Bachelor in Physics
- About the programme
- Programme structure
- Entry requirements
- Tuition fees & scholarships
- Career prospects
• Programme duration : | 3 years |
• Delivery language : | English |
• Degree awarded : | Bachelor in Physics, awarded from Sorbonne University in Paris |
• Certificate awarded : | Specialization in Quantum Technologies, awarded from Sorbonne University in Paris “NEW” |
• Accreditation : | The curriculum follows the European ECTS system and the degree is awarded by Sorbonne University in Paris. This programme is accredited by the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation. |
• Deadline to apply : | 22 August 2025 |
The Bachelor in Physics is a degree awarded by Sorbonne University in Paris and delivered by world-class academics in Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. A specialization certificate in Quantum Technologies will also be awarded to students by Sorbonne University in Paris upon programme completion.
It is a three-year international undergraduate programme taught in English. Its goal is to provide a robust background in Physics, with emphasis in the expertise required in Quantum Technologies, preparing graduates for the ground-breaking and global challenges of these emerging fields.
Quantum Computers, Quantum Simulation, Quantum Information, and Quantum Sensing along with their associated protocols, are all based on an entirely novel hardware. These rapidly evolving technologies will shape the future of science, industry, and everyday life. Based on intrinsic properties of Quantum Mechanics, such as superposition, entanglement and unclonability, these systems are expected to address the most complex of problems which cannot be dealt with conventional computers. Quantum Simulation will pave the way to extremely efficient modeling of many-body problems faced in Science (quantum, atomic and molecular systems), Finance (banking and investment models), Medicine (drug design, development of medical instruments), Environment (climate change and weather forecast), and many other sectors. Furthermore, Quantum Information processes lead to profoundly fast processing, storage, and transmission of information while offering completely secure protocols due to Quantum Cryptography.
The ultimate goal of this programme is to provide its graduates with a thorough literacy in Physics and especially in Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Information. This expertise establishes an invaluable arsenal towards the deep understanding of the phenomena behind these emerging Quantum Technologies. The hands-on experience, independent projects, and a solid grasp of programming, prepare them to enter the workforce right after graduation, while also being equipped with a solid scientific background, allowing them to pursue graduate studies at prestigious universities worldwide.
Students will follow a programme carefully designed in close collaboration with the Sorbonne University Quantum Information Center (QICS) in Paris, which involves the study of a wide range of fundamental Physics, with special emphasis in Quantum Mechanics, Mathematics, Data Science and Computer Science courses. The programme further covers studies on Information Theory, and Quantum Information, molding our students into becoming future leaders in the various fields of Quantum Technologies.
Graduates of the Programme will earn a Bachelor degree in Physics from Sorbonne Université (France) as well as a Certificate in Quantum Technologies from the same institution.
Example of career paths followed by our graduates: Cybersecurity Engineer, Associate Software Engineer, Radiation Quality Assurance Technologist, Business Strategy and Development Executive, Data & Insights Manager, Financial Analyst, Data Analyst, Project Management Officer, Product Manager, Quality Assurance Officer, Assistant to an Ambassador, Associate Researcher, Research Assistant, Science Communicator, Event Management Officer, Advising and Resources Officer–SUAD, Public Relation Officer, Cognitive Trainer.
Graduates of the programme have the ideal background and skills to pursue master’s and PhD degrees at eminent educational institutions around the world (i.e., as per our graduates, Sorbonne Université, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, University College London, King’s College London, Texas A&M University, University of Amsterdam etc.) in fields related to Physics and its applications, like Engineering, Astrophysics, Material Science, Data Science, A.I., Medical Physics, Computer Science, Cybersecurity and Quantum Technologies, i.e Quantum Information, Quantum Computing, Quantum Simulation, Quantum Sensing and Quantum Cryptography.
The curriculum follows the European ECTS system.
