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BSc Hons Physics with Teaching

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Join us at our Department of Physics Undergraduate Open Evening on 8 October.

Key facts

  • UCAS Code: F3XC
  • Placement: school experience in Year 4

  • Study abroad: opportunities to study abroad

Study with us

Our 4-year BSc Physics with Teaching programme allows you to explore your own interests in physics while training you to share them with others.

This vocational programme combines the core of physics content and skills with a teaching qualification to allow you to step straight into a fulfilling career in education. 

  • core of physics taught by enthusiastic world-leading researchers within a friendly and supportive environment
  • integrated maths curriculum; taught by physicists for physicists
  • build proficiency in theoretical, experimental and computational physics
  • develop your practical skills in our recently refurbished accessible experimental laboratories
  • cover the curriculum and classroom experience required for General Teaching Council for Scotland recognition in Year 4  
  • become eligible to enter the paid probationary year in teaching

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Why this course?

If you're naturally curious and want to communicate that curiosity to support the next generation of physics students, this course will prepare you to teach in classrooms across Scotland.

This four-year degree is delivered by the Department of Physics in conjunction with the Strathclyde Institute of Education. It's been created to provide graduates with a strong technical background and a teaching qualification, helping to reduce the national shortage of physics teachers.

Our physics curriculum is influenced and delivered by our world-leading academics who bring their passion for cutting-edge science to all aspects of their teaching. From lectures and workshops, to state-of-the art laboratories and computer classes, you'll find a challenging and engaging portfolio of activities to dive into.

From the very start of our degree, you'll focus on developing your understanding of the fascinating world of classical and modern physics.

As you explore the key concepts in physics, our tailored mathematics modules will equip you with the essential tools to support and strengthen your problem-solving skills.

These are complemented by hands-on computational and experimental labs, offering a well-rounded, practical approach to tackling real-world challenges.

You'll also take part in communication classes designed to help you express your ideas clearly and confidently preparing you for life beyond university.

Our sunlit (and completely dark!) experimental laboratories have recently undergone a multimillion-pound refurbishment. Here you'll develop your practical skills using industry-grade equipment.

Your analytical and data interpretation skills and problem-solving ability will continue to expand through the years alongside courses in communication.

In Year 4, you'll join the Strathclyde Institute of Education for modules designed to train you to plan and deliver engaging physics lessons. You'll also complete placements in local schools to develop your skills as a classroom practitioner.

THE Awards 2019: UK University of the Year Winner

What you'll study

Year 1

Department of Physics staff will deliver the foundations of physics, mathematics and problem solving to establish a strong base for future learning.

We start with essential mechanics, waves and fundamental electromagnetism and quantum physics all supported by a bespoke mathematics course. You’ll be introduced to the programming language Python and practical work in the teaching laboratory will give you the basic skills you need to complete and report on your first mini project.

You'll also develop personal and professional skills through a through a mini team project and begin to interact with the careers service.

Year 2

In Year 2, we support you to create a foundation for complex concepts and build on the previous year’s topics.

The bespoke mathematics course, delivered by physicists, continues to help you tackle problems and apply concepts across mechanics, waves, electromagnetism and quantum physics.

You’ll start developing computational physics models in Python and the practical course will extend your ability to use a variety of equipment and enhance your experimental skills.

Modules and team assignments will further develop your communication, negotiation and leadership skills.  

Year 3

Extending the concepts from Years 1 and 2, you’ll start to relate the physics of mechanics, waves, electromagnetism and quantum physics to the intricacies of the quantum realm, thermodynamics and solid-state physics.

You'll apply your problem-solving skills to more sophisticated theoretical, computational and experimental challenges and get to choose optional modules to extend your knowledge in these areas.

Dedicated activities will support you to communicate challenging ideas to non-specialists and prepare you for Year 4 and future careers.

Year 4

In Year 4 you'll move from the Department of Physics and take classes that develop your understanding of teaching and learning.

Alongside these classes, a major part of Year 4 is a school placement in Scottish secondary schools. There are 18 weeks of placement in total with one placement in each semester of the programme.

Placement one operates on a model of solo teaching, team teaching and observation of your colleagues within the Physics or science department in which you are based. This progression is designed to support you in developing your confidence at this early stage of your teaching journey.

The second placement is longer with greater expectations on you in terms of planning for greater periods of responsibility, becoming an active member in your science department and gaining the confidence to get involved in the wider life of the school. The aim here is to see you become a rounded practitioner ready for your own classroom.

