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Physics
BSc (Hons) · 4 Years · Sandwich · 08/09/2025 · UndergraduatePaisley Campus
Course summary
OVERVIEW
Satisfy your curiosity and boost your employability with UWS’s BSc (Hons) Physics programme.
Throughout your studies you will cover the core concepts in physics, including:
• Classical Mechanics
• Thermodynamics
• Electromagnetism
• Optics
• Quantum mechanics
• Atomic, nuclear and particle physics
• Statistical Physics
• Solid State Physics
You will also develop laboratory skills and problem-solving experience which will prepare you for a successful career in industry or research.
PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS
• Modules are delivered by staff carrying out research at the forefront of their fields.
• You will carry out a fourth-year project integrated within one of our research groups.
• You will get the chance to develop your practical skills through research placements.
• Physics graduates are in demand in many different sectors – including medicine, finance, research and more.
• Our Physics BSc (Hons) programme is accredited by the Institute of Physics, which allows you to register as a Chartered Physicist following graduation.
PROGRAMME DETAILS
Our Physics BSc (Hons) is taught on our Paisley Campus, which has modern classrooms, state-of-the-art teaching facilities, and well-equipped laboratories
that will help you learn the relevant theoretical principles and practical skills.
In Years 3 and 4 of study, some of your practical work will be carried out within our research laboratories.
CAREERS
There is high demand for physics graduates in industries including microelectronic telecommunications, optics, energy, teaching and research.
UWS Physics BSc (Hons) graduates have gone on to secure employment with major companies, including:
• Novosound
• Gas Sensing Solutions
• BAE Systems
• Fujitsu
• Motorola
• Nikon
Modules
Year 1
Five core modules include physics and mathematics. One optional module can be chosen from a range of science, engineering or computing-related modules. The physics modules are taught at the same level as the Scottish Advanced Higher syllabus. Aspects of atomic physics and thermodynamics are also taught.
Year 2
You will branch out to other areas including classical mechanics, optics, electronics, properties of matter, modern physics, and mathematical methods for physicists. Practical and professional skills are also developed.
Year 3
Core modules include electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics, thermodynamics and statistical physics, advanced mathematical methods for physicists. Optional modules can be chosen from advanced optics, imaging and nuclear medicine, numerical analysis, abstract algebra.
Optional 12-month industrial placement
This is an optional year spent in industry or a relevant scientific research laboratory.
Year 4
Subjects are more advanced developments of those undertaken in Year 3, with additional topics including solid state physics, advanced nuclear and particle physics, surface analysis and detectors, partial differential equations, selected topics in theoretical physics, and applications of nuclear physics.
You will undertake a research dissertation where your knowledge can be applied to an extended project.
Assessment method
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and workshops.
You will also have the opportunity to take part in group work and independent learning to develop your transferable skills such as research, presentation, communication and working as part of a team.
This degree is assessed using a variety of assessment methods including:
• Written examinations
• Coursework
• Practical assessment
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Physics, Institute of
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
Apply by
29 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- F300
- Institution code:
- U40
- Campus name:
- Paisley Campus
- Campus Code:
- P
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
- Year 4
Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)
Year 2 Entry:
Scottish Advanced Highers: CCD including Maths and Physics
A Levels: BBC including Maths and Physics
T Level: Full T Level with Grade M (120 Tariff points) in relevant subject
International Baccalaureate: 28 points including Maths and Physics
SQA HNC/BTEC Level 4 HNC: Physics; Applied Science
BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM
Scottish Baccalaureate in Science, subject to review by programme leader
Year 3 Entry:
SQA HND/BTEC Level 5 HND: Physics; Applied Sciences
International applicants
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. These are shown below.
Entry requirements
Standard Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 90 points
Including Maths and Physics.
A level - CCD
Including Maths and Physics.
Entry to Year 2 with A Levels in BBC including Maths and Physics
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM
in relevant subject
Scottish Higher - BCCC
Including Maths/Applications of Maths and Physics, OR BBBC including Maths at B and National 5 Physics at B.
Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) - DDM
For Year 2 entry
Scottish Advanced Higher - CCD
For entry to Year 2, including Maths and Physics
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 24 points
Must include Maths and Physics.
