Physics is for everyone

‘My one piece of advice for younger girls: Don’t be afraid to do something different from everyone else around you. Physics is for everyone. If you’re creative and curious about the world, then you should study physics.’

Sarah Bradbury
Bachelor of Science (Physics), minors in Astrophysics and Mathematics

Solve the world's biggest challenges

'In physics, we need all different types of people. There’s this consensus that you need to be mathematically minded to do physics but that’s not true at all. We need creative thinkers, we need analytical thinkers, we need abstract thinkers… We need everybody to come together because it’s only when we all bring our different ideas and perspectives that we can solve the world's biggest challenges.’

Dr Sarah Walden
QUT physics and mathematics alumna

Contribute to research

'In my first semester in the Bachelor of Science, I completed the unit Quantitative Methods in Science. This gave me the skills to do real-world research and I co-authored a conference paper in robotics in the following semester. QUT has helped me develop my research toolbox and has supported me as early as possible to flourish in a number of research environments.'

James Beattie
Double degree graduate, majors in Applied and Computational Mathematics and Physics

Physics is at the heart of innovation

'Without physics, things like laptops, mobile phones, solar panels, space rockets, and fibre optics wouldn't exist. At QUT, studying physics will allow you to see the world from a different perspective, to have insight into how things work, and to be curious about making discoveries.'

Professor Jennifer MacLeod
QUT School of Chemistry and Physics
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Physics is for everyone

‘My one piece of advice for younger girls: Don’t be afraid to do something different from everyone else around you. Physics is for everyone. If you’re creative and curious about the world, then you should study physics.’

Sarah Bradbury
Bachelor of Science (Physics), minors in Astrophysics and Mathematics

Solve the world's biggest challenges

'In physics, we need all different types of people. There’s this consensus that you need to be mathematically minded to do physics but that’s not true at all. We need creative thinkers, we need analytical thinkers, we need abstract thinkers… We need everybody to come together because it’s only when we all bring our different ideas and perspectives that we can solve the world's biggest challenges.’

Dr Sarah Walden
QUT physics and mathematics alumna

Contribute to research

'In my first semester in the Bachelor of Science, I completed the unit Quantitative Methods in Science. This gave me the skills to do real-world research and I co-authored a conference paper in robotics in the following semester. QUT has helped me develop my research toolbox and has supported me as early as possible to flourish in a number of research environments.'

James Beattie
Double degree graduate, majors in Applied and Computational Mathematics and Physics

Physics is at the heart of innovation

'Without physics, things like laptops, mobile phones, solar panels, space rockets, and fibre optics wouldn't exist. At QUT, studying physics will allow you to see the world from a different perspective, to have insight into how things work, and to be curious about making discoveries.'

Professor Jennifer MacLeod
QUT School of Chemistry and Physics

Experience science in 360 degrees

When you study with us, you’ll be in the field or the lab from your first year. Explore our 360° environments and see what real-world science can mean for you.


360 degrees of QUT

Real graduate

'The interdisciplinary approach at QUT creates a diverse experience in which you learn to apply a thought process, not just knowledge of a specific subject. It helps me with new ways of solving problems as a technical assistant (drilling) in the coal seam gas industry.'

Andrew Knuckey

Real graduate

'QUT's physics degree is very hands-on. I learnt about astro and quantum physics, mechanics, thermodynamics and radiation. Now, as an accredited medical physicist, I provide advice and practical skills in the implementation of new treatment devices.'

Bess Sutherland

Highlights

  • Make a difference and help find solutions to current and future challenges facing our world.
  • Explore the broader principles of physics, mathematical methods and research.
  • Apply your theoretical knowledge in our laboratories.
  • Learn in our new multimillion dollar research and teaching facilities.
  • Apply for the Vacation Research Experience Scheme and work on a current research project.
  • Prepare yourself for a career in research and development in companies across the industries.
  • Graduates are eligible for membership in the Australian Institute of Physics.
  • Study our new Climate Science minor to develop an in-depth understanding of climate change, alternative energy technologies, Earth's natural global change, marine environments, cloud formation, and much more.

