Physics

We are one of the UK's top Physics departments and have a reputation for high-quality teaching driven by outstanding research.

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Students in a physics laboratory smile whilst working.

in the UK for Physics and Astronomy
The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

for student satisfaction in Physics and Astronomy
The Complete University Guide 2026

for satisfied with feedback in Physics
The Guardian University Guide 2026

for Physics
Complete University Guide 2026

in the UK for Physics
The Guardian University League Tables 2026

Take a 360 tour of the Physics Department

Embark on a virtual, 360-degree, Department tour and get a sneak peek of our dedicated labs and study areas!

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Physics courses at Lancaster

Research

Lancaster University's Physics Department is one of the top in the UK for research. REF2021 rated 98% of our research outputs as world-leading or internationally excellent, and 100% of our research environments as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Latest News and Events

DSAIL: Data Dialogues talks in June - Wednesdays in Sky Lounge at 12 o'clock

29 May 2026

Data Dialogues is an informal, discussion-driven event where members of the DSAIL and the broader university community share insights into their work, spark interdisciplinary conversations and explore potential collaborations. The focus is on interactive engagement rather than formal presentations—so no slides (or just a few, if needed)! Instead, the idea is to introduce your work in an accessible way, followed by an open discussion and Q&A with attendees.

ESA’s Smile satellite launched aboard a Vega-C rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana

Satellite to give global view on Earth’s ‘magnetic shield’ for the first time

19 May 2026

A new satellite has been launched today that promises to reveal the inner workings of the Earth’s ‘magnetic shield’ that protects us from our Sun’s radiation.

Lancaster Professor is new President of the Royal Astronomical Society

11 May 2026

Professor Jim Wild, a space physicist whose research focuses on the links between the Sun, Earth and other planets, has become the 106th President of the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS).

A montage of photos from Campus in the City

Lancaster scientists spark curiosity at annual Campus in the City festival

29 April 2026

Academics from across Lancaster’s Faculty of Science and Technology joined colleagues and the public at the annual Campus in the City event, bringing research to young minds in Morecambe.

Dr Ian Bailey and the Muon g-2 storage ring at Fermilab

Lancaster physicist shares in $3 million Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics

22 April 2026

Dr Ian Bailey from Lancaster University is among the winners of this year’s Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics, one of the world’s most prestigious scientific awards that celebrates new scientific discoveries.