For year 2 entry, 28 points including Maths and Physics
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H3, H3, H3, H4
Including Maths and Physics.
Scottish HNC - Pass
Entry to Year 2 with a HNC in either Physics or Applied Sciences.
Scottish HND - Pass
Entry to Year 3 with a HND in either Physics or Applied Sciences.
T Level - Pass (C and above)
in relevant subject
For Year 2 entry, Grade M required in relevant subject
Entry to Year 1 with SWAP (BBB) in Access to Specialised Programme or Access to STEM
Scottish Baccalaureate in Science can also be considered for year 2 entry, subject to review by programme leader
Minimum Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - 63 points
including Maths and Physics
A level - CCD
Including Maths and Physics
Scottish Higher - CCC
including Maths/Applications of Maths and Physics, OR Higher Maths at B and National 5 Physics at B
Alternative Minimum Entry Requirements: CC (42 UCAS Tariff points), including Maths/Applications of Maths and Physics, OR Higher Maths at B and National 5 Physics at B, PLUS successful completion of one of the following:
UWS Foundation Academy
Foundation Apprenticeship
UWS Next Steps to University module
Top-Up
LEAPS
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 24 points
Including Maths and Physics.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H3, H3, H3, H4
Including Maths and Physics.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 minimum in each skill / component. |
| Cambridge English Advanced | 176 overall with no sub-test less than 169 | |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | 176 overall with no sub-test less than 169 | |
| Trinity ISE | Pass | ISEII with the minimum of a Pass in all sub-tests |
| PTE Academic | 54 | An overall score of 54 with no element below 51 |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 78 | no sub-test less than: Reading: 17; Listening: 17; Speaking: 17; Writing: 17 |
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. The reason for this is that it’s essential that you are able to read, speak and understand the English language to get the most out of your time at UWS.
All international applicants are required to meet minimum English language standards, with the exception of:
// Native speakers of English
// Erasmus students (unless advised otherwise)
// non-Erasmus students from EU partner institutions (your institution must provide confirmation of your English language ability in the absence of a formal qualification)
The qualifications above must have been gained within two years prior to the start of your course at UWS.
UWS's English language requirements https://www.uws.ac.uk/international/english-language-requirements/
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
Our Minimum Entry Requirements are applicable to those applicants who have not had an equal opportunity to demonstrate their academic ability at school or college and are known as ‘widening access’ applicants. We also sometimes refer to this type of applicant as receiving a ‘contextual’ offer. For more information, please visit our website using the link below.
Learn more on the University of the West of Scotland website
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Scotland | £1820* | Year 1 |
| England | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| EU | £18000* | Year 1 |
| International | £18000* | Year 1 |
* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
TUITION FEE INFORMATION - SCOTTISH STUDENTS:
Eligible Scottish domiciled students can usually apply to have their tuition fees paid for them each year of their studies by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). If you're not sure about your eligibility, you should contact SAAS. You need to apply to SAAS each year of study to have your tuition fees paid directly to UWS.
TUITION FEE INFORMATION - UK, IRISH & GIBRALTARIAN STUDENTS:
Eligible students who are domiciled in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland as well as from the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, Gibraltar or the Republic of Ireland will qualify for tuition fees of £9,250 per academic session of study to a maximum of three years if you are studying on a four year bachelor degree course (eg. BAcc (Hons) / BA (Hons) / BEng (Hons) / BSc (Hons)). So, if your degree is four years' duration, you will only be charged tuition fees for three years. Similarly, if you are studying a five year integrated master's degree course (eg. MEng (Hons)) the you will only be charged tuition fees for four years.
TUITION FEE INFORMATION - INTERNATIONAL (NON-EU) & EU STUDENTS:
These tuition fees apply to all non-EU, EEA, and all other EU students (excluding those from Republic of Ireland and Gibraltar, whose fee level is as per UK (non-Scottish) students - see section above for more details).
ADDITIONAL COSTS:
The cost of attending university is an investment in your future career.
In addition to tuition fees and living expenses, some courses involve extra costs such as consumable study materials, field trips, equipment and uniforms. You may also want to purchase some core texts and technology such as a new laptop etc. Some of these additional costs are optional, some, such as uniforms or safety equipment may be mandatory.
Check the course entry on our website for more more information.
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