Top Universities for Physics in the UK
If you’re thinking of applying for Physics, there are plenty of world-leading degrees on offer in the UK. There are many with excellent lab facilities and outstanding departments, while most courses offer flexible curricula enabling students to build up a foundation in core topics before specialising in particular areas of interest.
In this guide, we will explore the top UK universities for Physics according to official rankings. We’ll break down the top five in more detail, looking at the universities themselves, the Physics course on offer, and entry requirements.
Physics University Rankings in the UK
To help identify the best Physics degrees in the UK, we’ve looked at two of the most respected university league tables: the Complete University Guide (CUG) and The Guardian.
Both rankings assess universities using a range of criteria — including teaching quality, student-to-staff ratio, and spending per student — to produce subject-specific tables. Since each publication uses slightly different data and weighting systems, the same university can appear in quite different positions across the two rankings.
That said, while league tables aren’t perfect, they do offer a helpful snapshot of how strong a course is likely to be. Below, we’ve listed the top ten UK universities for Physics based on their average position across the CUG and Guardian rankings.
| University | CUG | Guardian | Overall rank |
| Cambridge | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Oxford | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Durham | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Lancaster | 8 | 4 | 4 |
| Birmingham | 5 | 10 | 5 |
| St Andrews | 11 | 5 | 6 |
| Warwick | 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Imperial | 6 | 14 | 8 |
| Manchester | 4 | 18 | 9 |
| Exeter | 15 | 7 | 9 |
From this table, we can see that Oxford and Cambridge are the joint top UK universities for Physics, with each taking first place in one table and second in the other. Durham is a clear third as it occupies this place in both rankings.
The remainder of the top five is rounded out by Lancaster and Birmingham, while the remaining places in the top ten are mostly occupied by high-ranking Russell Group universities. The exception is St Andrews, one of the best non-Russell Groups in the UK.
Now we’ll take a look at the top five universities for Physics in more detail.
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Top UK Universities for Physics
University of Cambridge
Cambridge offers Physics through its Natural Sciences degree. Applicants who are particularly interested in Physics should choose Natural Sciences Physical when they apply, as this will affect the type of questions you are asked at interview.
University overview
The University of Cambridge is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the world. It consists of 31 colleges, with much undergraduate teaching delivered through small-group supervisions. Extensive lab time is offered for Science students.
Course overview
The Natural Sciences course at Cambridge offers a broad and flexible curriculum, with teaching through lectures, supervisions, labs, coursework, and fieldwork. In the first two years, students take a mix of science subjects—choosing from areas such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Sciences, and more—alongside Mathematics. Specialisation begins in the third year, with options to focus on a specific subject or continue a broad path. Many students take a fourth year leading to an MSci.
Entry requirements
A level: A*A*A
IB: 41-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level
Admissions test: Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT)
University of Oxford
Alongside Cambridge, Oxford is the joint best university for Physics in the UK according to official league tables.
University overview
Oxford, like Cambridge, is one of the world’s oldest universities, with a history stretching back nearly a thousand years. Today, it ranks among the top institutions both in the UK and globally. It is known for its collegiate structure and distinctive small-group teaching through tutorials.
Course overview
The Oxford Physics course combines lectures, tutorials, and laboratory work, with students typically having around ten lectures and two tutorials per week in the first year, plus a weekly lab day. Core physics topics are taught through small-group tutorials and practical classes, with specialisation and project work increasing each year. Many students stay on for a fourth year to work towards an MPhys (or MMathPhys for those focusing on theoretical and mathematical physics). In that year, students complete a major research project and choose two advanced papers. Assessment is mainly through written exams, coursework, and lab work, with exams taken at the end of each academic year.
Entry requirements
A Level: A*AA
IB: 39 points (including 766 at HL)
Admissions test: Physics Admissions Test (PAT)
Durham University
Durham takes third place in both the Guardian and CUG rankings, just behind Oxford and Cambridge as the top UK university for Physics.
University overview
Durham is a collegiate university, like Oxford and Cambridge, located in the north east of England. It was founded in 1832 and is commonly considered one of the best Russell Group universities.
