Physics and Philosophy

Physics and Philosophy is a demanding and rewarding course, combining as it does the most rigorous and fundamental subjects in the arts and the sciences. It seeks understanding of the nature of reality and of our knowledge of it. Historically, there have been strong links between physics and philosophy, and the stimulus for each discipline lies in part in the other. The combination of the two provides a powerful background from which to proceed to graduate study in either, or to pursue other diverse careers.

Oxford has one of the largest physics departments in the UK, with an outstanding and broad research programme. The wide range of expertise available in the department ensures the undergraduate curriculum is updated in the light of developments at the research frontier.

The Philosophy Faculty is the largest in the UK, and one of the largest and most prestigious in the world. It admits around 500 undergraduates annually and the library and other facilities are acknowledged as among the best in the country. The large number of undergraduates and graduates reading Philosophy affords the opportunity to participate in a diverse and lively philosophical community.

The Oxford research group in Philosophy of Physics is extremely active, with interests in classical space-time theories, foundations of classical statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, quantum field theory, and quantum gravity. It is the largest of its kind in the UK and among the foremost in the world.

Physics and philosophy are studied in parallel during the first three years. The physics corresponds to the more theoretical side of the standard three-year Oxford Physics course while the philosophy focuses on modern philosophy and particularly on metaphysics and the theory of knowledge. Students who complete the first three years can, if they wish, leave with a BA degree. Students going on to the MPhysPhil in the fourth year may specialise in either Physics or Philosophy, or continue in their study of both disciplines and their interrelations.

The bridging subject, Philosophy of Physics, is studied in each of the first three years, and is an option in the fourth year. Specialist lectures are given in this subject together with tutorials and classes. Other final year options include a physics project or philosophy thesis.

Graduates in Physics and Philosophy offer an unusual and valuable combination of skills to employers in commerce and industry. Almost 40% go on to study for a higher degree. Some will enter science professions such as research and development or technical roles in industry. Many others enter professions unrelated to their subject. Recent graduates have entered sectors as diverse as law and finance, and include a technical policy adviser for a security agency, an auditor of central government departments, an  a solicitor.

Students interested in this course migh also like to consider Mathematics and Philosophy or Physics.