Physics with Data Analytics

Course Details

CAO Code:

Course Type:

Undergraduate

NFQ Level:

Placement:

Yes

Delivery Modes

Full-Time

Minimum Points

N/A

Duration

1 + 3 Years

Phone:

+353 (0) 1

700 7797

Email:

stephen.r.power@dcu.ie

Students outside the U Building, Glasnevin Campus, DCU

Learn more about DCU Undergraduate Course at our CAO Virtual Information Evening on Thursday, 15 January 2026 from 4.30pm - 7pm. Register now at dcu.ie/openday

By doing this groundbreaking degree, you’ll combine the skills and knowledge of a physics degree with the advanced data analytics tools you need to solve real-world problems in new and exciting ways.

The video provider requires that you accept marketing and statistics cookies in order to view this video.

Overview

It’s definitely for you if you’d like to work as a physicist in industry, finance, tech or other demanding corporate sectors, where physicists are among those working to interpret that data and revolutionise how technologies are harnessed.

This degree combines lectures, tutorials, stimulating laboratory work, and projects combining fundamental physics concepts with exciting, real-life technological skills and applications. You’ll study physics, maths, programming, machine learning, artificial intelligence and quantum computing, among other topics.

Gain work and research experience
In third year, you can do an INTRA work placement or work in one of the research groups in the School of Physical Sciences or DCU-affiliated research centres, where you’ll help with cutting-edge research projects. Either way, you’ll do your final year project in DCU’s world-class laboratories and research centres.

As a graduate, you’ll be sought after as an analyst or project manager by technology startups, semiconductor or pharmaceutical industry, banks, insurers, gaming companies, software firms, global tech firms and multinational professional services organisations. A future in middle or higher management will be a concrete option if it interests you.

Why DCU

DCU is ranked No 1 in Ireland for Graduate Employment Rate

QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022

DCU is ranked 19th globally for Graduate Employment Rate

QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022

96% of the faculty’s recent graduates are in employment or further education

Graduate Outcomes Survey

DCU People

Chat with DCU Students

Careers & Further Options

Careers

Physics in itself is a gateway to a wide range of careers. Armed with highly marketable skills, you will be a powerful and versatile addition to any workforce.

Graduates from the BSc in Physics with Data Analytics will be much sought after as analysts and project managers by technology start-ups, semiconductor industries, banks, insurers, gaming companies, software firms, global tech firms and multinational professional services organisations.

A future in middle or higher management will be a concrete option for those interested in it.

Further useful materials and resources on the many interesting and diverse career opportunities available to physics graduates are available on the Institute of Physics website.

Career Areas

DCU Career Services

DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.

DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path.

Go to our Careers site to find out more about career planning, our mentorship programme, skills development and online resources for students when working on CVs and making applications.

Entry Requirements

Advanced Entry

Applicants that have completed at least one year of study at NFQ Level 6, 7 or 8 at another institution may apply to continue their studies on a similar programme at DCU. There should be substantial overlap in content between the two programmes to be considered for a transfer. Results and other supporting documentation must be submitted to CAO by the closing date of 1st July. This is a competitive application process for a small quota of advanced entry places. Offers are made on a rolling basis until all places are filled. Early application is advised. Please note: Applicants should also consider applying through the appropriate route for first year entry to the programme they are interested in. This application process is only for advanced entry.

Course Structure

You will enter BSc in Physics with Data Analytics via the Physics General Entry route (DC175), confirming your choice at the end of Year 1.

