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  • Physics
    MJRH-ADPHY

    Physics (Advanced)

    Undergraduate major

    Experience a flexible and deeper approach to studying physics with a focus on research, leadership and entrepreneurship.

    Course outline
    • Qualification
      Physics Major (BAdvSci) (Honours)
    • Credit

      Credit

      800
    Course outline

    You can study this course as part of the following degree

    Visit the degree page for information on admission criteria, course fees and study locations.

    Course outline
    Physics (Advanced)

    Overview

    Overview

    Those who study physics are fascinated by fundamental questions about the origin, nature and function of our Universe. Physics seeks to explain relationships involving the smallest and the largest structures, utilising the four known forces: strong, weak, electromagnetic and gravitational.

    This is a Bachelor of Advanced Science honours course, designed for high-performing students to deepen their expertise in physics with research, leadership and entrepreneurship skills.

    In this course, you can gain considerable expertise conducting physics experiments and solving real-world problems with mathematical and computational skills that have application in a diverse range of careers and innovative projects. In fact, the advanced level mathematics and computer science in this course aligns it with high-profile international projects such as the Square Kilometre Array.

    The course offers a flexible approach that enables you to undertake for-credit immersive research experiences, industry placement and/or interdisciplinary team-based projects. It provides opportunities for you to source internships that can be used for course credit.

    Your final-year capstone experience offers you the opportunity to pursue physics projects that may be based anywhere from pure research right through to translational (entrepreneurial) science.

    How this course will make you industry ready

    Through embedded research and industry engagement, you'll have the opportunity to investigate multiple areas of specialisation and tailor a final-year experience that prepares you for the career of your choice.

    What jobs can the Physics (Advanced) course lead to?

    Careers

    • Computational physicist
    • Astrophysicist
    • Medical physicist
    • Environmental physicist
    • Finance analyst
    • Materials analyst
    • Meteorologist
    • Satellite remote-sensing scientist
    • Data analyst
    • Financial analyst

    Industries

    • Astronomy
    • Space science
    • Satellite technology
    • Defence
    • Minerals and energy
    • Software development
    • Manufacturing

    What you'll learn

    • demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the nature of science, its methods and processes, and an advanced ability to apply physics knowledge and understanding to solve physics problems and recognise the limitations of physics theories and the problem solving capability of physics
    • analyse challenging and multi-faceted problems and generate testable theories to examine them; generate innovative solutions to problems by designing and carrying out physics experiments, integrating new and established knowledge
    • access and make judgements on the value of a wide variety of existing information in the physical sciences; compare, contrast and develop new interpretations using physical science results and information from a wide variety of sources on the basis of reliability, accuracy and precision
    • communicate approaches, ideas, findings and solutions to problems concisely and coherently in a variety of modes to informed professional audiences
    • design/build/use appropriate experimental apparatus or algorithms to solve problems; apply appropriate technologies to solving problems while evaluating their limitations and advantages
    • understand that physics is a dynamic field of study; demonstrate initiative and intellectual independence by taking advantage of opportunities for continuing education
    • consider problems in the physical sciences from a global perspective and recognise the inherent universal nature of the physical sciences
    • work collaboratively and respectfully with colleagues from a range of cultural backgrounds and recognising that nature-physics and its language are a-cultural
    • collaborate effectively as a leader of research or as part of a research team while applying an ethical approach to analysis of scientific data and information

    Professional recognition and accreditation

    This course is accredited by the Australian Institute of Physics (AIP) and graduates are eligible for AIP professional membership. The course is also endorsed by the Naval Shipbuilding College.

    Admission criteria

    What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

    Select an option that best suits you:

    You’re considered a high school leaver if you:

    • Completed year 12 in Australia or overseas in the past two years, or
    • Completed TAFE or VET studies in the past two years.

    ATAR pathway

    • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

      Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

      There are no essential WACE subjects for this course.

    • Desirable WACE subjects

      Desirable WACE subjects

      There are no desirable WACE subjects for this course.

    Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

    StepUp Entry

    StepUp Entry

    Successful StepUp Entry and StepUp Equity Adjustment Admission Pathway (StepUp Bonus) applicants will be eligible to be considered for admission into this course.

    Alternative pathways

    English requirements

    Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

    You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

    IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

    Writing

    7

    Speaking

    7

    Reading

    7

    Listening

    7

    Overall band score

    7

    Find your pathway to Curtin

    Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

    Pathway finder tool

    How others gained admission

    View the ATAR breakdown to see the low, median and high ATAR scores of students who started studying this course recently.

    To see the other pathways students have taken, see the pathway breakdown.

    Application Requirements

    You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:

    Applicants with higher education are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree. This may include applicants who are currently studying a higher education course at another education provider and want to transfer to Curtin University, or applicants who are currently studying at Curtin but want to switch to a different course. It may also include applicants who have completed past study with university and non-university higher education providers.

    Curtin course switcher criteria

    To switch into this course, you need to have:

    • attained an ATAR of 95; or
    • completed 200 credits over one year, with a course weighted average (CWA) of 80% or higher; and
    • met the prerequisites.

    The Maths Specialist prerequisite can be met with:

    • Maths Specialist ATAR or equivalent; or
    • MATH1015 Linear Algebra 1 and MATH1016 Calculus 1.

    The Physics prerequisite can be met with:

    • Physics ATAR or equivalent; or
    • PHYS1006 Foundations of Physics.

    English requirements

    Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

    You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

    IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

    Writing

    7

    Speaking

    7

    Reading

    7

    Listening

    7

    Overall band score

    7

    Find your pathway to Curtin

    Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

    Pathway finder tool

    Application Requirements

    Unsure what option suits you?

    We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of university admission. Choose the support you need from the options below.

    Find your pathway to Curtin

    Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

    Pathway finder tool

    Application Requirements

    Other requirements and notes for this course


    Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

    Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

    Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

    Fees and scholarships

    Please view the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) degree for indicative fees.

    Looking for more detail on the course structure?

    View course structure

    How to apply

    Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

    Apply now
    • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

      The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

      While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

      View courses information disclaimer.

    • Curtin course code: MJRH-ADPHY
    • Last updated on: 12 March 2026

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