In many ways, the principles of physics underlie all sciences, and the UCC programme offers excellent education in both experimental and theoretical physics. Physics, and technologies developed by physicists, play a major role in atmospheric science, chemistry, biology, medicine, electronics, geology, energy, optics, nanotechnology, computer science and engineering. An education in physics provides problem-solving, analytical, computational, mathematical and IT skills, and can lead to a wide range of careers in these and many other fields.

Non-EU candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. Minimum average of grade 5 in Attestat o Srednem Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education) PLUS competitive grades in year 1 at Bachelor degree (Bakalavr) or Specialist Diploma level.