The course
- UCAS code
- F322
- Duration
- Up to 5 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Delivery type
- Full-time
Contact
-
Contact
Dr David Townsend
-
Telephone
+44 (0) 131 451 3794
Overview
The Chemical Physics degree programme spans the interface between chemistry and physics. The programme incorporates all the core elements of a physics degree as well as key chemistry concepts relating to the structure and properties of atoms, molecules and materials. The interdisciplinary nature of the programme ensures students will develop a wide range of skills and expertise. In the final Level students will undertake a research project, working closely with a member of staff.
Chemical Physics is well suited to students with interests in the atomic and molecular applications of physics and the more physical and mathematical aspects of chemistry
Accreditation
This integrated masters in Chemical Physics (MPhys) is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP).
Course content
Detailed course guideYear 1
Topics studied will include Mechanics and Waves; Principles of Chemistry; Fields and Forces; Chemical Reactivity; Mathematics; Physics and Chemistry Laboratory Work.
Year 2
Topics studied will include Photonics and Optics; Introduction to Spectroscopy; Chemical Kinetics; Thermodynamics; Atomic Structure and Molecular Bonding; Mathematics; Communication Skills; Physics and Chemistry Laboratory Work.
Year 3
Topics studied will include Advanced Chemical Structure; Electromagnetism and Optics; Advanced Mathematics; Solid State Physics; Circuits and Analysis; Quantum Theory and Advanced Spectroscopy; Classical Dynamics; Statistical Physics; Laboratory Work.
Year 4
Topics will include Advanced Chemical Kinetics; Lasers; Numerical Modelling and Data Analysis; Large Scale Chemical Systems; Nuclear and Particle Physics; Advanced Quantum Mechanics; Advanced Problem Solving; Chemical Physics BSc Research Project.
Year 5
Topics will include Advanced Optics; Advanced Physical Chemistry; Advanced Quantum Mechanics; Computer Modelling of Chemical Systems; Chemical Physics Research Project.
Employability
Work and study
This is what our MPhys Chemical Physics students are doing six months after graduating:
- 14% are working
- 67% are studying
- 0% are working and studying.
Managerial/professional position
- 50% of those working are in a professional/managerial position six months after graduating.
Salary
- The average salary of students six months after graduating: £20000
- The average UK salary of students six months after graduating from a similar course: £20000
Jobs
These are the most common jobs students go into six months after graduating:
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
- Sales occupations
- Engineering professionals
- Information technology and telecommunications professionals
- Business, research and administrative professionals
- Elementary occupations
- Administrative occupations
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations
- Customer service occupations
- Secretarial and related occupations
Entry requirements
Year 1
- Highers AAAB or ABBBB with A in Maths or Physics
- A-Levels ABB with A in Maths or Physics
- HNC B in graded unit. Relevant HNC - please contact Admissions Tutor to discuss further
- Int. Baccalaureate 29 points to include Higher Level Mathematics and Physics
- Scottish Baccalaureate Pass with BC in Adv. Higher Maths and Physics
- Additional information Entry normally to include Physics and Mathematics Highers or A-Levels at A or B and for Chemical Physics B in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry
Year 2
- A-Levels AAB with A in Maths and Physics
- Advanced Highers BB in Maths and Physics plus Highers
- HNC A in graded unit. Relevant HNC - subject to satisfactory tutor reference and interview. Please contact Admissions Tutor to discuss further.
- HND BB in graded units. Relevant HND - subject to satisfactory tutor reference and interview. Please contact Admissions Tutor to discuss further.
- Scottish Baccalaureate Distinction with BB in Adv. Higher Mathematics and Physics
Year 3
- HND AA in graded units. Relevant HND - subject to satisfactory tutor reference and interview. Please contact Admissions Tutor to discuss further.
Additional information
- A range of alternative qualifications may be accepted including good qualifications in non-scientific subjects. We will also consider mature applicants with appropriate work experience. Advanced qualifications should be in Physics and Mathematics.
Fees and funding
| Status* | Scotland / EU** | England / Northern Ireland / Wales | International |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee | Paid by SAAS | £9,250 | £17,440 |
* Your residency 'status' is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course. Find out more about tuition fees.
** European Union countries, not including England, Northern Ireland or Wales.
Scholarships and bursaries
Featured scholarships
Bursaries for students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales starting undergraduate degree courses in 2018
In addition to government maintenance loans and grants towards the costs of fees and living costs, we are offering generous financial support to attract and support eligible students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales:
- Heriot-Watt Foundation Bursary (£9,250 fee discount applied in one of the four years of study and £1,500 payment contribution to living costs in Year 1)
- Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to £3,100 per year)
- Heriot-Watt Academic Scholarship (£1,000 per year)
View our full range of undergraduate scholarships.