Is it possible to average 90% in your Physics degree?

Over-detailed analysis ahead:

I don't know of anyone who's managed that. The main problem is the Master's project. The realistic ceiling (that you can reliably get) for that is 80%. Otherwise, you have to average something like 93% in exams to pull it off. For instance at Durham, I calculate that if you got 70% in the project you'd need 96% average in the rest of the modules, not including coursework modules, for 80% you'd need 93% in the rest. If you include all the coursework modules (assuming you minimise exposure) it's 99% (70% in coursework) 95% (80% in coursework).

In terms of what top students actually get, I think maybe one or two get over 90% in exams alone, but the top overall mark would be slightly above 85% and I think that's a much more realistic goal to aim for.