THE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
1. Programme title and designation
Physics
Single honours
Joint
Major/minor
X
2. Final award
Award
Title
MSci
MSci
Physics
Physics with
Year Abroad
3. Nested awards
Award
Title
BSc
(Hons)
Physics
4. Exit awards
Award
Title
BSc
(Hons)
Physics
Ordinary
Degree
(BSc)
Natural and
Mathematical
Sciences
(Physics)
Natural and
Mathematical
Sciences
(Physics)
UG
Diploma
Credit
Value
495
ECTS
equivalent
247.5
Any special criteria
Students should normally have passed
5CCP2255 before they enter the third year.
To progress to the final (fourth) year, thirdyear students be expected to achieve, a
standard equivalent to upper second class
honours in the undergraduate part of their
programme (years 1-3). Students achieving a
weighted average of at least 60%
automatically progress to the fourth year
while any students with an average in the 5560% range will be considered on a case by
case basis, taking into account all relevant
factors including especially their third year
performance.
In addition to the above, students should have
achieved a weighted average of 65% at the
end of the second year.
495
247.5
Credit
Value
360
ECTS
equivalent
180
Any special criteria
Credit
Value
360
ECTS
equivalent
180
Any special criteria
300
150
Students who commence this award but who
do not achieve the relevant learning outcomes
can be awarded a BSc as long as the relevant
number of credits and modules have been
achieved.
N/A
240
120
N/A
PAF initially approved: 26 June 2007
Students who commence this award but who
do not achieve the relevant learning outcomes
can be awarded a BSc as long as the relevant
number of credits and modules have been
achieved.
1
UG
Certificate
Natural and
120
60
Mathematical
Sciences
(Physics)
PG
Natural and
60 at
Certificate Mathematical
level 7
Sciences
(Physics)
5. Level in the qualifications framework
N/A
M
6. Attendance
Full-time
X
N/A
Distance
learning
N/A
Minimum length of programme
4 years
N/A
N/A
Maximum length of programme
10 years
N/A
N/A
Mode of attendance
7. Awarding institution/body
8. Teaching institution
9. Proposing department
10. Programme organiser and contact
details
11. UCAS code (if appropriate)
12. Relevant QAA subject benchmark/
professional and statutory body guidelines
13. Date of production of specification
14. Date of programme review
Part-time
King’s College London
King’s College London
Physics
Professor Samjid Mannan
Email: samjid.mannan@kcl.ac.uk
020 7848 1780
F303
Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics.
March 2004, updated August 2017
2015/16
16. Educational aims of the programme
 To educate graduates so that they have an understanding of most fundamental laws and principles
of physics, along with their application.
 To prepare students for a professional career either within or outside physics.
 To ensure that students can manage their own learning with the aid of suitable resources.
 To develop students’ ability to conduct experiments, analyse the results using various quantitative
methods and draw valid conclusions.
 To provide a supportive environment, encouraging students to be critically receptive to new ideas
and to attain their full academic potential.
 To prepare students for a research degree or research-based career in physics or a related discipline
 To develop students’ ability to plan and execute an experimental or theoretical investigation, using
ideas and techniques appropriate to research work in the relevant discipline, and including critical
and quantitative assessment of their own work and the work of others
 To offer students an opportunity to spend a year of study at an approved academic institution to
experience a foreign culture, socially and professional (for the year abroad pathway)
The College standard learning aims and outcomes apply to the Exit Awards for this programme.
PAF initially approved: 26 June 2007
2
17. Educational objectives of the programme/programme outcomes
The student should acquire:
 A sound knowledge and understanding in physics and related disciplines.
 Experience in the applications of physical principles in various branches of physics.
 The ability to analyse and solve problems in physics using a wide range of quantitative methods
and procedures.
 The ability to carry out experiments/investigations, critically analyse results, draw valid
conclusions and communicate findings orally and in writing.
 A wide range of transferable skills, including problem-solving, investigative, IT and personal
skills.
Knowledge and understanding
The programme provides a knowledge and
These are achieved through the following
understanding of the following:
teaching/learning methods and
strategies:
1. General and fundamental concepts,
Various teaching/learning methods and
principles, theories and results of physics.
strategies, including lectures, tutorials,
2. The use of mathematical principles and
projects and practical laboratory sessions.
procedures in exploring and describing the
physical world.
Assessment:
3. The applications of fundamental physical
Students are mainly assessed by means of
laws and principles within major areas of
formal examinations, as well as
physics
coursework, reports, class tests, poster and
4. Ethical issues in physics, and professional
oral presentations.
integrity.
