A*AA with Mathematics and Physics
The A-level requirement is A*AA to include Mathematics and Physics, with the A* in Mathematics, Physics or Further Mathematics. A Mathematics Mechanics module is highly recommended.
Undergraduate · Oxford Physics and Philosophy
Oxford Physics and Philosophy: the joint degree decision
Oxford's Physics and Philosophy degree takes the mathematical and physical demands of a physics course and pairs them with a philosophy of physics thread that runs through the first three years. It requires the ESAT, asks for no written work and does not require any prior study of philosophy. The decision is whether you want both subjects, and want them to talk to each other. Oxford's wording below describes 2027 entry; nothing here is a confirmed 2028 requirement.
Official information · last verified for 2027 entry
What Oxford asks for in Physics and Philosophy
Taken from Oxford's Physics and Philosophy course page and read on 31 October 2026. For a normal 2028-entry application, made in 2027, every requirement below is last verified for the previous cycle and may change; Oxford's 2028-entry requirements and dates are awaiting publication.
The IB: 39 points, 766 at Higher Level
The IB requirement is 39 points including core points with 766 at Higher Level. The 7 should be in either Physics or Mathematics.
The ESAT is compulsory
All applicants must take the Engineering and Science Admissions Test, and the modules Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2 and Physics.
No written work; no philosophy needed beforehand
You do not need to submit written work, and you are not disadvantaged if you have not studied Philosophy before. Shortlisted candidates are invited to at least one online interview.
A BA in three years or an MPhysPhil in four
The decision to continue to the fourth year does not have to be made until the third year.
Official sources
Read on 31 October 2026 on Oxford's Physics and Philosophy course page, which describes 2027 entry. The UCAS deadline, ESAT sittings and booking windows, interview dates, admissions statistics, fees and the two departments' own selection criteria pages were not read and are not stated.
The course
Physics throughout, with philosophy of physics woven in
Oxford describes the course as combining some of the most rigorous and fundamental subjects in the sciences and the humanities. Each year pairs physics with philosophy. In the first year, physics includes classical mechanics and special relativity, mathematical methods and differential equations and waves, alongside general philosophy, an introductory philosophy of physics and philosophical topics in logic and probability. The second year adds thermal physics, electromagnetism, quantum physics and practicals, with philosophy of science and of special relativity. In the third year, students choose from physics topics such as symmetry and relativity and general relativity and take compulsory philosophy topics including philosophy of quantum mechanics. Oxford says its philosophy of physics research group is the largest in the world.
Choosing between courses
Joint degree, or Physics or another philosophy degree?
The joint degree is for someone who wants the physics at full strength and the philosophy as a real second discipline. The nearby alternatives are separate Oxford courses with their own rules.
Choose Physics and Philosophy if
you are as interested in what physical theories mean, and how they are justified, as in how to apply them, and you are willing to spend part of every year on philosophy.
Choose Physics alone if
your interest is in the physics itself and the philosophical half would be a distraction. The single-subject degree has its own page and its own rules, which this guide does not cover.
Look at Mathematics and Philosophy or PPE if
your strength is pure mathematics or your interest is in politics and economics. Each is a separate course with its own guide in this series.
Reading the offer
Mathematics and Physics are both required
The offer is demanding in subject terms. A levels need A*AA to include Mathematics and Physics, and the A* must be in Mathematics, Physics or Further Mathematics. The IB needs 39 points with 766 at Higher Level and the 7 in Physics or Mathematics. Oxford highly recommends a Mathematics Mechanics module and says Further Mathematics can help but is not required. A candidate whose school offers only one of Physics and Mathematics at the right level should check this early.
The test and the interview
The ESAT, then questions in both subjects
Every applicant takes the Engineering and Science Admissions Test, and Oxford says all applicants must take the Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2 and Physics modules. There is no written work, and no prior study of philosophy is needed: anyone interested in the nature of science, mathematics, mind, knowledge or truth has an interest in philosophy, Oxford says. In the interviews, Philosophy tutors look for a critical and analytical approach to abstract questions and an ability to defend a point of view by reasoned argument. The Physics tutors ask the same style of questions about mathematics and physics as they ask Physics applicants, to judge mathematical and problem-solving ability and potential. Test dates are cycle-specific and are not stated here.
A decision framework
Three questions before you commit
This is Avandy's own framework, not Oxford's.
Do you ask what a theory means as well as what it predicts?
If the question of what quantum mechanics says about reality draws you, the philosophy half will feel like part of the physics.
Can you defend a point of view by argument?
Choose a claim in physics or philosophy, state it and give your best argument for it, then your strongest objection.
Is the mathematics and physics strong enough for the ESAT?
The test is the same obstacle for everyone. Prepare for the three modules before you spend time on philosophical reading.
Planning for 2028 entry
Planning for 2028 entry: what carries over and what is awaiting publication
Applying for 2028 entry means applying in 2027, under rules Oxford has not yet published for that cycle. Each item below carries one of two labels. Last verified for 2027 entry means Oxford published it for the previous cycle and it may change. Awaiting publication for 2028 entry means Oxford has not yet published it.
Grades, the Mathematics and Physics rule, the compulsory ESAT modules and the absence of written work: last verified for 2027 entry
These are the best guide to what to prepare. Oxford has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
Application deadline, ESAT sittings and booking windows, interview dates and any change to selection arrangements: awaiting publication for 2028 entry
Check Oxford's Physics and Philosophy course page for the 2028-entry values when they appear.
What to do now
Secure Mathematics and Physics for the whole of sixth form, consider a Mechanics module, and begin ESAT practice alongside some reading in philosophy of science.
Support
Independent support with course choice and preparation
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with the University of Oxford or any of its colleges or departments. Preparation sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the actual requirements of each course. ESAT preparation and interview practice help a candidate reason clearly under pressure; they do not supply answers or predict questions. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
What are the Oxford Physics and Philosophy entry requirements?
A*AA at A level to include Mathematics and Physics, with the A* in Mathematics, Physics or Further Mathematics, or 39 IB points including core points with 766 at Higher Level. This is Oxford's wording for 2027 entry.
Do I need to take the ESAT?
Yes. Oxford says all applicants must take the Engineering and Science Admissions Test and the Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2 and Physics modules.
Do I need to have studied Philosophy?
No. Oxford says you are not disadvantaged if you have not studied Philosophy before.
Is written work required?
No. Oxford's page says no written work is submitted. Shortlisted candidates are invited to at least one online interview.
Can I choose between three and four years?
There are two degrees, the three-year BA and the four-year MPhysPhil, and the decision to continue to the fourth year does not have to be made until the third year.
Are these the rules for 2028 entry?
No. They are Oxford's wording for the 2027 application cycle. Check the course page again when Oxford publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Talk to us about Oxford Physics and Philosophy
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their Mathematics and Physics and their interest in philosophy, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.