in the UK in the previous research assessment exercise (RAE2008).
Our renowned researchers include particle physicists working at CERN, Fermilab and JPARC in Japan, quantum technologists working on quantum bits, liquid helium and graphene, biomedical physicists describing nonlinear phenomena in the human body, mathematical physicists studying the classical and quantum behaviour of matter and light, space scientists investigating the solar system's space-plasma environment, and cosmologists chasing the origins of dark matter and mechanisms of inflation.
We provide an enjoyable, inspiring and supportive learning environment
As a friendly medium-sized department we are committed to fostering a diverse, supportive community as a source of academic excellence, cultural enrichment and social strength.
Our students benefit from a favourable staff-to-student ratio, which enables us to offer an open-door policy, small-group tutorials, and individually supervised projects conducted in our leading research groups.
Between 2010 and 2015 in the National Student Satisfaction Survey the Lancaster Physics Department had an average of 96% satisfaction with the courses. We have attained Juno Champion and Athena SWAN Silver status, rewarding our efforts to provide a fair, inclusive and diverse environment for all our students and staff.
