Why this course?
This degree covers a wide range of topics in physics and modern physical principles. You’ll develop core skills in mathematics and physics that will allow you to gain an understanding of the fundamental aspects of physics.
Training in laboratories is complemented by a research project carried out in an up-to-date research lab, attached to one of the Department’s research groups. This allows you to benefit from our lively and diverse research environment.
What you’ll study
Year 1
You’ll study maths, mechanics, wave and optics, electromagnetism and quantum physics and practical laboratory work. You’ll also select elective classes from across the University.
Year 2
All classes are compulsory and will increase your understanding of physics developed in first year. You will be introduced to new classes, including solid-state physics and computational physics. Laboratory work becomes more sophisticated, recognising your growing maturity as a physicist.
Year 3
Compulsory classes include quantum physics, statistical mechanics, electromagnetism and solid-state physics together with mathematics. The laboratory work undertaken in Year 3 is aimed at further developing your laboratory skills in readiness for the 4th year project. A key part of being a physicist is the communication of your understanding of the subject and in 3rd year you will take a classes designed to enhance the communication skills acquired in Years 1 and 2.
Year 4
You’ll undertake a final-year project in our research labs. Along with the project you also undertake a class that introduces you to the ideas behind the commercialisation of research. You can choose optional classes from a wide range of subjects, from photonics through to quantum information theory.
High Flyer Programme
Well-qualified applicants with appropriate A Levels and Advanced Highers will be admitted to the Faculty of Science prestigious 'High Flyer' Programme, which allows students to complete an Honours degree in three years and an Integrated Masters degree in four. If you are studying the relevant subjects you may receive a dual offer, specifying grades to direct entry to Year 2 as a High Flyer and also standard Year 1 entry.
Find out more about our High Flyer Programme.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Institute of Physics for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
Course content
Year 1
Experimental Physics
This class is an introduction to working in a laboratory environment. You'll undertake experiments related to the taught components of the first year physics curriculum, learning how to handle experimental uncertainties. In addition to laboratory work, you'll also undertake a group project.
Mechanics, Optics & Waves
We'll provide you with an understanding of motion of simple mechanical systems, gravitation and simple harmonic motion. You'll also learn about the fundamentals of wave propagation and the superposition of waves as well simple optical phenomena such as diffraction.
Quantum Physics & Electromagnetism
This class is designed to introduce you to quantum mechanics and electromagnetism. It highlights experimental observations that resulted in the development of quantum mechanics, such as the photoelectric effect and blackbody radiation. In terms of electromagnetism, you'll cover basic electrostatics such as Gauss's law and magnetostatics.
Year 2
Experimental Physics
This class is an extension of Experimental Physics from year 1. You'll undertake more complex experiments that are related to the taught components of the second year curriculum. You'll will see the statistical origin for experimental uncertainties.
Mechanics, Optics & Waves
This class builds on Mechanics, Optics and Waves from year 1. You'll be introduced to special relativity, the vector treatment of rotational motion and the behaviour of systems when forced to oscillate. To extend your understanding of wave phenomena you'll be introduced to the wave equation, Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction and the operation of lasers.
Quantum Physics & Electromagnetism
This class builds what you learned in year 1. you'll be introduced to the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics and you'll develop a vector model of electromagnetism.
Computational Physics
This class will introduce you to the fundamentals of computer programming and the applications of computer programming, using Matlab, to solve physical problems.
Condensed Matter Physics
You'll be introduced to solid state physics covering topics such as bonding in solids, through to the difference between conductors, insulators and semi-conductors.
Gases & Liquids
Here you'll discover some of the key concepts associated with liquids and gases. You'll cover topics such as ideal and imperfect gases, Maxwellian distributions, hydrostatics and Bernoulli's equation.
Year 3
Experimental Physics
This class extends the laboratory work developed in years 1 and 2. In this class the laboratory work is open ended with so you're able to fully explore the experiments in preparation for the final year project.
Quantum Physics & Electromagnetism
Building on what you learned in year 2, this class will extend your understanding of quantum mechanics by introducing advanced concepts such as time independent perturbation theory and electromagnetism by exploring the wave like nature of electromagnetism as predicted by Maxwell's equations.
Physics Skills
This class will develop your knowledge base and transferable skills in preparation for the project undertaken in years 4 and 5 of the course. It focuses on oral, written and graphical presentations, literature and group-work skills, individual data analysis and interpretation skills, and basic grounding in physics problem solving.
Condensed Matter Physics
Here you'll cover condensed matter physics and be introduced to concepts such as the Fermi surface, superconductors, phonons and other forms of collective excitations.
Statistical Physics
This class covers the fundamentals of thermodynamics through to an introduction to various distributions such as Maxwellian, Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein.
Practical Physics
This class is a reduced version Experimental Physics. It's offered only to students on the BSc Physics with Teaching degree.
Year 4
Physics project
The aim of this class is to help you develop as an enquiring independent physicist by undertaking a project under the supervision of a member of staff of the department.
Physics Skills
This class will further develop your skills as a professional physicist. It'll introduce you to key concepts in the commercialisation of research thereby introducing you to the business world as well as further refining your problem solving skills.
Topics in Physics
Here you'll be introduced to state-of-the-art developments in generation and use of charged particles in various forms such as free electron beams, plasmas and astrophysical plasmas.
Topics in Solid State Physics
Here you'll track the development of key concepts in solid state physics and how these concepts can be exploited to form functional optical and electronic devices.