Course overview
Durham’s BSc in Physics is a flexible and academically rigorous degree, delivered by one of the UK’s top-ranked physics departments. Students benefit from expert teaching, cutting-edge facilities, and the department’s outstanding research, with opportunities to switch between related degrees or add a year abroad or in industry. The course builds strong foundations in physics and maths in the first year, with increasing opportunities to specialise in areas like astrophysics, quantum theory, and societal applications of physics. Final-year students apply their learning through independent research projects, advanced labs, and optional modules according to their interests.
Entry requirements
A Levels: A*A*A
IB: 38 (776 at HL)
Admissions test: none
Lancaster University
Lancaster ranks in the top ten for Physics in both the CUG and Guardian league tables.
University overview
Lancaster is another collegiate university. Based in a purpose-built campus a couple of miles outside the small city of Lancaster, north-west England, it was founded in the 1960s.
Course overview
Lancaster’s BSc in Physics offers a flexible and engaging curriculum rooted in world-leading research areas such as astrophysics, quantum physics, and ultra-low temperature science. The course starts with a broad first year covering core physics topics, with the option to switch to other physics degrees before Year 2. In later years, students deepen their knowledge through specialised modules and hands-on project work, including opportunities to collaborate with industry. Alongside academic learning, students gain valuable transferable skills and benefit from a supportive, close-knit community and state-of-the-art facilities like IsoLab and the on-site observatory.
Entry requirements
A Levels: AAA
IB: 36 points (including 16 points at HL)
Admissions test: none
University of Birmingham
Taking fifth place in our list of the top universities for Physics in the UK is Birmingham.
University overview
The University of Birmingham is a redbrick university, founded in 1900 by the amalgamation of various existing medical schools and scientific colleges. It is located in Birmingham, the second largest city in the UK.
Course overview
Birmingham’s three-year BSc Physics degree offers a flexible, research-led curriculum taught by experts in fields such as particle physics, astrophysics, and condensed matter. Students progress from foundational modules in quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, and statistical physics in Year 1 to advanced study and lab projects in Years 2 and 3. The course includes opportunities to specialise, work in cutting-edge facilities like the university’s own particle accelerator, and engage in collaborative research projects. With a strong emphasis on practical work, coding, and transferable skills, graduates are well-prepared for scientific and technical careers or further study.
Entry requirements
A Level: A*AA or AAAA
IB: 32 points (including 766 at HL)
Admissions test: none
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How to Choose the Top University for Physics
Although for the purposes of this guide, we’ve relied on league tables produced by the CUG and Guardian, these sorts of rankings should only be the starting point in your own research. We don’t recommend that you simply select the top five as your UCAS choices.
What makes a course right for you might not make it right for the ‘average’ student. You should consider factors like the university’s location and facilities, the specific contents of the course, and much more before you decide to apply. All of these considerations will be unique to your particular interests, personality, and ambitions.
For the highest standard of expert, personal advice on your Physics application – from university selection to personal statements and admissions test prep – contact our experienced UK university admissions consultants.
FAQs
The University of Cambridge and University of Oxford are jointly ranked as the best universities for Physics in the UK, according to the Complete University Guide and The Guardian. Other top institutions include Durham, Lancaster, and Birmingham.
UK university league tables, such as those from the Complete University Guide and The Guardian, rank Physics departments using metrics like teaching quality, student satisfaction, staff-to-student ratios, and spending per student. Each ranking uses its own methodology, which is why universities may appear in different positions across tables.
Top universities typically ask for high grades. For example, Cambridge and Durham require A*A*A at A Level, while Lancaster requires AAA. IB requirements vary but often range from 36 to 42 points with strong Higher Level scores.
Yes. Some universities, like Cambridge, offer Physics through a broader Natural Sciences degree, while others provide more specialised Physics courses. Differences also exist in course structure, research focus, lab access, and flexibility to switch specialisms or add a year abroad.
Rankings are a good starting point, but you should also consider course content, teaching style, facilities, location, and opportunities for research or industry placements. Your unique interests, learning preferences, and long-term goals will play a key role in making the best choice.