About Fdsc Physics in Nottingham Trent University

This foundation degree leads to a recognised qualification after two years. It gives a rigorous grounding in the fundamental aspects of physics and their application. It is a qualification in its own right, or can also be used as a route into some of our BSc courses. Topics include studying the ideas of motion and mathematical techniques, alongside developing practical skills in the laboratory.

If you achieve high grades in your first year, you can transfer to our Physics degrees – Year Two of our BSc (Hons) Physics or BSc (Hons) Physics with Nuclear Technology courses, which means you can gain a BSc (Hons) in three years. Alternatively, upon successfully completing your FdSc course, you can:

• study for one extra calendar year and be awarded our BSc (Hons) Technological Physics, which emphasises practical applications
• join Year Two of our BSc (Hons) Physics, BSc (Hons) Physics with Nuclear Technology or BSc (Hons) Physics with Astrophysics courses, meaning you can gain a BSc (Hons) in four years of study
• qualify with FdSc Physics and go on to secure positions such as laboratory technician, IT assistant or research assistant.

Why choose this course?

• You’ll benefit from excellent teaching. We were awarded the title of Guardian University of the Year 2019, the Guardian University Award in the Course and Curriculum Design category for our innovative teaching (the SCALE-UP project), we’ve been awarded a gold rating in the government’s Teaching Excellence Framework, we were awarded the title of Modern University of the Year in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018 and University of the Year in the Times Higher Education Awards 2017.
• You’ll join satisfied students. We get consistently high satisfaction scores in the National Student Survey. In the most recent survey (2020) the overall satisfaction with our Physics and Astronomy courses was 97%, putting us second in the UK.
• You’ll learn in inspiring environments. We have a custom-built, on-campus observatory recognised by the International Astronomical Union, a radio telescope, a CT scanner, new microscopes, MRI scanners, a scanning tunneling microscope and an ionising radiation laboratory. This ensures that you get the practical experience you need to pursue a successful career.
• You’ll study innovative accredited courses. Our pioneering courses and research are carried out in close collaboration with university and industry partners worldwide, giving our students skills and knowledge which are highly relevant to the needs of industry. Our undergraduate MSci and BSc physics courses are accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) which will help you to achieve Chartered Physicist status sooner.
• You’ll help to deliver research with impact. Our physics staff contribute to research activity in a number of areas including Superhydrophobic Surfaces, Medical Resonance Imaging, Art Conservation and Space Weather. Every year approximately ten of our students undertake paid summer placements in these research groups, giving them hands-on experience of cutting edge research groups. NTU has recently been awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for research – the highest national award achievable.
• You’ll have the opportunity to get experience. Our courses offer the opportunity to apply for a placement in the UK or abroad, giving you the real-life experience employers are looking for. Recent year-long placements have taken place at CERN, E.ON, The Netherlands Forensic Institute and Diamond Light Source. You can also apply for one of our summer research placements to gain hands-on research experience.
• You’ll become more employable. We’ve got an excellent employability record - 97% of NTU graduates are employed or engaged in further study six months after leaving.

Careers and employability

After successful completion of the FdSc, you can opt to join the second year of a BSc Physics degrees at NTU.

Alternatively, you could take our BSc Technological Physics (top-up) route, which offers you the opportunity to obtain an honours degree after just a further 12 months of study: this includes the summer of your honours degree year, which is when you carry out your project.

Your career development

This course prepares you for a wide range of career opportunities both inside and outside physics. It’ll help you to develop numerical, analytical and computational skills which are greatly respected by employers. You’ll also gain essential, transferable skills including report communication, team working and problem solving. Our graduates have gone on to work for companies and in roles such as:

• Aerothermal engineer – Rolls Royce
• Scientist training programme – NHS
• Wind analyst – Prevailing Ltd
• Technical writer – KA Testing Facility
• Medical dosimetrist – NHS
• Software test engineer – Nikon
• Software architect – MHR
• Technical Head of Digital Innovations - Uniper Technologies
• Car configuration engineer – Jaguar Land Rover
• Teacher/lecturer – School, college and university level
• Applications engineer – Romax Technology
• Technical safety manager - QinetiQ
• Graduate physicist – Ultra Electronics Nuclear Control Systems
• Public engagement of science officer – Science and Technology Facilities Council
• Graduate quantity surveyor – Balfour Beatty
• Project manager – Caterpillar Inc.

Many graduates also choose to undertake further study on one of our Masters-level courses or MPhil and PhD research degrees in areas including Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Quantum Computing and Detector Research.

Excellent Placement Opportunities

You can apply for a  paid placement in our research groups and in local secondary schools.  Once you’ve successfully completed your placement, you’ll receive an award of a Certificate in Professional Practice, a great addition to your CV.

Entry requirements

Higher Secondary Certificate (XIIth)

Grade average of 65% made from four relevant subjects (native language excluded)

English language requirements

IELTS : 6.5

• With a minimum of 5.5 in each component

PTE : 62

• With no less than 51 in any component

Nottingham Trent University Highlights

Nottingham Trent University Average Tuition Fees And Other Expenses

The cost of attendance is governed by factors like the tuition fee and the cost of living.

Nottingham Trent University Admission Procedure 

• Application: The UG applications are accepted through ‘Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)’ and PG applications through the ‘NTU applicant portal’.
• Application fee: One needs to pay £13 for 1 UG course and £24 for multiple UG courses.
• Application deadlines: For UG students the last date to apply is June 30, 2019. The PG programs don’t have any official deadline, however, it is better to apply one month prior to course start date.
• General requirements: Completed application form, academic transcripts, and English proficiency tests.
• Additional requirements: Birth certificate, passport copy, LOR.

English Proficiency Test: Majority of the courses require IELTS score ranging between 6.0 and 6.0 for entry. However, other equivalent English test scores are also acceptable.