Skills and other attributes
These are achieved through the following
Intellectual skills:
1. Analyse and solve a variety of problems in
teaching/learning methods and
physics by means of appropriate applications
strategies:
of physical principles and mathematical
techniques.
Intellectual skills are developed through
2. Formulate theoretical and practical problems
formal lectures, tutorials, practical sessions,
in physics.
directed self-learning, problem classes and
3. Analyse and compare experimental and
projects.
investigation results, test the strength and
validity of numerical results and hypotheses.
Assessment:
4. Illustrate a sound understanding of the role of
Students are mainly assessed by means of
mathematical modelling, uncertainty and
formal examinations, as well as
approximation in physics.
coursework, reports, class tests, poster and
5. Critically evaluate arguments, assumptions,
oral presentations.
abstract concepts and data.
6. Understand the principles and ethics of the
scientific method.
Practical skills:
1. Conduct experiments in physics safely, using
basic laboratory apparatus and techniques
effectively.
2. Produce clear and accurate scientific reports
and make technical presentations.
3. Make appropriate and effective use of
scientific literature, including research
articles.
PAF initially approved: 26 June 2007
These are achieved through the following
teaching/learning methods and
strategies:
Laboratory modules and projects, in which
there is informal and formal help and
feedback on reports and presentations.
Assessment of practical and scientific
reporting skills is through marking of lab
3
4. Use computational tools and packages
effectively in calculations and analysis.
books, experimental write-ups, project
reports and oral examinations.
Generic/transferable skills:
Key Skills:
1. Demonstrate effective problem-solving skills
in both theoretical and practical contexts.
2. Work independently and effectively,
managing self learning/teaching and show
self-reliance and personal responsibility.
3. Participate effectively and constructively as
part of a team.
4. Demonstrate clear and effective oral and
written communication skills.
5. Manage time, prioritise workloads and work
to deadlines.
6. Evaluate and assess their own abilities,
performance and understanding.
These are achieved through the following
teaching/learning methods and
strategies:
Transferable skills are developed through
various activities.
Although they are not all explicitly taught,
these skills are learnt throughout the
programmes in a structured manner. The
first skill is developed primarily through
lectures, tutorials, laboratory and project
modules. Other skills are encouraged
throughout the programmes, and are
nurtured particularly within the context of
small-group tutorials and project work.
18. Statement of how the programme has been informed by the relevant subject benchmark
statement(s)/professional and statutory body guidelines
The programme covers the content and transferable skills listed in the QAA benchmarks and in the
Institute of Physics criteria for accreditation.
19. Programme structure and award requirements
(a) numbers of compulsory and optional modules to be taken in each year of the programme
Year 1: 30 credits core, 90 credits compulsory
Year 2: 15 credits core, 75 credits compulsory, 30 credits optional
Year 3: 15 credits core, 60 credits compulsory, 30 credits optional (students on the Year Abroad
pathway will study spend year 3 at a partner institution)
Year 4: 45 credits core, 90 credits optional with at least 75 at level 7
In addition, optional modules with a credit value up to the maximum permitted by the regulations may
be taken during the degree programme, subject to the approval of the Programme Board.
(b) range of credit levels permitted within the programme
4, 5, 6 and 7
(c) maximum number of credits permitted at the lowest level
150
(d) minimum number of credits required at the highest level
90 with at least 75 credits at level 7
(e) progression and award requirements (if different from the standard)
To progress from Year 1 to Year 2 a student must have no mark lower than 33% in level 4 Physics
modules.
In addition, students should normally have passed 5CCP2255 before they enter the third year.
To progress to the final (fourth) year, third-year students be expected to achieve, a standard equivalent
to upper second class honours in the undergraduate part of their programme (years 1-3). Students
achieving a weighted average of at least 60% automatically progress to the fourth year while any
students with an average in the 55-60% range will be considered on a case by case basis, taking into
PAF initially approved: 26 June 2007
4
account all relevant factors including especially their third year performance. Students who are
studying abroad for their third year who do not meet the requirements for progression to the final
(fourth) year (but do pass the year abroad) are given the option of re-sitting their year abroad
examinations, repeating their third year at King’s or undertaking a 15 credit module equivalent to the
core project module over summer and exiting with a BSc Physics.
(f) maximum number of credits permitted with a condoned fail (core modules excluded)
45 credits, with a maximum of 30 credits at the top level.
