Four year MSci or three year BSc?Some of our programmes offer a choice of a four year MSci or a three year BSc degree. When deciding whether to study for an MSci or a BSc you may wish to consider how you see your undergraduate course linking with your future career.
Both programmes will prepare you fully for employment or further education and training. We do not specify different entry requirements for these programmes - this reflects that the first two years of both the MSci and BSc are usually the same, and are equally challenging.
Master in Science (MSci) programmes are four years in duration and provide a thorough grounding in all aspects of physics; they are aimed at those who intend to pursue careers in research and development in physics.
Bachelor of Science (BSc) programmes are usually three years in duration and offer a degree that is highly regarded by employers for the mathematical and problem solving skills obtained. It is an excellent degree for those who wish to pursue their interest in physics, but who perhaps do not aspire to a career in research.
If you are not sure of your future plans we recommend that you register for the MSci at the outset.
At Bristol it is normally possible to transfer to and from the BSc and the MSci programmes at any time in the first two years. In order to progress to the third year of the MSci programme you will need to obtain a good pass in the examinations set at the end of the second year.
Perhaps you are unsure about which of our wide variety of programmes you would like to pursue. In most cases you can ask to change the programme in Physics that you have applied for right up until registration at the beginning of your first year. This is subject to availability of places and the pre-requisites of the programme, so for example, you would need Chemistry A-level to transfer from Physics to Chemical Physics. It may be possible to change at the end of the first year, again depending on any pre-requisites being met. For example, you can transfer from the Physics programme to the Physics with Astrophysics programme at the end of the first year, provided that you chose astronomy as an optional unit in the first year.
If you have any further questions about our programmes please contact the .