Placement is your chance to put what you are learning into practice, and you will be encouraged to explore your own teaching style, learn new techniques and develop relationships with your pupils. You'll be assessed during placements and school and University staff will assist your professional development in ways that should help you meet the 'Standard for Provisional Registration' set by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS).

Successful completion of the course will see home students enter a guaranteed probationary year (with a £33,594 salary*) in a Scottish local authority school where you will be supported further with mentoring and a reduced timetable in your first year.

*accurate as of 25 August 2025

Physics with Teaching student Sam Templeton smiles at the camera while working at a computer in a physics laboratory
I looked at lots of different options and decided pretty quickly that, although I wanted a degree in physics, I didn’t want to work in a lab or research. I've always enjoyed sharing my knowledge with others so teaching is a career that has always appealed to me. Completing a degree with a PGDE allows me to go straight into the classroom after graduation.
Sam Templeton

Chat to a student ambassador

Want to know more about what it’s like to be a Science student at the University of Strathclyde? A selection of our current students are here to help!

Our Unibuddy ambassadors can answer all your questions about courses and studying at Strathclyde and offer insight into their experiences of life in Glasgow and Scotland.

Chat to a student ambassador
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Course content

Experimental Physics (20 credits)

This module is an introduction to working in a laboratory environment. You'll learn how to design and undertake simple experiments related to the taught components of the first-year physics curriculum. By the end of the course you will be able to write a formal report, perform simple uncertainty analysis, make dimensional analysis of physical systems, and perform simple data analysis with Python

Mechanics & Waves (20 credits)

This module will 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 (20 credits)

This module 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 and magnetostatics and develop an understanding of Maxwell’s equations and the Lorentz force law.

Mathematics (40 credits)

We will introduce you to the mathematics necessary to support the physics curriculum. The modules will cover topics ranging from differentiation and integration, complex numbers, an introduction to linear algebra and vectors. You will learn how to apply your mathematical knowledge to related problems in physics.

Computational & Physics Skills (20 credits)

This module will introduce you to the Python programming language and you will start to use Python to write simple programmes to model physical systems. You will also develop your study and communication skills, and interact with the careers service to develop your employability skills. This module will involve a group project.

Experimental Physics (20 credits)

This module 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 see the statistical origin for experimental uncertainties.

Mechanics, Optics & Waves (20 credits)

This module builds on Mechanics 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, interference, geometrical optics, and the operation of lasers.

Quantum Physics & Electromagnetism (20 credits)

This module builds on the material you learned in year 1. You'll be introduced to the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics, including wave particle duality and Heisenberg uncertainty principle. You'll learn about AC theory, covering inductors, capacitors and transmission lines. You’ll extend your knowledge of Maxwell’s equations to develop a vector model of electromagnetism and the theory of the plane electromagnetic wave in vacuum.

Mathematics (40 credits)

The topics covered in these modules will extend the mathematics seen in first year. You will cover many different topics including probability distributions, ordinary and partial differential equations, Fourier series and transforms, linear algebra, and complex variables. You will learn how to solve problems relating to the topics covered in your physics modules and build appropriate physical models.

Computational & Physics Skills (20 credits)

In this module you will build on the Python programming seen in year 1 and be introduced to a range of computational techniques that will make modelling and solving physical system straightforward. Again there will be a group project which will be used to enhance your skills and there will be further interactions with the Careers Service to enhance your employability skills.

Quantum Physics & Electromagnetism (20 credits)

Building on what you learned in year 2, this module will extend your understanding of quantum mechanics. We'll introduce operators, expectation values and commutation relationships, and advanced concepts like time independent perturbation theory. In electromagnetism you will exploring the wave like nature of electromagnetism as predicted by Maxwell's equations, Poynting’s theorem, reflection and transmission at a dielectric interface, potentials and gauge transformations, and retarded potentials.

Condensed Matter Physics (20 credits)

Here you'll cover binding forces in solids, bulk material properties, phonons and other forms of collective excitations, crystal structure, elementary concepts of band structure, semi-conductors, magnetic materials and the origins of magnetism, and superconductors.

Gases, Liquids & Thermodynamics (20 credits)

This module covers the physics of gases and liquids and the fundamentals of thermodynamics. This includes the ideal gas law, hydrostatics, isothermal and adiabatic processes, and the laws of thermodynamics. We also present the basic principles of statistical mechanics, and various distributions such as Maxwellian, Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein.