First Year
- Mechanics-Physics I
- Geometric Optics
- Mechanics-Physics II
- Introduction to Electronics
- Mathematics I (univariate and multivariate differential calculus)
- Mathematics II (matrix theory and linear algebra)
- Computer Science (Python, LaTeX)
- Active Science
- Chemistry
- Introduction into the World of Work I
- Languages: French for non-francophone students or German, Arabic, Chinese or Italian for francophone students
Second Year
- Thermodynamics
- Modern Physics (basic features of quantum physics, wave mechanics, Schrodinger equation, applications)
- Experimental Physics I (Analog/Digital Electronics and Programming)
- Waves
- Electromagnetism
- Special Relativity and Advanced Mechanics
- Numerical Physics
- Experimental Physics II (interpretation of datasets from experimental designs or/and numerical simulations, Monte-Carlo methods)
- Mathematics for Physics I (higher dimensional calculus)
- Mathematics for Physics II (probability, statistics and information theory)
- Mathematics for Physics III (Cauchy problems for ordinary differential equations and systems of linear ordinary differential equations)
- Languages: French for non-francophone students or German, Arabic, Chinese or Italian for francophone students
Third Year
- Quantum Physics I (postulates of Quantum Physics, Dirac notation, two-level systems and their application to quantum information)
- Optics and Electromagnetism
- Experimental Physics III (diverse techniques and instruments and their physical processes)
- Spectroscopy (analytical techniques based on spectroscopy)
- Quantum Physics II (hydrogen atom, angular momentum in quantum mechanics, stationary perturbation theory)
- Thermostatistics
- Experimental and Numerical Physics (process of experimentally acquired spectra, development of software on MatLab for processing spectra, creation of interface for statistical approach for quantitative/sorting analysis)
- Astrophysics
- Quantum Information (density operators – entanglement, imperfect systems – examples based on two-level systems, quantum circuits and one- and two-qubit gates, quantum algorithms – particularly Grover’s and Shor’s – and error correction with many examples)
- Mathematics for Physics IV (holomorphic functions of one complex variable and Fourier transform)
- Introduction to the World of Work II
- Languages: French for non-francophone students or German, Arabic, Chinese or Italian for francophone students.
- Mandatory Internship (5-6 weeks in a research institute or company, either in the UAE, or internationally, dedicated to a particular scientific topic)
- French Baccalaureate with a minimum final average of 12/20 or High School Diploma with a minimum 80% average (or equivalent)
- Recent EmSAT-English with a Minimum score of 1250 with a validity of 18 months
or valid Academic-IELTS 5.5 with a validity of 2 years
or valid TOEFL-IBT 71 with a validity of 2 years - Mathematics competencies
• For French baccalaureate applicants:
A minimum score of 12 out of 20 in the specialty “Mathematique Spéciales” and/or the specialty “Mathematiques expertes”or Passing SUAD Admission test for L1
or EMSAT Mathematics with score at or above 1700
or SAT Mathematics with score at or above 750 - Ministry of Education curriculum:
General stream/Art stream: minimum average of 80%.
Advanced stream/Elite stream/Science stream: minimum average of 75%.
or Other high school systems: high school certificate equivalent to the UAE Ministry of Education high school with minimum average of 80% or equivalentMinimum score of 80% in Mathematics subject in other High school systems, and having one of the below conditions:
SUAD Admission test for L1
or EMSAT Mathematics with score at or above 1700
or SAT Mathematics with score at or above 750 - Competencies in one other Science subject (Physics, Chemistry, Biology – including SVT)
Subject studied in school with minimum 12 out of 20 in Grade 10, 11 or 12 (for holders of French Baccalaureate) or with a minimum score of 80% in Grade 10, 11 or 12, for holders of other HS Diplomas,
or EMSAT in Physics, Chemistry or Biology with a score at or above 900.
Other Countries Education’s Systems
Conditions apply on other foreign curriculums according to the admission’s policy set by Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. Please contact the Student Recruitment office by email: admissions@sorbonne.ae for more details.
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is committed to considering applications from all students regardless of their country of origin, income, gender, religion or physical condition.
• Programme tuition fees (per semester)* : : |
AED 34,500 (approximately US$ 9,400) |
• Payment of fees: |
click here |
*The fees presented for each program do not include administrative fees. Terms and conditions apply.
Scholarships*
HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Scholarship for Emirati students
Admitted Emirati nationals and children of Emirati mothers’ are awarded a full scholarship covering tuition and study related fees for their Bachelor Programmes (and Foundation year, if any)
Current high school students may apply through NAPO, whereas the graduates of previous years can apply on the Apply Now page.