Condoned fails are permitted, at the discretion of the Assessment Board, for marks in the range of 3339% for level 4, 1-39% for level 5 and 6 and 1-49% for level 7 for modules from the departments of
Mathematics, Informatics or Physics. For modules from other departments, the Assessment Board can
decide to condone a failed module for marks in the range of 33-39% for levels 4, 5 and 6, and 40-49%
for level 7.
(g) are students permitted to take a substitute module, as per regulation A3?
No
(h) other relevant information to explain the programme structure
Students may be permitted to take modules from other Departments within King’s or intercollegiate
modules with academic approval. Students may not obtain credit from modules based on largely
overlapping content.
Year Abroad Pathway
Students who wish to transfer to the MSci Physics with Year Abroad pathway and spend the 3rd ear
abroad must achieve a weighted average of 65% at the end of their second year, in addition to gaining
240 credits.
Transfers between programmes
Students who transfer between the programmes: BSc Physics, MSci Physics, BSc Physics with a Year
Abroad, BSc Physics with Medical Applications, , can change programme without penalty, since the
same modules are available. There may be some differences on the Cr/Cp /O designations for some
modules, with which the students will normally be expected to conform.
Transfers onto this programme
Students who transfer onto this programme from other Physics major/minor or Physics Joint honours
degree programmes are normally permitted to have
omitted:
4CCP1000: Laboratory Physics I
5CCP2000: Laboratory Physics II (if transferring after the second year)
Modules taken in their minor or joint subject can substitute for optional modules (and 4CCP1000, and
5CCP2000) in all years for these transfer students.
The modules 4CCM111a and 4CCM112a can substitute for 4CCP1351 and 4CCP1352.
The Mathematics modules 5CCM211a and 5CCM231a can substitute for 5CCP2255.
Students who commence this award but who do not achieve the relevant learning outcomes can be
awarded a BSc as long as the relevant number of credits and modules have been achieved.
PAF initially approved: 26 June 2007
5
Programme Structure
Title
Credit
level
Credit
value
Status (I, Cr, Cp, O) for
each type of programme
Single Joint Major/
minor
Progression
Single
YEAR ONE
4CCP1000 Laboratory Physics I
4
30
Cr
Y
4CCP1112 Physics Skills
4
15
Cp
N
4CCP1351 Mathematical Methods in Physics 1
4CCP1352 Classical Mechanics
4CCP1501 Fields & Waves
4CCP1502 Matter
4CCP1471 Thermal Physics
YEAR TWO
5CCP2000 Laboratory Physics II
4
4
4
4
4
15
15
15
15
15
Cp
Cp
Cp
Cp
Cp
N
N
N
N
N
5
15
Cr
Y
5CCP2241 Nuclear Physics
5CCP2242 Quantum Mechanics I
5CCP2255 Mathematical Methods in Physics (year 2)
5
5
5
15
15
30
Cp
Cp
Cp
N
N
N
5CCP2380 Electromagnetism
Students should take 30 credits from the optional modules below:
5CCP211C Introduction to Numerical Modelling
5
15
Cp
N
5
15
O
N
5CCP2621 Astrophysics
5CCP2332 Symmetry in Physics
5CCYB060 Introduction to Medical Physics
YEAR THREE
5
5
5
15
15
15
O
O
O
N
N
N
PAF initially approved: 26 June 2007
Joint
Assessment
Major/
minor
Laboratory reports &
Oral Presentation
Exam, coursework and
Podcast
Exam (January and
May) and coursework
Exam and coursework
Exam and coursework
Exam and coursework
Exam and coursework
Laboratory reports &
Oral Presentation
Exam
Exam
Exam (January and
May)
Exam
Coursework & Oral
Presentation
Exam
Exam
Exam and coursework
6
6CCP3212 Statistical Mechanics
6CCP3221 Quantum Mechanics II
6CCP3380 Optics
6CCP3402 Solid State Physics
Students must take a minimum of 15 credits from the modules below:
6CCP3131 3rd year Project in Physics
6
6
6
6
15
15
15
15
Cp
Cp
Cp
Cp
N
N
N
N
Exam
Exam
Exam
Exam
6
15
Cr / O
Y
6CCP3133 University Ambassadors' Scheme for Physics
6
15
Cr / O
N
Report & Oral
Presentations
Report & Oral
Presentations
Report & Oral
Presentations
6CCP3132 Third Year Literature Review
6
15
Cr / O
N
Students should take optional credit from the modules below to make