Experimental Physics I (20 credits)

This module involves experiments covering a range of topics relevant to the Physics undergraduate syllabus in Year 3.

The laboratory work is open ended and less structured so you can demonstrate the skills you’ve developed in Year 1 and Year 2 in preparation for the final year project.

You'll develop advanced measurement, data recording and analysis skills and refine your ability to explain what your findings mean.

Optional modules

Experimental Physics II (20 credits)

This module extends the laboratory work in Experimental Physics I. The problems set are open-ended giving you time to further develop exploratory skills, initiative and evaluate different experimental approaches.

You'll apply advanced measurement, data recording and analysis skills and report the experimental outcomes in the form of a journal paper.

Computational & Mathematical Physics (20 credits)

This module focuses on introducing new techniques in mathematical physics and the best practises in software development.

You'll develop problem-solving skills through a series of challenging tutorial problems. Addressing these advanced problems will help you gain an appreciation for how advanced mathematical techniques can be used in solving challenging physics problems and become proficient in applying the techniques learned to solve more advanced and previously unseen problems.

In computer classes, you’ll become familiar with the numerical methods that are most commonly used to solve physical problems including linear algebra, partial, ordinary and stochastic differential equations, and Fourier methods.

Education Studies: Professional Values (20 credits)

In this module, you'll explore the theoretical underpinnings of education. You'll be encouraged to engage with issues of the nature and the purpose of education, social justice and equality, and practice and policy in relation to ethical and political ideas. Throughout this module, we aim to disrupt and expand your thinking about education. You'll be asked to reflect on your values and beliefs in relation to a range of educational questions and issues and you will be presented with questions designed to challenge and refine your current thinking.

The module will give you opportunities to consider how theoretical underpinnings relate to the classroom; how your developing understanding translates into the education context; and how your own values and beliefs interact with your developing professional identity. Human Rights and Learning for Sustainability together form the basic architecture of this module.

Professional Learning Through Enquiry (20 credits)

This module aims to develop students as enquiring self-reflective practitioners who are able to work collaboratively to develop skills, knowledge and expertise in an area of professional practice. Students will be supported to develop as autonomous, transformative leaders of change. Across the globe there is a growing call for education systems to be responsive to the increasingly dynamic, complex and fast-changing nature of society. Through this module, students will develop the skills and expertise necessary to respond to the changing circumstances of the learning communities they encounter.

Professional Skills (80 credits)

  • Curriculum and Pedagogy
  • Professional Practice

Taught both on campus and in schools, this module will enable you to become an effective teacher through learning pedagogical theory, observing experienced teachers and applying your knowledge and understanding in the practical context.

Professional Skills: Curriculum and Pedagogy Physics 1 (40 credits)

The class will provide active and collaborative opportunities for students to explore how to plan discrete, integrated, and interdisciplinary curricular learning with a particular focus on the teaching of physics and general science.

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.

Assessment

Assessment methods include exams, continuous assessment, written reports, moderated peer assessment in tutorials and workshops, talks and poster sessions. You’ll undertake in-school training through placements during year 4 of the course.

Science at Strathclyde

Take a tour of our Physics Undergraduate teaching labs on YouTube and get a flavour of what it’s like to study with us.

Take me to YouTube!
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Entry requirements

Required subjects are shown in brackets.

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Highers

Standard entry requirements*:

AABB/ ABBBB

(Physics B, Mathematics B, English C)

Minimum entry requirements**:

BBBB

(Physics B, Mathematics B, English C)

A Levels

Standard entry requirements:

BBB

(Physics B, Mathematics B, GCSE English Language 4/C and Literature 4/C)

International Baccalaureate

Standard entry requirements*:

Year 1 entry: 30
(Physics HL5, Mathematics HL5, English SL6)

Year 2 entry: 32
(Physics HL6, Mathematics HL6, English SL6)

HNC/HND

Considered on an individual basis; please contact us for advice.

International students

International students should apply to our BSc Hons Physics with Teaching (International).

