BSc (Hons) Physics

Overview

The study of physics is an investigation into the world and the universe around us. It allows us to accurately measure the things we are surrounded by, develop models to explain what is going on, and then use those models to predict what is otherwise unknown.

Physicists come from all backgrounds and have a range of strengths and interests, but the common thread between all of them is their passion for understanding and their constant wondering of “why?” and more importantly “how?”.

The flexibility and versatility of the skillset you develop while studying physics is widely desired. From studying particles so small their existence can only be inferred, to researching the largest and most massive black holes we have found in the universe, this subject trains you to rapidly adapt and use your skills to tackle the next emerging challenge, whatever that may be.  

Physics degree structure

The Physics degree at Heriot-Watt University covers subjects including dynamics, electromagnetic fields and optics. These areas lead onto the quantum world of subatomic particles, the unique nature of laser light, and the philosophically challenging ideas of quantum physics and astrophysics. Mathematics also plays an important part to help us understand physical concepts in more depth. In later years, dedicated courses for Biophysics, Nanophotonics, Fibre-Optic Communications and Quantum Mechanics allow students to delve deep into current research areas and discuss their questions with leading experts.

Physics rankings

The National Student Survey 2020 ranked Heriot-Watt University 1^st 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.

The National Student Survey 2021 ranked Heriot-Watt University 1^st in Scotland and 3^rd in the UK for the “Average % Agree” score for all questions, and 2^nd in Scotland and 5^th in the UK for Overall Satisfaction in Physics.

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. 

Physics facilities

Physics at Heriot-Watt is built around the importance of gaining practical, hands-on experience. In the National Student Survey 2021, over 90% of our students agreed that the facilities had supported their learning well, which was the 3^rd highest score in the UK.

In recent years, we have invested heavily in developing practical labs which students use through years one to three of their degree. Our well-equipped labs, with state-of-the-art experiments, are supported throughout with friendly and helpful staff to ensure everyone, whatever their background and interests get the benefits and joys of practical lab work.

First year labs offer students the opportunity to gain fundamental skills that will allow them to carry out individual experiments in future years. Typically, there will be 3 hours of timetabled laboratory work each week, exploring topics like optics, electronics, and mechanics.

Further into your time at Heriot-Watt, teaching laboratories allow you to develop your skills using more advanced experiments. Experiments in radioactivity, dynamics, solar-cell efficiency, aerodynamics, interferometry, optical fibres, and electronics. Computer modelling and computer interfaced experiments also form part of many activities.

These activities take place within our state-of-the-art research facilities.

Grounded in the research

Heriot-Watt University is ‘world-leading’ for research in Physics according to REF2021 which ranked our Physics Research as number 1 in the UK, with 97% of research classed as ‘world leading’.

Heriot-Watt University received the Queens Anniversary Prize in 2021, the highest honour for universities in the UK, in recognition of our research in Photonics.

Our physics degree taps into Heriot-Watt’s research to provide students with cutting-edge insights into key areas of physics. Our courses are delivered by passionate and engaging experts who relate taught material to their own research and explore the context and applications of the physics discussed.

Particular focus is given to the work of Heriot-Watt’s Research Institute for Photonic and Quantum Science and the Research Institute for Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering.

Student experience and Physics Society

We champion our ability to put students first. This is best reflected in our 2020 National Student Survey results where we placed 1^st in the UK for Physics, and had an overall student satisfaction of 100%. We believe this is a result of the experience we offer both inside and outside of teaching.

We take great pride in our ability to provide support to all students though tutoring, pastoral support, and informal activities. Our staff to student ratio is consistently high, which allows us to offer a personalised and relaxed approach to teaching, which helps students achieve high academic standards. This forms the core of our ethos.

Students are encouraged to engage with physics beyond the classroom. For example, we run community sessions in years 1 and 2 where year groups interact and discuss a variety of physics and science themed topics. This non-assessed activity explores topics including big science, science impact, numbers and scale, science in media, ethics, and philosophy of science. Each year we explore that year’s Nobel prizes and the latest science-based conspiracy theories.

Our student-run Physics Society offers students the chance to interact with others through activities ranging from formal speakers to social events and trips.

Graduate destinations

During your degree you will develop strong problem solving, numerical and data handling skills that ensure you are highly sought-after graduate for a wide range of careers. Suitable jobs could involve research and development, engineering, scientific analysis, and data processing.

See some of the career destinations of our recent graduates below:

• Data Scientist
• Machine Learning Specialist
• Medical Physicist
• Systems Engineer
• Statistician
• Product Engineer
• Industrial R&D
• PhD research and academic research and teaching

Graduates include:

• Josh King, Director Solar Energy Scotland
• Heather Dalgarno, Lead Systems Engineer at Leonardo.

Global College pathway for this degree

If you do not meet the entry requirements for this degree, have a look at Heriot-Watt Global College, where you can follow an accelerated pathway which will get you onto the second year of this degree.

Accreditation

This honours degree in Physics is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of partially meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.