Physics with Philosophy
Physics and philosophy make for an intellectually compelling combination because they share a concern with the deepest questions about the nature of reality, even as they approach those questions through different means. Physics uses mathematics and experiment to understand the physical universe, from the subatomic to the cosmological, developing extraordinarily powerful and precise theories about how matter, energy, space, and time behave. Philosophy examines the conceptual foundations and implications of those theories, asking what they tell us about the nature of causation, determinism, the reality of space and time, the status of scientific knowledge, and the relationship between the physical world and human experience.
At Royal Holloway and Bedford New College, this three-year full-time programme develops your skills in both disciplines, combining rigorous scientific training with philosophical enquiry. You will study classical and quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and other core areas of physics alongside philosophical logic, epistemology, the philosophy of science, metaphysics, and ethics. The degree includes a sandwich year and a year abroad option, as well as work placement opportunities, giving you a broader range of formative experiences and enhancing your professional development alongside the academic programme.
Graduates of physics with philosophy develop an unusual combination of quantitative and analytical abilities, and this dual competence is valued across a wider range of careers than either discipline alone. Physicists with a philosophical background are well suited to roles in technology, finance, scientific communication, policy, and research. The philosophical training is particularly valuable in roles that require thinking clearly about complex systems, ethical questions in technology, or the interpretation of scientific evidence.
Postgraduate study in physics, the philosophy of science, science policy, or related fields is also a natural progression.