Highlights

  • Make a difference and help find solutions to current and future challenges facing our world.
  • Explore the broader principles of physics, mathematical methods and research.
  • Apply your theoretical knowledge in our laboratories.
  • Learn in our new multimillion dollar research and teaching facilities.
  • Apply for the Vacation Research Experience Scheme and work on a current research project.
  • Prepare yourself for a career in research and development in companies across the industries.
  • Graduates are eligible for membership in the Australian Institute of Physics.
  • Study our new Climate Science minor to develop an in-depth understanding of climate change, alternative energy technologies, Earth's natural global change, marine environments, cloud formation, and much more.

Why choose this course?

The course has a strong applied emphasis so you will spend a significant amount of time in the undergraduate teaching laboratories. In each unit the theory will be supported by experimental work and in your final year, you will undertake research and gain exposure to the research laboratories through the experimental physics unit.

You can also apply for the Vacation Research Experience Scheme to gain experience working on a research project. Many of the lecturers at QUT have worked in industry and QUT works closely with industry through consultancy and research projects, so you can be sure that the course will be up to date and relevant to the real world. 

Explore this course

What to expect

Physicists are involved in finding solutions to challenges facing our world, including developing instruments for environmental monitoring, computer models for climate change prediction, and developing solar and renewable energy systems. Physicists are also attempting to address the world’s ever-increasing appetite for information and information processing by undertaking research into quantum computers, nanotechnology, lasers and photonics.

Physics deals with the natural laws and processes, and the states and properties of matter, energy, space and time. Physics also underlies many of the recent advances in information technology, medicine and biotechnology. Areas of specialisation include mechanics, electromagnetism, lasers and optics, medical physics, computational physics, nuclear and radiation physics, astronomy and astrophysics, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics and relativity. 

Careers and outcomes

Careers and outcomes

Physicists are an asset to almost any industry. Employment areas of QUT physics graduates are very wide ranging. These include research and development departments of large manufacturing companies, mining and exploration companies, research institutions such as the CSIRO and the Defence Science and Technology Organisation, government bodies such as the Bureau of Meteorology, environmental protection agencies and health departments, schools, universities and hospitals.

Broad training in data analysis and problem-solving skills also makes physicists well suited to management and consulting roles in a range of technology-based industries. 

Careers and outcomes

Physicists are an asset to almost any industry. Employment areas of QUT physics graduates are very wide ranging. These include research and development departments of large manufacturing companies, mining and exploration companies, research institutions such as the CSIRO, and government bodies such as the Bureau of Meteorology, environmental protection agencies and health departments, schools, universities and hospitals.

Broad training in data analysis and problem-solving skills also makes physicists well suited to management and consulting roles in a range of technology-based industries. 

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Institute of Physics, dependent on choice of study options. 

 

Other study options

Possible careers

  • Astrophysicist
  • Banking and finance professional
  • Consultant
  • Entrepreneur
  • Geophysicist
  • Innovator
  • Laboratory assistant
  • Medical physicist
  • Medicine (after further study)
  • Meteorologist
  • Research assistant
  • Teacher

Details and units

To meet the course requirements of the Bachelor of Science, you must complete a total of 288 credit points, made up of:

  • Core units - 60 credit points
  • A Major – 120 credit points
  • QUT You - 24 credit points
  • Complementary studies - 84 credit points, made up of:
        - a second major (84 credit points), or
        - a minor (48 credit points) and elective units (36 credit points).

To meet the course requirements of the Bachelor of Science, you must complete a total of 288 credit points, made up of:

  • Core units - 60 credit points
  • A Major – 120 credit points
  • QUT You - 24 credit points
  • Complementary studies - 84 credit points, made up of:
        - a second major (84 credit points), or
        - a minor (48 credit points) and elective units (36 credit points).

