This master of physics (MPhys) has four stages, each comprising 120 credits.
- In Stage 1, you’ll study 120 credits from the standard start, basic maths start or advanced start.
- In Stage 2, you’ll study one 60-credit and two 30-credit modules.
- In Stage 3, you’ll study four 30-credit modules.
- In Stage 4, you’ll study one 60-credit module and complete a 60-credit project module.
You’ll study 120 credits from the standard, basic maths or advanced start. Read the entry requirements to decide which start is right for you.
Essential mathematics 2 (MST125) includes an online invigilated exam. ProctorU, a service based outside the UK, will remotely invigilate your exam. To study this modules, you must agree to additional Terms of Service. Find out more about online invigilation.
You’ll study one 60-credit and two 30-credit modules.
You’ll study four 30-credit modules.
You’ll study one 60-credit module and complete a 60-credit project module.
We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 18 March 2025.
Accessibility
Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services. Our Master of Physics uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:
- Online study – most modules are online; some have a mix of printed and online material. Online learning resources could include websites, audio/video, and interactive activities
- Pre-determined schedules – we’ll help you to develop your time-management skills
- Assessment in the form of short-answer questions, essays, and examinations
- Feedback – continuous assessment includes feedback from your tutor and using this to improve your performance
- Using and producing diagrams and screenshots
- Finding external/third-party material online
- Accessing online catalogues and databases
- Mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
- Online tutorials
- Group-work
- Practical work
Every module has its own Accessibility Statement with more detailed accessibility information – you’ll find these on individual module descriptions.
Visit our Disability support page to learn about our services.
Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:
- Knowledge and understanding.
- Cognitive skills.
- Practical and professional skills.
- Key skills.
Read the detailed learning outcomes here
Credit transfer
If you’ve already completed some university-level study somewhere else, you may be able to count it towards this qualification – which could save you time and money by reducing the number of modules you need to study. At the OU we call this credit transfer.
It’s not just university study that can be considered, you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications such as HNCs and HNDs.
You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. For more details and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.
Classification of your degree
On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our Master of Physics.
If you choose a specialist route, your degree title will show that:
- Master of Physics (Astrophysics with Space Science)
The class of honours (first, upper-second, lower-second or third) will depend on your grades at Stages 3 and 4.
You’ll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
International recognition
If you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Find out more about international recognition of Open University qualifications.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.
At The Open University, we believe education should be open to all, so we provide high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.
Even though there are no entry requirements, there are some skills that you’ll need to succeed. If you’re not quite ready for OU study, we can guide you to resources that prepare you, many of which are free.
Answer a few quick questions to check whether you’re ready for study success
This course has three starts:
Standard start
We recommend the standard start if you have a GCSE grade 4 or above in mathematics (or equivalent). This start provides an interdisciplinary foundation before you focus on physics.
The standard start begins with Questions in science (S111) and Essential mathematics 1 (MST124):
Note: S111 will develop your mathematical skills and help you prepare for MST124.
Basic maths start
We recommend the basic maths start if you don’t have a GCSE grade 4 or above in mathematics (or equivalent). This start develops your maths skills from a basic level to prepare you for more advanced study.
The basic maths start begins with Discovering mathematics (MU123):
Advanced start
The advanced start is suitable if you have an A level or Scottish Higher qualification in mathematics or physics (or equivalent). This start includes OU level 2 modules in Stage 1.
The advanced start begins with Essential mathematics 1 (MST124) and Physics and space (SM123):
How much time do I need?
- Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
- This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.
Find out if you have enough time to study with our time planner
Your full-time equivalent study intensity options in Stage 1 depend on which start you choose.
Standard start
To complete Stage 1 in one year, you must begin with S111 and SM123 in October. You may start MST124 at the same time (or the following February); the same goes for MST125. However, you cannot begin MST125 before MST124.
Basic maths start
You cannot complete Stage 1 in one year. You may only begin MST124 after you finish MU123.
Advanced start
To complete Stage 1 in one year, you must begin with MST124 and SM123. You may start your Stage 1 option modules at the same time (or the following February if you start MST124 and SM123 in October, and your option modules have a February start). However, you cannot begin them before MST124 or SM123.
Preparing for study with an Access module
Students who start their study with an Access module are more likely to be successful when they advance to an OU level 1 module. They’re specially designed to give you a gentle introduction to OU study, boost confidence in your study skills, and help you gain a broad overview of your chosen subject area.
You’ll also benefit from:
- feedback from your tutor through regular one-to-one phone tutorials
- support from a dedicated team throughout your study
- detailed written feedback on your work.
The Access module we’d recommend studying in preparation for this qualification is our:
Science, technology and maths Access module
What you will study
This multidisciplinary module is an ideal starting point if you have little or no previous knowledge of the sciences, technology and mathematics. It’ll help develop your study skills in advance of your OU qualification, and you get to explore a number of STEM subjects including science, engineering and design, environment, mathematics, and computing and IT.
View full details of Science, technology and maths Access module
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Skills for career development
By the time you achieve your qualification, you’ll be an adaptable graduate with a range of transferable skills highly valued in the labour market. Examples include analytical, numerical, communication, team-working, and problem-solving skills. You’ll also gain proficiency in computing and IT, including the use of a programming language. In addition, you’ll acquire first-hand research skills through the independent research project on a topic at the forefront of the discipline and demonstrate the originality of your research or interpretation.
You’ll have a good understanding of where your strengths and interests lie and be well prepared for your next step – whether it’s further study or employment.
Career relevance
Physics graduates are suited to scientific and non-scientific jobs. The logical, reasoned approach for physics study is relevant to a wide range of financial, business and public sector employment. So physics graduates – particularly those with good communication and interpersonal skills – are in demand. And the MPhys qualification is commonly regarded as a pre-requisite for starting a postgraduate research degree.
Employers include engineering companies, renewable energy companies, central government, the financial sector, IT companies, the NHS, and universities – in roles such as:
- research and investigation
- product design and development
- analysis and diagnostics
- information management
- data analysis and processing
- scientific sales
- medical physics
- computer programming and modelling
- teaching.
Potential growth areas are energy and sustainability, healthcare, telecommunications, bioinformatics, technology transfer (transfer of scientific expertise to commercial products), and the space sector.
Accreditation
The Institute of Physics (IOP) has provisionally accredited our master of physics degree (MPhys).
IOP will remove the provisional status once the first MPhys cohort has graduated and The Open University has submitted the required and accepted information.
Accredited MPhys programmes meet the educational requirements for membership of IOP and fully meet the educational requirements for Chartered Physicist status.
Exploring your options
Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our Careers and Employability Services for a wide range of careers information, advice and guidance – including online forums, our comprehensive website, access to interview simulations and feedback, and a vacancy service, as well as the option to email or speak to a Careers and Employability Consultant.
In the meantime, if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point.
Note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.
- aerospace engineer
- astrophysicist
- computer programmer
- data analyst
- geophysicist
- medical physicist
- meteorologist
- nuclear engineer
- patent attorney
- physicist
- renewable energy specialist
- science communicator
- science teacher
- software engineer
- university lecturer.