Undergraduate · UCL Physics

UCL Physics: the broad physics degree on a demanding entry

UCL's Physics BSc asks for A*AA with A*A in Mathematics and Physics, or 39 IB points with sevens and sixes in the same two subjects, and is accredited by the Institute of Physics. It is the broad degree beside UCL's Astrophysics BSc, which has identical entry rules. Choosing between them, and between UCL and Imperial, is the real decision.

Official information · last verified for 2027 entry

What UCL asks for in Physics

Taken from UCL's Physics BSc course page (a saved copy that UCL labels as possibly not showing recent changes) 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; UCL's 2028-entry requirements and dates are awaiting publication.

UCAS F300, three years

UCL describes a three-year BSc that explores fundamental science and the technologies that affect everyday life.

A*AA with A*A in Mathematics and Physics

The A-level requirement is A*AA, with A*A in Mathematics and Physics in any order.

IB 39 with Mathematics and Physics at 7 and 6

A total of 19 points in three higher level subjects including grade 7 and grade 6 in Mathematics and Physics, with no higher level score below 5.

Institute of Physics accreditation

UCL says the course is accredited by the Institute of Physics.

The broad physics degree

UCL presents the BSc as covering fundamental science and the cutting edge of technology.

Official sources

Read on 31 October 2026 on UCL's Physics BSc course page (a saved copy that UCL labels as possibly not showing recent changes), which describes 2027 entry. UCL's department pages, the fees pages, the contextual-offer details and the 2028-entry values were not read, and the page lists no admissions test or interview so none is stated and are not stated.

The course

Fundamental science and the technologies it feeds

UCL says that as well as exploring fundamental science, the BSc goes to the cutting edge of technologies that affect everyday life, equipping students with the tools and imagination to address tomorrow's questions. The Institute of Physics accredits the course, giving graduates a route to professional membership.

Is it the right degree?

Physics against Astrophysics and Imperial

The entry rules match UCL's Astrophysics degree; the content differs.

Choose UCL Physics if

you want physics broadly and are not yet sure of your specialism.

Choose UCL Astrophysics if

astronomical observation is the aim. Avandy's UCL Astrophysics guide covers it.

Compare Imperial Physics if

you are weighing universities. Avandy's Imperial Physics guide records its own rules.

Entry rules

A*A in Mathematics and Physics, in either order

A-level applicants need A*AA with A*A in Mathematics and Physics, in any order, and at least two A-levels from UCL's list of preferred subjects. IB applicants need 39 points with 19 in three higher level subjects including a 7 and a 6 in Mathematics and Physics. UCL's page lists no admissions test or interview. This page states no scores.

A decision framework

Three questions before you commit

This is Avandy's own framework, not UCL's.

Are Mathematics and Physics your two strongest subjects?

A*A in them is required.

Do you want breadth or a specialism?

Physics keeps the whole field open; Astrophysics narrows to astronomy.

Which university's structure suits you?

Compare module lists, not just titles.

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 UCL has not yet published for that cycle. Each item below carries one of two labels. Last verified for 2027 entry means UCL published it for the previous cycle and it may change. Awaiting publication for 2028 entry means UCL has not yet published it.

Grades, the subject requirements and the preferred-subject guidance: last verified for 2027 entry

These are the best guide to what to prepare. UCL has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.

The UCAS deadline and the 2028-entry requirements: awaiting publication for 2028 entry

Check UCL's course page for the 2028-entry values when they appear.

What to do now

Confirm the required subjects, read the course structure and plan your preparation around it.

Support

Independent support with course choice and preparation

Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with University College London 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. Support here means course-fit advice, subject mentoring and ethical preparation; Avandy gives no scores or probabilities and does not write applications. No outcome is promised.

Questions

Questions applicants ask

What does UCL Physics BSc require?

A*AA at A level with A*A in Mathematics and Physics in any order, in UCL's wording for 2027 entry.

What is the IB requirement?

39 IB points with 19 in three higher level subjects including grade 7 and grade 6 in Mathematics and Physics.

Is the course accredited?

UCL says it is accredited by the Institute of Physics.

How does it differ from UCL Astrophysics?

Both pages show the same A-level and IB entry; Physics is the broader degree and Astrophysics applies it to astronomy.

Does Avandy state offer scores?

No. This page records UCL's wording for 2027 entry and states no scores or probabilities.

Are these the rules for 2028 entry?

No. They are UCL's wording for the 2027 application cycle. Check the course page again when UCL publishes its 2028-entry requirements.

Students and families

Talk to us about UCL Physics

Tell us about the student's curriculum, their Mathematics and Physics, how broad they want their physics to be and how UCL compares with Imperial, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.