PHYSICS
Physics asks the pratical questions about our reality - how did our universe come into existence and how does it work? A physics degree will look at the fundamental laws that govern our universe as well as looking into emerging fields in quantum physics and mechanics. University courses will vary widely in topics available to study so make sure you delve into their topic list before narrowing down to 5 choices.
SOME INFORMATION:
Books
- The Fabric of the Cosmos
- A Brief History of Time
- The Emperor’s New Mind
- Storm in a Teacup
- Surely You’re Joking Mr Feynman
- The Order of Time
- The Quantum Universe: Everything that can happen does happen
- In Search of Schroedinger’s Cat
- Classical Mechanics: The Theoretical Minimum
- Physics for Future Presidents
- Teleportation: The Impossible Leap
- The Elegant Universe
- Why Does E=MC2
- Anaximander
- The Universe
- Atlas of the Universe
- Astrophysics: A Very Short Introduction
- Chaos: A Very Short Introduction
- Infinity: A Very Short Introduction
- Quantum Theory: A Very Short Introduction
- Relativity: A Very Short Introduction
- Renewable Energy: A Very Short Introduction
Lectures and talks
Cardiff University – Series of Taster Lectures in Physics and Astrophysics
University of Kent – Taster Lecture: The Resonance Phenomenon
University of Glasgow – Taster Lecture Series: Gravitational Wave Detection
Brian Cox Interview – Why Black Holes Could Hold the Secret to Time and Space
Cosmic Vision: Fast and Furious – Gresham College Lecture
The Royal Institution – Physics Experiments That Changed The World with Suzie Sheehy
Podcasts
Websites
Competitions
Every year, we invite students across the UK to tackle one of our academics’ ‘big’ questions. These are designed to challenge you beyond the school curriculum and get you thinking ‘big’ about your subject and what it might be like to study it at university. Simply record a video of 5 minutes or less presenting your arguments, research, evidence and opinions.
To enter you must: live in the UK, attend a state school, be in Year 11, 12, or 13. Winners will be invited to visit Oxford where they will have the opportunity to discuss their entries with subject tutors, take a tour of the college, and enjoy lunch in the dining hall.
First Prize: £100 – Second Prize: £50 – Subject Awards: £35
How to enter:
Send us a video of no more than 5 minutes in length.
There’s no need for any fancy equipment, you can film on your phone if you like – we will be judging entries based on your engagement with the question.
Your video doesn’t have to include your face – feel free to get creative! You could narrate a PowerPoint, record yourself drawing or even apply your TikTok-making skills…
Submit your video as an unlisted YouTube video or via WeTransfer.
This was the question for 2025 – entries are now closed but visit the website to get updates for the next competition!
The Minds Underground™ STEM Essay Competition is aimed at students in Year 12 (though we welcome younger applicants). We have split the Sciences into numerous scientific fields and will select a winner from each: Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Computer Science. The competition provides students with an opportunity to attempt university-level research, hone their scientific writing & argumentative skills and prepare for university interviews. Entrants must choose 1 question to answer from their category.
The 2025 Minds Underground Essay Competition results are now live — view the full results on our Results Page. 2026 questions will be released in November 2025.
2025 Physics Essay Questions:
Is a theory of everything possible in physics?
Hint: Explore the challenges of unifying quantum mechanics and general relativity, and the implications for our understanding of the universe.
What are the next frontiers in space exploration, and how might they change our understanding of physics?
Hint: Discuss the roles of dark matter, gravitational waves, and exoplanet research.