Deferred entry

Accepted

Additional Information

  • for Scottish students who continue into Sixth year, it's advisable to take both Advanced Higher Physics and Advanced Higher Mathematics to be better prepared for your course
  • students are required to register with the Scottish Government’s Protecting Vulnerable Groups scheme (PVG) before they start year 4 of the programme
  • please note that applicants who are made an offer of study will be required to attend and pass an interview

*Standard entry requirements

Offers are made in accordance with specified entry requirements although admission to undergraduate programmes is considered on a competitive basis and entry requirements stated are normally the minimum level required for entry.

Whilst offers are made primarily on the basis of an applicant meeting or exceeding the stated entry criteria, admission to the University is granted on the basis of merit, and the potential to succeed. As such, a range of information is considered in determining suitability.

In exceptional cases, where an applicant does not meet the competitive entry standard, evidence may be sought in the personal statement or reference to account for performance which was affected by exceptional circumstances, and which in the view of the judgement of the selector would give confidence that the applicant is capable of completing the programme of study successfully.

**Minimum entry requirements

Find out if you can benefit from this type of offer.

Contextual Admissions for 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.

University preparation programme for international students

We offer international students (non-UK/Ireland) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for an undergraduate degree at Strathclyde the option of completing an Undergraduate Foundation Programme in Business and Social Sciences at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre. ​

Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Strathclyde.

Kimberly Nicholson, Physics with Teaching student
I enjoy the wide range of modules that Strathclyde provides, from all the theoretical subjects to computational and experimental physics. Strathclyde gives you a taste of a wide range of subjects and allowing you to specialise in an area in your final years.
Kimberly Nicholson

Pop Physics!

Our students work with the Institute of Physics to carry out experiments demonstrating some of the core principles of physics and how they relate to our lives and the world around us.

Take a look at the videos on YouTube to learn more about physics!

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Fees & funding

All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.

Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.

All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.

Annual revision of fees

Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that the majority of fees will increase annually. The University will take a range of factors into account, including, but not limited to, UK inflation, changes in delivery costs and changes in Scottish and/or UK Government funding. Changes in fees will be published on the University website in October each year for the following year of study and any annual increase will be capped at a maximum of 10% per year.

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Scotland

£1,820

Scottish undergraduate students undertaking an exchange for a semester/year will continue to pay their normal tuition fees at Strathclyde and will not be charged fees by the overseas institution.

England, Wales & Northern Ireland

£9,535

Republic of Ireland

If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status. For more information and advice on tuition fee status, you can visit the UKCISA - International student advice and guidance - Scotland: fee status webpage. Find out more about the University of Strathclyde's fee assessments process.

International

£27,800

University preparation programme fees

International students can find out more about the costs and payments of studying a university preparation programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre.

Available scholarships

Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities.

Additional costs

Placements: travel to placement schools: costs vary depending on distance to school. Students using their own transport may incur additional insurance costs.

PVG scheme (Protection of Vulnerable Groups): Third-year teaching students will need to pay for the full price of a PVG membership scheme (£59).

Course materials & costs:  At present, the department provides free access to the recommended textbook for first year Physics. All core module material is available on MyPlace for students to download.

Visa & immigration: International students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information.

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?

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Students from Scotland

Fees for students who meet the relevant residence requirements in Scotland, 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.

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Students from England, Wales & Northern Ireland

We have a generous package of bursaries on offer for students from England, Northern Ireland and Wales:

You don’t need to make a separate application for these. When your place is confirmed at Strathclyde, we’ll assess your eligibility. Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities.

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International Students

We have a number of scholarships available to international students. Take a look at our scholarship search to find out more.

Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city

Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.

Life in Glasgow
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Careers

Future employment

Students from Scotland, other parts of the UK and the Republic of Ireland, who are studying at a Scottish Higher Education Institution are eligible to join the Teacher Induction Scheme (TIS). This provides a guaranteed 1-year training post in a local authority to every eligible student graduating with a teaching qualification from one of Scotland’s Higher Education Institutions. Find out more about the Teacher Induction Scheme.

How much will I earn?

From 1 January 2024, the starting annual salary for a probationer teacher in Scotland is £32,217. After your probationary year, your salary will increase to £38,655 and then increment each year up to £48,516. A principal teacher can earn from £52,896 to £68,265 while a headteacher can earn from £59,994 to £110,808.

If you teach in a remote school or on certain islands you may receive an additional allowance.

Visit Teach Scotland website for more information.

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Apply

International students should apply to BSc Physics with Teaching (International)

Start date:

Physics with Teaching (1 year entry)

Start date:

Physics with Teaching (2 year entry)

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