up 120 credits for the year:
6CCP3201 Mathematical Methods in Physics (year 3)
6
15
O
N
6CCP3241 Particle Physics
6
15
O
N
6CCP3250 Fundamentals of Biophysics and Nanotechnology
6
15
O
N
6CCP3630 General Relativity and Cosmology
6
15
O
N
6CCYB020 Introduction to Medical Imaging
6
15
O
N
6CCYB030 Modelling Flow & Transport
6
15
O
N
6SSG3028 Environmental Remote Sensing II**
6
15
O
N
7SSG5029 Environmental Remote Sensing**
7
20
O
N
For students on the Year Abroad pathway who do not meet the progression requirements for year four and wish to exit with a BSc Physics:
6CCP3134 Conversion Project MSci Year Abroad to BSc
6
15
O
YEAR FOUR
7CCP4000 Project in Physics
7
45
Cr
Y
7CCP4126 Advanced Photonics
7CCP4473 Theoretical Treatments of Nano-systems
7CCP4600 Astroparticle Cosmology
7CCPNE05 Modelling Quantum Many-body Systems
PAF initially approved: 26 June 2007
7
7
7
7
15
15
15
15
O
O
O
O
N
N
N
N
Exam
exam
Exam & Coursework
Exam
Exam
Exam & Coursework
Exam
Exam
Coursework
Reports & Oral
Presentation
Exam
Exam
Exam
Exam
7
7XA85475 Physics at the Nanoscale
7
15
O
N
7CCP4931 Advanced Condensed Matter
7CCP4933 Cellular Biophysics
7CCP4935 Dark Matter and Dark Energy
7
7
7
15
15
15
O
O
O
N
N
N
7XA84211 Statistical Mechanics
7XA14226 Advanced Quantum Theory
7XA44242 Relativistic Waves & Quantum Fields
7XA44261Electromagnetic Theory
7XA14C17 Galaxy and Cluster Dynamics
7XA14421 Atom and Photon Physics
7XA1G4277 Quantum Computation and Communication
7XA14431 Molecular Physics
7XA14442 Particle Physics
7XA14472 Order and Excitations in Condensed Matter
7XA9478A Superfluids, Condensates and Superconductors
7XA84512 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
7XA44600 Stellar Structure and Evolution
7XA44602 Relativity and Gravitation
7XA44603Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics
7XA14630 Planetary Atmospheres
7XA14640 Solar Physics
7XA44650 Solar System
7XA4S429 Astrophysical Plasmas
7XA4S430 The Galaxy
7XA14431 Molecular Biophysics
Quantum Electronics of Nanostructures
7CCMMS34 String Theory and Branes
7XA1PHA Advanced Topics in Statistical Mechanics
7CCMCS05 Mathematical Biology
7XA44690 Extrasolar Planets and Astrophysical Discs
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
PAF initially approved: 26 June 2007
Exam
Exam
Exam & Coursework
Exam
Exam
Exam
Exam
Exam
Exam
Exam
Exam
Exam
Exam
Exam
Exam
Exam
Exam
Exam
Exam
Exam
Exam
Exam
Exam
Exam
Exam
Exam
Exam
Exam
Exam
Exam
8
7CCMMS40 Supersymmetry
7
15
O
N
Exam
7CCP4501 Standard Model Physics and Beyond
7
15
O
N
Exam
7XA1G473 Electronic Structure Methods
7
15
O
N
Exam
7XA4006P Electromagnetic Radiation in Astrophysics
7
15
O
N
Exam
7XA1M366 Advanced Physical Cosmology
7
15
O
N
Exam
7XA4024P Functional Methods in Quantum Field Theory
7
15
O
N
Exam
7XA1M319 Galaxy Dynamics, Formation & Evolution
7
15
O
N
Exam
7XA9451B Statistical Data Analysis
7
15
O
N
Exam
7XA84450 Particle Accelerator Physics
7
15
O
N
Exam
7CCP4201 Maths Methods for Theoretical Physics
7
15
O
N
Exam
7XA4013P Phase Transitions
7
15
O
N
Exam
7CCP4933 Cellular Biophysics
7
15
O
N
Exam
7SSG5029 Environmental Remote Sensing
7
15
O
N
Exam
7XA4M108 Cosmology
7
15
O
N
Exam
7CCMCS06 Elements of Statistical Learning
7
15
O
N
Exam
7CCMCS02 Theory of Complex Networks
7
15
O
N
Exam
7CCMMS01 Lie Groups & Lie Algebras
7
15
O
N
Exam
7XA4SPA Advanced Topics in Classical Field Theory
7
15
O
N
Exam
O14C65 Space Plasma and Magnetospheric Physics
7
15
O
N
Exam
Language module (beginners or more advanced)
4,5,6
15
O
N
Various
Other modules approved by the Department
4,5,6
15
O
N
Various
In addition up to 30 credits at level 7 (Masters level) relevant to
7
15,30
O
N
Various
Physics from any MSc programme running in the University of
London or Imperial College with the approval of the programme
director *
*For this purpose, modules with 20 to 24 hours of teaching will normally carry 15 credits and modules with 40 to 48 hours of teaching will normally carry 30 credits. Modules
with 25 to 29 hours of teaching will be considered as the case arises.
