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.
Our research
Optics and Displays
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
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
Physics Outreach Award
Thu 25 Aug 2022
NTU Physics - Easter field trip photography competition
Fri 17 Jun 2022
Top prize at the East Midlands Institute of Physics competition
Wed 06 Apr 2022
Expert blog: The Artemis 1 lunar mission aims to establish a human presence on the moon – here are five locations in our solar system humanity could venture to in the future
Wed 09 Feb 2022
Our events
04
Oct
Experience Psychology at NTU
04
Oct
Professor Karen Slade's Inaugural Lecture
Lecture Theatre 4, Newton building, Goldsmith Street, Nottingham, NG1 4BU
10
Oct
Professor Gavin Killip's Inaugural Lecture
Lecture Theatre 4, Newton building, Goldsmith Street, Nottingham, NG1 4BU
11
Oct
Experience Fashion at NTU
12
Oct
Business Leaders Lecture with Tim Moody
Lecture Theatre 5, Newton Building, Goldsmith Street, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 4BU
17
Oct
Experience Design and Digital Arts at NTU
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