Topics in Nanoscience
Here you'll be introduced to nanoscience. Specifically, the course will address concepts relating to Nanoparticle production, characterisation and structure before progressing to the physics associated with molecular nanoscience, including intermolecular forces and the techniques used to investigate these forces.
Topics in Photonics
This class provides an introduction to laser physics, laser optics and nonlinear optics as required for the work in many photonic laboratories.
Topics in Computational & Complexity Physics
You'll be introduced to the ideas and concepts associated with complexity physics and to the use of computer simulations to demonstrate these processes.
Topics in Theoretical Physics
The aim of this class is to introduce you to the large scale structure of space-time.
Topics in Quantum Physics
This class provides an introduction to the basic concepts and theoretical ideas of quantum optics.
Topics in Atomic, Molecular & Nuclear Physics
This class aims to give a general overview and understanding of atomic and molecular physics and relate these to practical applications and related fields of study.
Assessment
Assessment methods include exams, continuous assessment, written reports, moderated peer assessment in tutorials and workshops, talks and poster sessions.
Learning & teaching
Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, interactive learning using both personal response systems and web-based teaching resources, directed laboratory work, group-based learning and self-paced project work.
Entry requirements
Minimum grades
Required subjects are indicated following minimum accepted grades.
Highers
Year 1 entry: AABB or ABBBB (Physics B, Maths B)
Advanced Highers
Year 2 entry: Physics and Mathematics AB, in addition to grades as Year 1 above
A Levels
Year 1 entry: BBB
Typical entry requirements: ABB
Year 2 entry: ABB (Physics B, Maths B)
Typical entry requirements: AAA
Please note if you are taking the newly-reformed Physics A Level, we will require you to pass the practical assessment included in the A Level.
International Baccalaureate
32 (Physics HL5, Maths HL5)
HNC/HND
Considered on an individual basis; contact us for advice
Additional information
- deferred entry is accepted
- if you have Higher Physics or Maths at grade C, you will be required to upgrade and achieve a grade A if repeating the Higher, or a grade B at Advanced Higher
- if you have a grade D at first attempt in Higher Physics or Higher Maths, you will not normally receive an offer
- in sixth year it is advisable to take both Advanced Higher Physics and Maths
Widening access
We want to increase opportunities for people from every background. Strathclyde selects our students based on merit, potential and the ability to benefit from the education we offer. We look for more than just your grades. We consider the circumstances of your education and will make lower offers to certain applicants as a result.
Find out if you can benefit from this type of offer.
International students
Find out entry requirements for your country.
Degree preparation course for international students
We offer international students (non EU/UK) who do not meet the entry requirements for an undergraduate degree at Strathclyde the option of completing an Undergraduate Foundation year programme at the International Study Centre. To find out more about these courses and opportunities on offer visit isc.strath.ac.uk or call today on +44 (0) 1273 339333 and discuss your education future.
You can also complete the online application form, or to ask a question please fill in the enquiry form and talk to one of our multi-lingual Student Enrolment Advisers today.
Fees & funding
How much will my course cost?
All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year, unless stated otherwise.
Scotland/EU
Rest of UK
Bachelor degrees at Strathclyde will cost £9,250 a year, but the total amount payable will be capped at £27,750 for students on a four-year Bachelors programme. Students studying on integrated Masters degree programmes – for example MSci, MEng and MPharm – will pay £9,250 for the Masters year.
International
Additional fees
Course materials & costs
At present, the department charges students £5 for lecture notes in PH 151 and PH 152. These notes are supplied by the University printers. Digital copies of notes are published on MyPlace for students to download.
A recommended textbook that comes with an online homework system is priced at £75, and covers both first and second-year material. If students don't wish to buy this text, the department issues the homework in paper copy for students to hand in for marking.
This process is currently under review, as the department are considering moving to an online textbook. This will be priced at £30 and accessed through MyPlace.
Other costs
The department supplies students with lab books (£1) for recording data through years 1-3. First-year students are supplied with USB keys (£10) for the collection of data. Personal response handsets are also available at lectures.
Please note: All fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
How can I fund my studies?
Students from Scotland and the EU
If you're a Scottish or EU student, you may be able to apply to the Student Award Agency Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government. Scottish students may also be eligible for a bursary and loan to help cover living costs while at University.
For more information on funding your studies have a look at our University Funding page.
Students from England, Wales & Northern Ireland
We have a generous package of bursaries on offer for students from England, Northern Ireland and Wales
Careers
Throughout the course, you’ll develop skills that will help you become a successful physicist and maximise your career options.
Our graduates find work anywhere from research and development to production and management in every field of science and industry. Some work as medical physicists and environmental physicists, others as petroleum engineers, patent officers as well as research scientists.
How much will I earn?
Salaries will vary with the career you choose. The average (median) salary of graduates in full-time work is £16,000.
As a Healthcare Scientist on the graduate-entry NHS Scientist Training Programme at Band 6 is £26,041.* This could increase to £80,000 in a management position.
Your salary in other sectors will vary.
Research scientists earn a similar salary with university professors earning between £50-70,000.*
Where are they now?
Recent job titles include:**
- Laser Systems Engineer
- Technical Support
- Test Engineer
- Transport Planner
Recent employers include:
- Atkins
- Cascade Technology
- Coherent Scotland Ltd
- Tutor Doctor
- Virgin Media
*Information is intended only as a guide and based on NHS salary scales.
**Based on the national Destination of Leavers Survey.
