Our taught courses combine theoretical, practical and vocational aspects of physics to create a stimulating and personalised, student-centric experience. Whether at foundation, undergraduate or postgraduate level, our award-winning staff apply their cumulative research, industry and teaching experiences to explore an expansive range of topics - from the minuscule scales of quantum world, through atoms, nanophotonics, microfluidics, human imaging and space weather, to the immense scales of cosmology. This leads to the physics department performing consistently well in the National Student Survey and gives our graduates a strong footing in the postgraduate environment. Wherever possible, our courses are accredited by the Institute of Physics.
The physics department has a strong track record of gaining high-calibre research funding and delivering international impact in areas as diverse as acoustic monitoring of honeybees, art conservation and wastewater treatment. The multidisciplinary research strengths within the physics team have far-reaching applications in various academic disciplines such as agriculture, chemistry, cultural heritage sciences, electronics, medicine and clinical science, nanotechnology and life sciences, as well as industry. This is supported by our state-of-the-art facilities, international collaborations and funded research scholarships.
Physics courses
You’ll study your physics degree or masters at our Clifton Campus where you’ll have access to our custom-built observatory, recognised by the International Astronomical Union and new equipment such as spectrometers, ultrasound scanners and MRI.
Physics and Mathematics Scholarship group
This scholarship group is dedicated to developing and promoting high quality teaching and learning experiences for staff within our department.
Our research
Advanced Optical Techniques
Our work develops liquid crystal and electrowetting based display devices and includes design, fabrication and testing. Within optics we use optical interference techniques, fiber optic devices and multispectral cameras.
Exploring Skyscapes at Heritage Sites through AR
Exploring Skyscapes at Heritage Sites through AR
Soft Matter Physics
Soft matter describes materials which are easily deformable by applied stresses. A common theme is that systems possess particles that are too large for quantum effects to be important, but too small for gravity to dominate.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Relaxometry
The Magnetic Resonance Imaging and NMR relaxometry group studies a wide range of application of magnetic resonance including the use in sensors and imaging.
Imaging, Materials and Engineering Centre (IMEC)
To solve modern engineering problems requires an interdisciplinary approach. At IMEC this principle is embedded in the way we do research in the applied sciences and engineering, with our strengths in imaging, materials, and smart and medical technologies.
Imaging and Sensing for Archaeology, Art History and Conservation (ISAAC)
Find out how NTU develops a non-invasive imaging and spectroscopic techniques for art conservation, archaeology and art history.
Physical Sciences, Engineering and Computing Sciences (PSEC) Research Centre
The PSEC Research Centre is one of three multidisciplinary centres in the School of Science and Technology. We have attracted funding from several research councils, the EU and a range of charities and businesses.
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, 86% of NTU's research impact was assessed to be either world-leading or internationally excellent. The overall quality of each Unit of Assessment NTU submitted to REF in 2021 also saw an improvement from the previous REF in 2014.
Our facilities
Trent Astronomical Observatory
Find out about the equipment available and open events on offer at NTU's Trent Astronomical Observatory.
Imaging and Displays Research Facility
Find out about our Imaging and Displays Research Facility, the home of our world-class laser processing equipment and X-Ray security imaging.
Latest news
Nottinghamshire Festival of Science and Curiosity marks a decade of discovery
Fri 31 Jan 2025
Scientists unravel how ancient bacteria weave living mats – solving one of nature’s oldest mysteries
Wed 08 Jan 2025
Gentle tap to the hive can reveal health of honeybee colonies
Mon 04 Mar 2024
Scientists explain unique formation of ancient algae that evolved photosynthesis and oxygenated our planet
Fri 13 Oct 2023
Tiny honeybee parasite could be tripped up by its distinctive walk
Mon 10 Jul 2023
Scientists solve mystery of salt deserts’ unusual honeycomb patterns
Thu 23 Feb 2023
Our events
17
Jul
Senior Leader Apprenticeship (SLA) and Executive MBA Briefing
MS Teams Online Session, MS Teams Online Session,
24
Jul
Fast track your career at Nottingham Business School
04
Sep
Auditory Science Meeting 2025
Nottingham Trent University, Newton Building LT4, Nottingham, United Kingdom,
11
Sep
8th Annual Conference of the Partnership, LLP and LLC Law Forum
Room N31/N38, Newton Building, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham,
21
Sep
Crafting impactful narratives and outputs on climate and housing in Brazil
Services to business
The Physics team provide consultancy services through our Scientific Services to Industry (SS2i). Organisations and individuals can access technical expertise through our facilities, knowledge base and equipment.
Institute of Physics