Academic Excellence Scholarships (for the 1st semester of enrolment)
• 15% scholarship on tuition for the 1st semester of joining
New joiners with excellent academic results in high school are eligible following the below criteria. Starting from the second semester, they can apply for the 25%-75% academic excellence scholarship scheme.
- Government schools: 90% in the advanced stream, or 95% in the general stream.
- American system: CGPA of 3.6 out of 4.0 or minimum average of 90%.
- British system: “A” grade or higher in three “AS-Level” subjects or “A” in the equivalent “A-Level” Subjects, plus “B” grade or higher in six O level subjects.
- SABIS: minimum average of 85%.
- International Baccalaureate: IB diploma with minimum score of 5 out of 7 in all courses – three of those subjects must be higher-level courses.
- French Baccalaureate: minimum average of 14 out of 20.
Academic Excellence Scholarship (starting from the 2nd semester of enrolment)
• 25%-75% Academic Excellence Scholarship
Based on the academic results obtained during the previous semester at SUAD, students are eligible to the academic excellence scholarship granted semester by semester. The scholarship scheme is progressive (25% to 75% and the minimum average grade to be eligible is 12/20. A specific scholarship is available for the 2nd semester of the Foundation Year. For more information, please contact admissions@sorbonne.ae
Other Scholarships
10% French Curriculum Schools Scholarship for the 1st semester of enrolment
Students holding a French baccalaureate obtained in one of the GCC countries are eligible for a 10% discount for their first semester. Starting from the second semester, they can apply for the 25%-75% academic excellence scholarship scheme.
Sponsored scholarships
Total, Chalhoub and Ardian Foundation, offer specific scholarships based on academic excellence and/or financial circumstances to selected students.
The deadline for submitting an application is communicated by University email each semester to all enrolled students. Applications are submitted via the online application form. Incomplete and late applications will not be assessed.
Scholarships can’t be combined. For more information, please contact admissions@sorbonne.ae
Preferential rate: 10% Family discount
Students who have a first-degree relative currently enrolled in an undergraduate or a postgraduate programme are eligible for a 10% discount.
*Conditions apply
Below is a non-exhaustive list of available job sectors and career options after a Bachelor degree in Physics, depending on graduates’ interests, experience and further studies pursued.
Industry, Construction, Buildings and Structures
- Structural engineer
- Tunnel engineer
- Electrical engineer
- Laser engineer
- Electro-optic engineer
- Prototype engineer
- Maritime engineer
Energy, Renewable Energy, Climate, Environmental Sciences
- Petrophysicist
- Petroleum engineer
- Nuclear engineer
- Climate scientist
- Costal scientist
- Nuclear fusion scientist
- Physicist-policy analyst
- Renewable energy manager
- Solar energy specialist
- Weather forecast specialist
Space Exploration Industries
- Satellite engineer
- Astrophysicist
- Astronomer
- Space flight director
- Geophysics – space project scientist
Healthcare Sciences, Medical & Biomedical Physics Activities
- Medical engineer
- Radiophysicist
- Medical physicist
- Ultrasound, magnetic resonance, optical imaging specialist
- Acoustic consultant
- Clinical scientist
- Nuclear medicine specialist
- Radiation protection practitioner
- Nanoscale imaging scientist
IT, Telecoms, Engineering Computer Sciences
- Artificial intelligence software developer
- Software engineer
- Computer programmer
- Web designer/developer
- IT consultant
- Systems analyst
Legal, Business, Finance & Consulting
- Patent officer (energy, industry, space, tech-innovation)
- Actuary
- Business data analyst
- Consultant (environment/climate regulations)
Communication, Television, Media, Sports and Games
- Sound engineer
- Games designer/developer
- Technical writer
- Science journalist, science communicator
- TV science advisor
Transport
- Mechanical engineer
- Logistics specialist
- Radar project manager
- Detection system designer
Education
- Academia
- High school physics, astrophysics teacher
- High school science teacher
- Higher education lecturer
- Lab assistant
Research & Innovation
- Quantum Technologies: computing, simulation, cryptography, sensing specialist
- Lab director
- Senior scientist
- Data scientist
- Computer scientist
- Research/lab technician
A whole range of postgraduate studies are available after a Bachelor degree in Physics. Examples of areas of specialisation (Master and PhD) include:
- Physics and Applications (i.e, many options offered at Sorbonne University, Paris: https://sciences.sorbonne-universite.fr/formation-sciences/offre-de-formation/masters)
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Robotics
- Water and Environmental Engineering
- Medical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Data Science and A.I.
