Nayanika’s Top 5 Reasons to Study BSc Physics at UCL

Read about all the best bits of BSc Physics from UCL Physics & Astronomy Digital Student Ambassador Nayanika!

Let’s be real - Physics is awesome. It explains everything, from the tiniest particles to the vastness of black holes. If you’re someone who spends hours trying to understand the quantum world or marvel at the stunning images of nebulae, physics is right for you. And what better place to dive into the beautiful intricacies of the subject than UCL, where the Head of Department is a Lego fanatic (you read that right) and alumni include Sir Roger Penrose (winner of the 2020 Nobel prize in Physics for his work on singularities and Hawking radiation)?

Sounds cool right? Here are my top 5 reasons to study Physics at UCL:

 1. Mind-blowing lecture demos

The lectures at UCL are more than just sitting in big halls and listening to professors talking about a topic. Our professors make you see the Physics behind different phenomena, whether it be observing interference patterns in Optics or even experiencing the conservation of momentum, you’re sure to leave the lecture in complete awe.

(Photo at left: an axe used by Prof. Sergey Yurchenko to demonstrate rotational motion.)

2. Labs where you’re in charge

At UCL, labs are more than ticking boxes on a worksheet. You’re encouraged to think like a Physicist: ask questions, test hypotheses and learn how to use advanced equipment. Curious about thermodynamics? Measure the latent heat of liquid nitrogen. Wonder how physical constants were determined? Conduct an experiment to determine Planck’s constant. There’s freedom to experiment and explore your way.

(Photo at right: liquid nitrogen being poured into a dewar.)

 

3. Insightful Seminars

Every week, the Department of Physics and Astronomy hosts hour-long seminars for professors to present their research. My favourite one so far has been “Galaxy formation and evolution with 50 million spectra” given by Prof. Amelie Saintonge where she passionately spoke about her work which involves analysing observations from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI). With topics ranging from Condensed Matter Physics to environmental physics, these seminars are open to undergraduate students as well and are a great opportunity to explore niche areas and interact with professors in a more casual environment. Plus, there are free snacks! 

4. Get involved in research

UCL is home to world-class research facilities, where most faculty and students are involved in cutting-edge research. A few highlights from the past include imaging Sagittarius A* (black hole at the Milky Way’s centre), and UCL faculty being involved in the detection of the Higgs Boson at CERN. Guess what? Undergraduates too can get involved. Personally, I’m eyeing the summer placements offered by the UCL Quantum Science and Technology Institute, with loads of exciting research opportunities like trapped-atomic ion simulations.

5. Excellent reputation

Ranking 4th in the UK for Physics and Astronomy (2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject: Physics & Astronomy) and 9th in the world overall (2025 QS World University Rankings), a Physics degree from UCL is recognised and respected around the world. With the course involving modules that teach you how to work in a laboratory, coding for data analysis and strong academic support through weekly study clubs, I’m constantly learning and sharpening my practical skills, problem-solving and critical thinking. UCL Physics is preparing me to put my best foot forward into the real world.

Studying Physics at UCL means obtaining more than just a degree - it’s an adventure into the universe. So if you’re passionate about how things really work and want to study in an environment of curiosity and creativity, UCL is the place for you.

Author & Photo Credits: Nayanika Khanna