Requirements

ATAR/selection rank threshold
70.00

These thresholds are the lowest adjusted scores to which QUT made an offer in Semester 1, 2025.

Don't have a ATAR/selection rank?

Find out other ways you can apply

Course code
ST01
QTAC code
418011
CRICOS code
077696D
Delivery
  • Gardens Point
Delivery
  • Gardens Point
Duration
3 years full-time
6 years part-time
Duration
3 years full-time
Entry
February and July
Entry
February and July
Deferment

You can defer your offer and postpone the start of your course for one year.

Assumed knowledge

Before you start this course, we assume you have sound knowledge of the subject/s listed below. If you don't have the subject knowledge, you can still apply for the course but we strongly encourage you to undertake bridging studies to gain the knowledge:

  • English, or Literature, or English and Literature Extension, or English as an Additional Language (Units 3 & 4, C)
  • Mathematical Methods, or Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C)

More about assumed knowledge

 

Year 12 early offer scheme

If you're a current Queensland Year 12 student, you may be eligible to receive an offer for this course on the last day of Queensland Year 12, before receiving your ATAR or selection rank.

Find out more about the QUT Year 12 Early Offer Scheme

Helping you to get into your course 

If you don't think your ATAR or selection rank is high enough to get into this course, you can guarantee your entry with guaranteed advanced standing by upgrading through one the following programs which you can select as one of your QTAC preferences:

Dual TAFE-Qld Brisbane/QUT award

If you enrol in a QTAC offer in the following dual TAFE-Qld Brisbane/QUT award you will automatically receive a QUT conditional offer in June after your enrolment at TAFE-Qld Brisbane is confirmed.

Upon completion of the TAFE-Qld diploma you will be able to enrol at QUT. You will also automatically receive half a year (48 credit points) credit transfer and be able to complete the degree in 2.5 years as a full-time student (or equivalent part-time). More details will be provided in your QUT conditional offer letter.

Offer guarantee

If you achieve an ATAR or selection rank of 70.00 or higher (including any adjustments) and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.

VET guarantee

If you have completed an AQF certificate IV, diploma or higher, and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.

Advanced standing

If you have prior studies or work experience, you may be eligible for advanced standing (credit). You can apply for advanced standing once you've been accepted to QUT. If you're in your first semester of study, you must apply for advanced standing within 10 days of receiving your offer.

More about advanced standing

Deferment

You can defer your offer and postpone the start of your course for one year.

More about deferring your offer

Adjustments to your ATAR/selection rank

Any adjustments you receive to your ATAR or selection rank will be applied to this course.

Find out if you’re eligible for an adjustment to your ATAR or selection rank

Offers we made to school leavers in Semester 1, 2024

The figures listed in the tables below reflect the offers that were made to recent ATAR students. The entry thresholds box at the top of this page shows the lowest adjusted ATAR/selection rank required to receive an offer for all applicants for the most recent January QTAC offer round.

Excluding adjustments Including adjustments
Highest ATAR/selection rank
to receive an offer
Selection rank 99.00
Selection rank 99.95
Median ATAR/selection rank
to receive an offer
Selection rank 78.80
Selection rank 81.90
Lowest ATAR/selection rank
to receive an offer
Selection rank 63.45
Selection rank 70.05

You can find out more about your fellow students’ backgrounds with this course’s student profile.

Other admission options

If you are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, you may be eligible for admission through our Centralised Assessment Selection Process (CASP).

I completed my studies outside of Australia

Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide to the grades you need to apply for this course.

If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.

Assumed knowledge
  • Mathematical Methods, or Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C)

I completed secondary school in Australia

Assumed knowledge
  • Mathematical Methods, or Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C)

More about assumed knowledge

ATAR/selection rank
70.00
Offer guarantee

If you completed secondary school in Australia and achieve an ATAR/selection rank of 70.00 or higher (including any adjustments) and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.

