Key information
Heriot-Watt University ranked 1st in the UK for physics in the National Student Survey 2020 (Overall Student Satisfaction) and 5th in the UK in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021. BSc Physics is accredited by the Physics.
- UCAS code
- F300
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Delivery type
- Full Time
- Degree qualification
- BSc (Hons)
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 4 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September
This physics degree covers subjects including dynamics, electromagnetism, photonics and optics and astrophysics. These areas lead onto the quantum world of subatomic particles, the fascinating nature of light and the challenging but wonderful fields of quantum physics and relativity. Mathematics and practical work play an important part throughout the course, and specialist courses provided a background in physical maths and lab skills for physics applications. In later years, the course offers more specialist topics, including laser physics, solid state physics, optoelectronic devices, nuclear physics and biophysics.
In Year 4, individual research projects in world leading research groups allow you to develop skills in advanced experimental design, modelling and computation. Throughout, the programme will also help with your practical abilities, initiative and teamwork. The Physics degree provides broad and comprehensive training in all aspects of physics and modern science, and is well suited to both non-academic careers and careers in research.
Rankings and NSS results
The National Student Survey 2020 ranked Heriot-Watt University 1st in the UK for Physics. This reflects our excellent staff-student ratio and welcoming academic community.
In response to the survey, 100% of Heriot-Watt students said they were satisfied with the quality of our Physics degree. 100% of students also said that staff were good at explaining things and that the degree was intellectually stimulating.
Physics at Heriot-Watt University is ranked 2nd in Scotland and 5th in the UK by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021, in the subject of Physics and Astronomy.
Your student experience
This honours degree in Physics is accredited by the Physics (IOP) for the purpose of partially meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
Go Global
With Go Global, Heriot-Watt's global student programme, you can carry your studies to new places and experience new cultures, expanding your horizons on the way. You'll discover what it means to be a true global citizen and emerge prepared for wherever your career journey will take you.
European Exchange
Course content
September Intake - Edinburgh
Provides foundations of physics and mathematics and gives the opportunity to look at wider aspects of physics through experimental study in investigative techniques. Also covered are fundamental engineering skills in electronics and mechanics.
Mandatory September
- Mechanics, Fields and Forces
- Investigative Techniques 1
- Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists 1
Optional September
- Introductory Biology 1
- Principles of Chemistry
- Introduction to Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Logic and Proof
- Topics in Statistical Practice
Mandatory January
- Waves and Matter
- Investigative Techniques 2
- Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists 2
Optional January
- Introductory Biology 2
- Chemical Reactivity
- Introduction to Mechanical Engineering
- Discrete Mathematics
- Elements of Probability
Programme Video
Why does the world need physics?
Fees and funding
| Status | Fee |
|---|---|
| Scotland | Paid by SAAS |
| England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland | £9,250 |
| International | £25,008 |
- Status: 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.
- International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).
Scholarships and bursaries
Bursaries for students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales
In addition to government loans and grants towards the costs of fees and living costs, we are offering generous financial support to attract and support eligible undergraduate students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales:
- Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to £3,100 per year)
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
Standard entry requirements
- Highers ABBB (including Physics or Mathematics both at B)
- A-Levels BCC - BBB (including Physics and Mathematics with one at B)
- Int. Baccalaureate 29 points (with Higher Level 5 Physics and Mathematics)
- BTEC DMM (in relevant subject)
- HNC B in graded unit (in relevant HNC)
- Please check that you meet our University-wide National 5/GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths requirements.
Minimum entry requirements*
- Highers BBBC (including Physics and Mathematics BB)
- A-Levels CCC (including Physics and Mathematics)
- IB 28 points (HL 5 Physics and Maths)
* Minimum: under our Fair Access Policy, we will relax our standard entry requirements for some Scottish students depending on their circumstances. Our minimum requirements will apply if you:
- live in an area within the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation lowest 20% (SIMD20), or
- are care experienced.
We can also make exceptions for some Scottish students with grades above minimum but below standard. Read more about our Minimum and standard entry requirements
Why Heriot-Watt
We're the top university in Scotland for graduate outcomes which means that more of our graduates are employed or in postgraduate education than any other institution in the country and we ranked 5th in the UK.
We're also rated number one in the UK for CEO or MD roles, meaning more of our graduates go on to become CEOs or MDs than any other university in the whole of the UK. On top of that, we have beautiful campuses, across the globe, so you'll get a truly international education. Our Edinburgh Campus is home to Oriam, Scotland's National Sports Performance Centre combined with plenty of wellbeing resources, prioritising fitness and mental health for all students. Our Global Research Institutes look at solving real world issues such as climate change and saving our oceans as well as working on the next medical technological breakthrough and the future of AI and robots.
Employability
Work and study
Salary
Potential career paths
- Information Technology Professionals
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
- Natural and social science professionals
- Teaching Professionals
Student life
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