** Any student who takes 6SSG3028 cannot take 7SSG5029
20. Marking criteria
The marking scheme for this programme follows the College generic criteria and additionally those in the Faculty of Natural & Mathematical Sciences.
PAF initially approved: 26 June 2007
9
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
1. Programme name MSci Physics
2. If the programme is a joint award with an institution outwith the University of London has
the necessary approval been sought from Academic Board?
Yes
No
Not applicable
X
Please attach a copy of the request to Academic Board
3. In cases of joint honours programmes please provide a rationale for the particular subject
combination, either educational or academic
Not applicable
4. If the programme involves time outside the College longer than a term, please indicate how
the time will be spent, the length of time out and whether it is a compulsory or optional part of
the programme
N/A
Year abroad
Year in employment
Placement
Other (please specify)
Time spent …………………………..
Compulsory/optional ……………………….
5. Please provide a rationale for any such time outside the College, other than that which is a
requirement of a professional or statutory body
The module teaching in the fourth year of the MSci degree is shared between King's, UCL, Royal
Holloway and Queen Mary Colleges in the University of London. This allows the students to choose
between a much wider range of optional modules than any one College could offer, and each module
is taught by a lecturer who is expert in the subject.
6. Please give details if the programme requires validation or accreditation by a professional or
statutory body
Accreditation is voluntary
Name and address of PSB
Institute of Physics
76 Portland Place
London W1B 1NT
Date validation/accreditation commenced: TBC
Date of last validation/accreditation: 2011
Frequency of validation/ accreditation: 5years. Date of next validation/ accreditation: 2016
PAF initially approved: 26 June 2007
10
7.
In cases where parts or all of the programme (other than those in box 4 above) are
delivered either away from one of the College campuses and/or by a body or bodies external to
the College please provide the following details
Name and address of the off-campus location and/or external body
Fourth year of the MSci:
University College (University of London)
Queen Mary College (University of London)
Royal Holloway College (University of London)
Percentage/amount of the programme delivered off-campus or by external body
Up to 16% (up to 75% of 4th year)
Nature of the involvement of external body
Students take optional 4th year modules in the other London Colleges named above
Description of the learning resources available at the off-campus location
Similar resources to those at King's. Agreements are in place for students to use library and computer
provision at UCL, and the other colleges, while studying for modules there.
What mechanisms will be put in place to ensure the ongoing monitoring of the delivery of the
programme, to include monitoring of learning resources off-site or by the external body?
The fourth-year programme is overseen by an intercollegiate MSci programme planning committee
with representatives from each of the participating colleges. All modules are delivered and examined
according to their home College Teaching Committee and Examination Board policies. An
intercollegiate examiner is present as an observer at the Examination Board meetings to ensure parity
between Colleges.
Please attach the report of the visit to the off-campus location
Not applicable.
Additionally, for Undergraduate Ambassador Scheme 6CCP3133:
Name and address of the off-campus location and/or external body
The Undergraduate Ambassador Scheme: London secondary schools
Percentage/amount of the programme delivered off-campus or by external body
Up to 2% (optional 3rd year 15 credit course)
Nature of the involvement of external body
Students spend a few hours per week in a Physics Department of a London secondary School,
supervised by the staff of that school, assisting in the teaching of Physics.
Description of the learning resources available at the off-campus location
Normal secondary school resources.
What mechanisms will be put in place to ensure the ongoing monitoring of the delivery of the
programme, to include monitoring of learning resources off-site or by the external body?
All schools are visited by KCL Physics Department staff, and an individual teacher is responsible for
the student in the school. A member of KCL staff monitors the students while they are in the
undergraduate ambassador scheme.
Please attach the report of the visit to the off-campus location
Not applicable
PAF initially approved: 26 June 2007
11