Physics and Philosophy

This challenging course seeks to explore the basic underlying premises which direct the study of Physics and Science in general. You will study Physics and Philosophy in parallel with an option in later years to study the Philosophy of Physics.

The College and its Tutors offer a friendly and supportive environment to its undergraduates in this subject. The college is just across the University Park from the Physics Lecture facilities and the Philosophy Faculty (located in Radcliffe Humanities) is just 11 minutes from the College by foot. The college location is ideal for students who wish to be close to Oxford proper, but would prefer less of the city noise and interruptions during their studies. Physics and Philosophy is a challenging and fascinating subject and will appeal to ambitious students with a desire to understand the philosophical underpinnings of science itself.

A*AA - this should either be A*A in Physics and Mathematics (with the A* in either Physics or Mathematics) plus any other A; or A* in Further Mathematics with AA in Mathematics and Physics More information on other requirements, how to apply, and a typical week can be found here and here. Visit the website of the Department of Physics and the Department of Philosophy.

Former LMH students have gone on to graduate positions and earned doctorates in fields within physics such as plasma physics, particle physics, and climate science. The field of physics within the medical sciences has been growing and LMH graduates have taken positions here as well. Many others have taken roles in the investment banking sector in London and throughout the world.  Physics teachers at the secondary school level both in the public and private sector are in high demand and LMH graduates are teachers as well as taking up law.  Engineering companies and defence companies are almost always on the look-out for physicists and LMH graduates have taken roles in these areas. The analytic, communication, and reasoning skills the study of philosophy imparts are highly valued by a wide range of employers in the public and private sector. Philosophy graduates often go on to have careers in law, management consultancy, banking and finance, the civil service faststream, teaching, and research, among many other professions.  

Physics

I decided to read Physics and Philosophy because both of these subjects, more than any other, directly seek to observe and explain the nature of the reality that we experience. Arriving at LMH, I was delighted to discover a cadre of distinguished professors who, whilst soaring in lofty intellectual realms of their own, have not lost the common touch, and were able to accompany their students in their individual quest for excellence. 

I particularly enjoyed Oxford’s unique blend of past and present: sitting in the library at the same desk that might once have been occupied by Benazir Bhutto, one feels part of LMH’s rich history; while, contemplating innovative interpretations of quantum mechanics, one feels part of a living, learning body of physicists at the cutting edge of scientific thought. 

Despite the myths, however, there is more to life at Oxford than work. I played in the University Wind Orchestra, participated actively in the Baha’i and Law Societies, and attended talks by Nobel Prize winning academics. No greater retreat have I discovered, though, than roaming the pastures green of LMH.

Olinga Tahzib