- High Performance Calculation (HPC)
- Finance and Banking
- Statistics
- Healthcare
- Law
- Knowledge Management and Innovation
- Science of the Universe, Environment and Ecology
- Neurosciences
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
Where do SUAD graduates go following a Bachelor degree in Physics?
The following non-exhaustive list of institutions is based on SUAD placement records for alumni of the Physics department.
- Sorbonne University (France)
- University of Cambridge (UK)
- Imperial College London (UK)
- King’s College London (UK)
- EFREI Paris (France)
- Université Grenoble Alpes (France)
- Texas A&M University (US)
- University of Nottingham (UK)
- La Sapienza (Italy)
- Universita degli Studi Di Padova (Italy)
- University of Amsterdam (Netherlands)
- Masdar Institute for Science and Technology (UAE)
Postgraduate admission requirements in terms of eligible and relevant undergraduate degree vary widely from country to country and among higher education institutions. Candidates may refer to the admission requirements applicable to each institution.
Best career exploration websites for students
- onisep.fr
- letudiant.fr
- fichemetier.fr
- studyrama.com
- prospects.ac.uk
- mymajors.com
- targetjobs.co.uk
- thebalancecareers.com
- learnhowtobecome.org
- careertoolkit.com
- careers.un.org
- apec.fr
- cea.fr
- physics.org
- physicsworld.com
- iop.org
- aps.org
- sepnet.ac.uk
- space.com
- eps.org
- ipgp.fr/fr
“Studying my undergraduate degree in Physics at Sorbonne University gave me a solid background in science, mathematics and critical thinking, enabling me to pursue a career in scientific research and development. During my summers as an undergraduate researcher at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, I studied the composition and temperature of Jupiter’s atmosphere by analyzing images of the planet taken by the Hubble Space Telescope. During my master’s degree I investigated the effects of metals additive manufacturing on widely used aerospace alloys. As a PhD student at Texas A&M University, I am leading a project sponsored by the US Army Research Office to design new alloy systems suited to additive manufacturing. I have also had the opportunity to work at the US Air Force Research Laboratory leading a project on additive manufacturing of a newly developed ultra-high strength steel.”
Raiyan Seede
“Sorbonne University’s Physics program provides an excellent opportunity for young students who are willing to seek to be a part of a community of scientists solve the problems of today and tomorrow. A BSc degree in physics is a very versatile credential, and can easily be brought to bear in many other fields of science. My bachelor degree, which covers the significant modules in physics, engineering and mathematics, has given me the right set of skills to narrow down a field that I have always been passionate about pursuing as well as led to my acceptance into a strong graduate program in Biomedical Engineering at Imperial College London. I am now able to translate sciences produced in our labs into the next generation of diagnostic machines that can be used by patients. My latest research experience as a postgraduate was with the Hamlyn Centre for Robotic Surgery and Surgical Guidance. All in all, the department of Physics at Sorbonne University provided me with a fantastic education, lifelong friends, and an early exposure to current cutting edge research.”
Fadia Trache
“The Bachelor degree in Physics gave me a plethora of critical advantages; a few of them being a strong scientific background both in mathematics and physics, critical thinking, versatility and the ability to quickly assess situations. All of these perks allowed me to demarcate myself when applying for both internships and additional studies. One of the major points of that degree was ability to experience prestigious internship, such as in multinational companies such as Total and Schneider or acclaimed universities such as New York University. During my NYU internship I studied astrophysics and the variability of super massive Stars, to understand how these stars behave through massive data influx and what their surrounding are experiencing. These numerous experiences allowed me to build a professional yet critical demeanor that is highly recognized and looked up by graduate schools. This major was extremely beneficial due to its versatility; it allowed me to go for my dream field, Computer Sciences, and more precisely Cybersecurity. As an engineer student, my unique profile allowed me to apply for prestigious schools such as Polytechnic (L’X) and Central Sup and going for multiple masters at the same time.”
Kevin D. Yaker
For more information, please contact:
The Career Centre
Tel: +971 (0) 2 656 9104/9342
Email: careercentre@sorbonne.ae