VET guarantee

If you have completed an AQF certificate IV, diploma or higher, and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.

Minimum English language requirements

Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide on meeting QUT’s English language requirements.

Your scores and prior qualifications in English-speaking countries are considered. Approved English-speaking countries are Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, United States of America and Wales.

If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.

We accept English language proficiency scores from the following tests undertaken in a secure test centre. Tests must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement.

English Test
IELTS Academic / One Skill Retake
Overall 6.5
Listening 6
Reading 6
Writing 6
Speaking 6
Cambridge English Score
You must share your results with QUT through the Candidate Results Online website.
Overall 176
Listening 169
Reading 169
Writing 169
Speaking 169
PTE Academic
Overall 58
Listening 50
Reading 50
Writing 50
Speaking 50
TOEFL iBT
Overall 79
Listening 16
Reading 16
Writing 21
Speaking 18
English Test Overall Listening Reading Writing Speaking
IELTS Academic / One Skill Retake 6.5 6 6 6 6
Cambridge English Score
You must share your results with QUT through the Candidate Results Online website. 		176 169 169 169 169
PTE Academic 58 50 50 50 50
TOEFL iBT 79 16 16 21 18

We offer English language programs to improve your English and help you gain entry to this course.

When you apply for this course, we will recommend which English course you should enrol in.

Applying for this course

Applicants with recent secondary education

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

Applicants with higher education study

Applicants with work and life experience

Find out more if you are an international applicant

Applying for this course

Applicants with recent secondary education

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

Applicants with higher education study

Applicants with work and life experience

Find out more if you are an international applicant

Fees

Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. We review fees annually, and they may be subject to increases.

2026 fees

2026: Fee available from October

2026 fees

2026: Fee available from July

2025 fees

2025: CSP $9,000 per year full-time (96 credit points)

2025 fees

2025: $44,600 per year full-time (96 credit points)

Student services and amenities fees

You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.

Find out more about undergraduate course fees

HECS-HELP: loans to help you pay for your course fees

You may not have to pay anything upfront if you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan.

Find out more about government loans

Scholarships

You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.

Browse all scholarships

QUT Excellence Scholarship (Academic)

QUT's premier offering for students with outstanding academic achievement.

Scholarship eligibility
Academic performance

Equity scholarships scheme

A scholarship for low-income students studying in any faculty.

Scholarship eligibility
Struggling financially

QUT Elite Sport Scholarship

QUT's premier offering for students with outstanding sporting achievement.

Scholarship eligibility
Sporting excellence
Applications
Open Sunday 28 July 2024
Close Monday 13 January 2025

International Merit Scholarship

A high achievement scholarship for future international undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Scholarship eligibility
Academic performance

Oodgeroo Noonuccal Undergraduate & Postgraduate Scholarship

The Oodgeroo Scholarship Program promotes the pursuit of Indigenous Australian studies by supporting the education of Indigenous Australians.

Scholarship eligibility
Indigenous Australian
Applications
Open Friday 24 January 2025
Close Friday 21 March 2025

QUT Budding Entrepreneur Scholarship

A scholarship for innovative individuals who are engaged in their passion for entrepreneurial action.

Scholarship eligibility
Applications
Open Sunday 28 July 2024
Close Friday 10 January 2025

QUT Rising Sports Scholarship (including esport)

Opportunities exist for aspiring esports players to be part of an Oceanic leading program that embraces skill-acquisition, culture and academics.

Scholarship eligibility
Sporting excellence
Applications
Open Sunday 28 July 2024
Close Monday 13 January 2025

QUT Real World International Scholarship

A scholarship to cover tuition fees, with eligibility based on your prior academic achievements.

Scholarship eligibility
Academic performance

You may also be eligible for

Centrelink payments

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Duration
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Duration
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Delivery
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ATAR/Selection rank

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Duration
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ATAR/Selection rank

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Duration
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ATAR/Selection rank

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