Physics & Philosophy

An interesting degree programme taking in physics and philosophy based in the heart of London. Fundamental elements of physics are covered and include relativity, quantum mechanics, fields and waves, electromagnetism and nuclear physics. Philosophy helps us to understand the world better and to develop skills in reasoning and argument.
Watch the video here, or access the 'interactive' tab to view at a larger size and see any alternative films playOverviewVideo('/prospectus/images/home.jpg','http://podcast.ulcc.ac.uk/accounts/kings/KCL_Marketing/PHYSICS_FINAL.flv','true','details_112'); KEY BENEFITSPhysics:

• Award winning – four members of staff in the department have been awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics.
• Internationally-renowned academic staff in the fields of cosmology, nanotechnology, and the interface between physics and biology.
• Friendly and supportive learning environment.
• Central location gives easy access to major libraries and many leading societies, including the Institute of Physics

Philosophy:

• One of the largest and most distinguished philosophy departments in the country.
• Ranked in the top six nationally for world-leading and internationally excellent research (Research Assessment Exercise 2008).
• King's offers an exceptionally wide range of optional courses, covering all areas of the history of philosophy and contemporary philosophy.
• Emphasis on small-group teaching ensures students acquire and hone the skills of critical thinking.
• Students are able to draw on the resources of other University of London philosophy departments.

PROGRAMME DESCRIPTIONOur joint honours BSc Physics & Philosophy degree is designed to offer students the opportunity to study both subjects at degree level. Equal time is spent on each subject.

Fundamental elements of physics are covered and include areas such as relativity, quantum mechanics, fields and waves, electromagnetism and nuclear physics.

Philosophy helps us to understand the world better and to develop skills in reasoning and argument, which are highly transferable and very valuable in the work place. The philosophy modules during the year are designed to give a good grounding in important aspects of philosophy. Once you reach your second and third year, many options are available, which means that you can tailor the year to suit your own particular interests.

For more about the departments contributing to this combined programme, follow the department contact links.

Click here to read about the Department of Philosophy
ABOUT THE Department of Philosophy
CAREERS Graduates have gone on to a wide range of careers after leaving King’s. Among those who have recently graduated, a survey uncovered a merchant banker, a police constable, a barrister, a trainee journalist, a trainee teacher and several who had returned (or were about to return) to university to take higher degrees. Recent graduates have found employment as…. • Analyst Consultant, Accenture • Asset Distributor, Universal Music • English Teacher, Primary School • Intern (Public Affairs), Science strategy company • Journalist, a business website • Operations Manager, Five UK • Research Assistant (Philosophy), a UK university • Film Production Assistant, Production company • Volunteer Development Support Officer, Diabetes uK
TEACHING STYLE In our undergraduate teaching, we aim to combine a wide range of study options with direct staff-student contact. Our emphasis on small-group teaching in tutorials and seminars makes King’s an excellent place to acquire and hone the skills of critical thinking, and to express your ideas both in writing and in philosophical discussion with your fellow students and instructors.
STRUCTURE OF PROGRAMMES & ASSESSMENT Our programme offers an unusually wide range of options, such as Philosophy of Psychology and Philosophy in the Islamic World. Study of these options builds upon the solid foundation of core courses in the first and second years, with a lot of choice between modules already in the second year. Assessment mixes examinations and essays, and all modules offer formative assessment to let you try out and explore your ideas.
LOCATION The Department is based at the College’s Strand Campus, in the heart of central London. The College’s Maughan Library is a short walk away on Chancery Lane.
Click here to read about the Department of Physics
ABOUT THE Department of Physics
CAREERS Physics students are in high demand because employers recognise the wide range of skills that they possess. Physicists are trained to be good problem solvers and to think logically and apply mathematical and computational techniques to real problems. It is not surprising that our graduates are found in many areas of employment, where they can exploit their skills. Recent graduates have found employment as… • Actuarial Analyst, Willis • Physics Tutor, Tutoring Agency • Project Engineer, Cryogenic Ltd • Publishing Editor, Royal Society of Chemistry • Researcher, Cornell University • Risk Analyst, City Index • Performance Manager, Bradford Commerce
TEACHING STYLE The majority of teaching is performed by lectures and laboratory classes, tutorials and through project work. All academic staff are involved with the undergraduate teaching programme. Each student has a personal tutor and the department encourages an open atmosphere in which students feel able to easily approach academic staff. The Student-Staff Committee provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and feedback on teaching. Staff and students are members of the Maxwell Society: the departments social and lecture society.
STRUCTURE OF PROGRAMMES & ASSESSMENT The programmes have a common core of physics modules, with some optional modules each year for single honours students. We place great emphasis on problem solving and project work, which teaches team-work, group organisation, and the skills of oral and poster presentations. We also allow advanced students to work with a school, to experience teaching and develop the skill of presenting information at an understandable level. Students registered for the MSci degree take almost exactly the same modules in the first three years as those taking the BSc degree in Physics. The fourth year provides a wide range of specialised physics options through an intercollegiate London programme, while the MSci project work is a genuine research project.
LOCATION The department is located in newly refurbished dedicated office space, with views over the Thames to the London Eye and Westminster. The central location of our department gives easy access to major libraries and many leading societies including the Institute of Physics.

ABOUT THE Department of Physics
CAREERS Physics students are in high demand because employers recognise the wide range of skills that they possess. Physicists are trained to be good problem solvers and to think logically and apply mathematical and computational techniques to real problems. It is not surprising that our graduates are found in many areas of employment, where they can exploit their skills. Recent graduates have found employment as… • Actuarial Analyst, Willis • Physics Tutor, Tutoring Agency • Project Engineer, Cryogenic Ltd • Publishing Editor, Royal Society of Chemistry • Researcher, Cornell University • Risk Analyst, City Index • Performance Manager, Bradford Commerce
TEACHING STYLE The majority of teaching is performed by lectures and laboratory classes, tutorials and through project work. All academic staff are involved with the undergraduate teaching programme. Each student has a personal tutor and the department encourages an open atmosphere in which students feel able to easily approach academic staff. The Student-Staff Committee provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and feedback on teaching. Staff and students are members of the Maxwell Society: the departments social and lecture society.
STRUCTURE OF PROGRAMMES & ASSESSMENT The programmes have a common core of physics modules, with some optional modules each year for single honours students. We place great emphasis on problem solving and project work, which teaches team-work, group organisation, and the skills of oral and poster presentations. We also allow advanced students to work with a school, to experience teaching and develop the skill of presenting information at an understandable level. Students registered for the MSci degree take almost exactly the same modules in the first three years as those taking the BSc degree in Physics. The fourth year provides a wide range of specialised physics options through an intercollegiate London programme, while the MSci project work is a genuine research project.
LOCATION The department is located in newly refurbished dedicated office space, with views over the Thames to the London Eye and Westminster. The central location of our department gives easy access to major libraries and many leading societies including the Institute of Physics.