Programme Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this programme of study, graduates will be able to demonstrate:

an understanding of the theory, concepts and methods pertaining selected areas of physics, which includes mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum physics, optics, electronics, statistical physics. In addition, a graduate will be able to demonstrate an understanding of mathematics specifically statistical methods, programming and data manipulation and data privacy regulations, machine learning, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies such as quantum computing;

capability of identifying the various aspects of physics theory which underlie common physical phenomena and instrumentation and be capable of describing these aspects of theory in both a qualitative and quantitative fashion;

an ability to solve numerical and qualitative problems in selected areas of physics, as well as for global societal problems. They will be able to summarise the key elements of the problem, develop an appropriate strategy, choose and apply this strategy to the problem in an iterative way and finally be able to judge the reliability and range of validity of their solution;

an ability to use and develop numerical methods to analyse and visualise various physical and societal datasets;

research skills which will enable them to pursue research degrees;

an ability to competently apply the mathematical and computing/ICT tools acquired during their study to various aspects of their studies and future work including situations different to the context within which they first encountered such tools;

competency in the use of computational simulations of natural phenomena, including having a working knowledge in validating models with real laboratory instruments used by physicists, and an understanding of how to use same and apply to other fields such as chemistry, biology, finance and computer science;

an ability to communicate the motivation, topics, approaches and solutions in their work efficiently and competently to peers and the broader community via both oral and written media, based on their experience of written and oral presentations of project and/or laboratory work during their studies;

an ability to use their experience in group assignments and project work to foster team-working and management/leadership skills both in technical and non-technical situations;

an ability to evaluate and apply their knowledge and training to technical problems in the core areas covered in the programme;

an ability to select appropriate mathematical and computing/ICT tools acquired during their study to various aspects of their studies and future work including situations different to the context within which they first encountered such tools;

competency to exercise judgement and make decisions or recommendations based on their physics, mathematical and statistical knowledge;

an ability to critically evaluate problems and alternative solutions in a wide variety of work/professional environments;

an ability to draw upon their technical abilities in conjunction with their experience in project work during their degree (in particular their 4th year project work), to conduct research, development, professional or other advanced technical activity upon completion of their studies;

an ability to risk assess technical and data processing situations such as research or development projects, based on their experience of risk assessment exercises during their studies and to be accountable for the proposed solutions;

an ability to use advanced skills to conduct research in a variety of physics and data-related environments;

an ability to take on a leadership/management role in a technical or non-technical context;

an ability to work in a team or independently both in technical and non-technical situations;

an ability to apply their analytical, programming and mathematical skills to diverse and complex problems/situations in the workplace.

an ability to assess their needs for ongoing professional development and training through appraisal of their working environment and other indicators and should be able to identify appropriate routes to meet these demands, whether through professional bodies, further study, mentoring etc.;

an ability to productively use online resources and learning platforms to independently further their education;

an awareness of the role of a physicist and data scientist in society and the need to communicate effectively in this environment;

an awareness of the need for the highest ethical standards in their work environment specifically on evaluating significance of results, uncertainties of computational models and results, but also data privacy and other societal needs;

an appreciation of the importance of taking on board the opinions of work colleagues in planning and execution of their work.

Year 1 and Year 2

In Years 1 and 2 the basic foundations of physics, maths, and programming will be laid. This is achieved through a combination of lectures, online material, tutorials, stimulating physical and virtualized laboratory work, and projects that allow you to explore both fundamental physics along with exciting real-life technological applications.

Year 3

In Year 3, you will explore fundamentals such as quantum and statistical physics, and you will have the opportunity to work in industry as part of our industrial training programme (INTRA) or optionally spend your placement working in one of the research groups in the School of Physical Sciences or DCU affiliated research centers, where you will assist with cutting-edge research projects.

Year 4

In Year 4, you will learn about image processing, quantum computing, advanced machine learning, and artificial intelligence along with additional choice physics modules. You will also conduct your Year 4 research project in DCU’s world-class laboratories and research centres and work in groups within a Data Analytics module together with students from other disciplines.

Fees and Funding

Fees

All programme fees are per annum and subject to an annual increase.

Full time

Student Contribution.

€2,543

EU Status Fee

€6,679

Non EU Fee.

€16,900

Click here for all DCU Fees Information

How To Apply

Advanced Entry

Applications are made via the CAO Advanced Entry route which will open on the 06th November to the 1st July.

Application Queries

Please see Application Procedures or E-mail ugadmissions@dcu.ie.

Life On Campus

Life on Campus

At DCU, our students can expect a unique campus experience. We are known for our excellent teaching and learning facilities, our active clubs and societies, and our great social and sporting facilities. All this makes DCU an exciting place to be.

DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.

They can be reached by public transport, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, with our Drumcondra campuses a ten minute walk from Drumcondra Train Station. Glasnevin is a 20 minute walk from St Patrick’s and All Hallows. They are also linked by Dublin Bus.

Each campus has a library (O’Reilly, Cregan and Woodlock Hall), study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies. There are sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and there is a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road.

Exceptional Facilities

DCU’s 19,000 students have access to exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our three academic campuses.

These include modern learning theatres, research centres, a new media and TV studio, radio/podcast studios, computer suites and advanced labs in the areas of Languages, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Biotechnology, as well as a Sports Performance centre and a training hospital ward. In 2021, we opened our first virtual reality ‘Leadership Lab’, which is located in our Business School.

We continue to improve and update our facilities. For example, construction of a new world-class STEM facility is underway on the Glasnevin campus. With capacity for an extra 3,000 STEM students, this facility will advance DCU’s international reputation for excellence in science and health, computing and engineering disciplines.

Campus Life

Studying in DCU isn’t just about course work. The university is rich in student life and activities.

There are more than 140 clubs and societies for students in DCU, with ‘Clubs & Socs’ days taking place on both the Glasnevin and Drumcondra campuses at the start of the academic year. They span everything from rugby to rock climbing, anime to jazz.

For many students, sport is an important part of the DCU experience. DCU’s Sports Complex boasts a 25 metre swimming pool, fitness centre gym, all-weather pitches and squash courts, as well as soccer, GAA and rugby pitches. DCU Dóchas Éireann, the university’s GAA club, is the largest third level Gaelic Games club in the country. Meanwhile, DCU Athletics has been Ireland’s highest achieving university club for many years. And DCU has dozens of other clubs to get involved in, from Archery to Weightlifting.

The Glasnevin campus is home to our purpose built, state-of-the-art student centre, The U, which serves the needs of a rapidly growing student body. Here, you will find the Student Leadership and Lifeskills Centre, performing arts and cultural spaces for students and the wider community, and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub. Also located on our Glasnevin campus is The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre.

On our St Patrick’s campus, we have the Java Student Hub, a vibrant, warm and welcoming space where students can meet for coffee, play music, use the projector to watch events, or just relax. The walls of the Java Hub were designed based on the cultural history of St Patrick’s Campus, including the special references to the notable sporting history and history of the arts.

Accommodation

Information about accommodation each of our three campuses can be accessed here.

Student Supports

We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students.

Student Advice & Learning Skills Centre - Offers a wide range of supports and services to students and advice

The Writing Centre - drop-in writing workshops for students through the academic year

Maths Learning Centre - provides maths support for students of all ability levels with maths modules

Student Learning - facilitate the transition from passive to active learning for students at DCU, by teaching study skills, nurturing critical thinking and building student confidence.

Careers work with students to help them on their professional journey into graduate employment.

Our student support team offers a comprehensive support programme, helping students make that all important transition into university life and focusing on building confidence and skills which are key to success at third level.

DCU Glasnevin Campus

Glasnevin Campus

FAQs

Faculty FAQs

Is DCU all one campus?

DCU is a multi campus university - the Glasnevin, St Patrick's and All Hallows campuses. The St Patrick's campus is where the Education courses are taught and some of the subjects from the BA Joint Honours degree. There is a 20-25 minute walk between the campuses but there are buses and bikes available to go between them also.

Click here to see maps of all of our campuses

If I'm studying on the St Patrick's campus, can I use the library and sports centre on the Glasnevin campus?

Yes, all facilities such as sports and accommodation are open for all DCU students to avail of.

Are there libraries in DCU and if they have wifi and work stations?

We have a brand new state of the art four floor library on our St. Patrick's Campus which complements the existing library on the Glasnevin campus. There is free wifi, work stations as well as desktop computers.

Does DCU provide accommodation?

DCU does have on-campus accommodation for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and you can find out more and apply via the Accommodation Office webpage.

Keep in Touch