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University of Southern Queensland (USQ)

  • 12% international / 88% domestic

Bachelor of Science (Physics)

  • Bachelor

Are you curious about how the world operates and behaviours of the universe? Physics reveals the natural laws at work around you and across the cosmos and teaches us the fundamental principles underpinning modern science.

Key details

Degree Type
Bachelor
Study Mode
Online
Intake Months
Feb, Jul, Nov
Domestic Fees
$8,296 per year
ATAR
65.6

About this course

Overview
  • Are you curious about how the world operates and behaviours of the universe? Physics reveals the natural laws at work around you and across the cosmos and teaches us the fundamental principles underpinning modern science.
  • Graduate ready to work at the forefront of science and technology with broad and transferrable numerical, critical analysis and problem-solving skills.
  • You will explore optics, photonics, modern physics, and quantum mechanics, and learn to use the tools (including mathematics), methodologies, language and conventions of physics to test and communicate ideas and explanations.
  • Study Physics with UniSQ and have access to data collected from our Mt Kent Observatory, near Toowoomba, solar UV monitoring equipment at the UniSQ Toowoomba campus, and a remotely accessible High-Performance Computing to support your research training.
  • Create your unique degree and learning journey by combining your Physics major with a second major (such as Mathematics & Statistics, Environment & Sustainability, IT, Astronomical and Space Sciences or Geospatial Science perhaps) or elective courses to suite your career goals.
  • You can study our physics courses online or on-campus, full-time or part-time, allowing you great flexibility to fit in your learning with work and family commitments.
Further study

After completing the Bachelor of Science, further study pathways could include the Bachelor of Science (Honours) or the Master of Science.

Thinking of studying in 2024? UniSQ will be delivering flexible new ways of teaching, with different calendar offerings, making the balance of study and life easier. Read more in our new academic calendar FAQs.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Find the entry requirements most relevant to you.

Recent secondary education
Adjusted
Entry score including adjustment factors (additional points given in certain circumstances).
Unadjusted
Entry score not including adjustment factors.
ATAR
The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a percentile rank used to assess the results of high-school applicants for undergraduate entry into university.
65.60
64.80
Pre-requisites
  • Subject pre-requisite: Mathematical Methods (Units 3 & 4, C), or equivalent.

To study this degree we assume you have sound knowledge in:

  • English (Units 3 & 4, C), or equivalent

We assume that your knowledge is equivalent to a grade C or higher in Units 3 and 4 at high school level (typically studied in Year 12). Find out more about assumed knowledge.

It is also recommended that you have previously studied a science subject, such as Biology, Chemistry or Physics or equivalent.

Special entry schemes for admissions may increase your Rank, through the allocation of additional points in certain circumstances, such as educational disadvantage where you live, and subjects you passed.

Tafe (VET) qualification

If you have completed a qualification from a TAFE or qualified private provider, you may be able to use these qualifications to meet UniSQ's entry requirements.

Work and life experience

You may be able to use your work experience and other adjustment factors to increase your selection rank and meet UniSQ's entry requirements.

English language requirements

You are required to satisfy the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires a minimum of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent. If you do not meet the English language requirements you may apply to study a University-approved English language program.

Recognition of prior learning or work experience

You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help to reduce the number of courses that you need to study to finish your program.

Pathways

If you don't meet the entry requirements, we have pathway options available to you.

If you identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent you may be eligible to enter the Indigenous Higher Education (IHEPP) program.

Study locations

External

Distance

Online

Career pathways

Career outcomes

As a graduate, you may find career opportunities as a:

  • scientist working for industry or government,
  • technician working in a laboratory or in the field,
  • teacher (in combination with appropriate education studies),
  • meteorologist (subject to appropriate government training),
  • researcher or academic (subject to appropriate postgraduate qualifications), or
  • self-employment providing scientific and/or technical services.

Apply your knowledge in a range of industries, such as computing and IT, health care and biomedical science, automotive and aerospace industries, defence, education, materials, transport, energy, space exploration, engineering, and the public sector.

Course structure

Degree structure

To complete this degree students must complete 24 units. Most courses (similar to 'subjects') are valued at 1 unit. To study full-time you would usually complete 4 units per semester.

Courses to be studied Units Core courses 4 Physics major courses 8 A second 8-unit major + 4 electives
or 2 x 4-unit minors + 4 electives
or 1 x 4-unit minor + 8 electives
or 12 electives 12 Total 24

Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for courses to be studied and recommended enrolment patterns.

Residential schools

If you are enrolled in the External study mode in this degree, you will have the opportunity to come on-campus for residential schools, where you will attend face-to-face lectures and tutorials, use the facilities and meet staff and other students.

Double degrees

You may like to study the (insert degree) as part of a double degree to give you the flexibility tailor your degree to your ambition.

How to apply

How to apply
Apply via QTAC

Apply via QTAC (Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre) if you:

  • have never studied with UniSQ before, or
  • are a Year 12 student, or
  • want to transfer to UniSQ from another university.
Mode QTAC Codes
External 906185
Ipswich 936121
Online 906195
Toowoomba 906161

Copy your QTAC code and continue through to the QTAC website to complete your application.

Apply through QTAC

If you are applying via QTAC, please check the QTAC closing dates.

Apply directly to UniSQ

You may be able to apply directly to UniSQ if you:

  • are a current or previous UniSQ student returning to study with complete or incomplete qualifications (excluding Head Start students), or
  • have recently graduated from TAFE.

The closing dates for applying directly to UniSQ are:

  • Semester 1, 2023 - applications close on 20 February and the Semester 1 study period commences on Monday 20 February, 2023.
  • Semester 2, 2023 - applications close on 10 July and the Semester 2 study period commences on Monday 10 July, 2023.
  • Semester 3, 2023 - applications close on 13 November and Semester 3 study period commences on Monday 13 November, 2023.

Select to start your degree in one of the following intakes:

  • Trimester 1, 2024 - applications close 22 January 2024 and the Trimester 1 study period starts on 22 January 2024.
  • Trimester 2, 2024 - applications close 13 May 2024 and the Trimester 2 study period starts on 13 May 2024.
  • Trimester 3, 2024 - applications close 2 September 2024 and the Trimester 3 study period starts on 2 September 2024.

More information on applying key dates is available.

Further information

Discover further information on applying to study at UniSQ that is relevant to you.

Graduate outcomes

Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Science & Mathematics courses at University of Southern Queensland (USQ).
81.3%
Overall satisfaction
82.3%
Skill scale
67%
Teaching scale
67.7%
Employed full-time
$65.9k
Average salary