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Physics

Course details
  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 14 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Gilmorehill (Main) Campus

Course summary

Physics is the experimental and theoretical study of matter and energy and their interactions, ranging from the domain of elementary particles, through nuclear and atomic physics, to the physics of solids and, ultimately, to the origins of the universe itself.

Why study this course at the University of Glasgow?

Many of our staff play leading roles in major international research projects, such as the Large Hadron Collider at CERN and the gravitational wave observatory LIGO. This programme has a faster route alternative.

Programme structure

Year 1

You will gain a basic understanding of the core topics in theoretical physics and the methods of experimental physics, and obtain a solid foundation for further study of the subject. Topics include dynamics, wave motion, properties of matter, thermal physics, optics, electricity & magnetism and quantum physics.

Year 2

You will train in more specialised experimental techniques and study the latest developments in modern physics research. Topics include physics of waves, dynamics, physics of solids, thermal physics, electricity & magnetism, nuclear & particle physics, physics of optics and mathematical techniques.

You will also study Mathematics and other optional subjects in years 1 and 2.

Years 3, 4 and 5

If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4) you will continue to study in greater depth core topics spanning all areas of physics and explore a range of specialist topics of your choice. In the final year, you will work on an independent research project embedded in one of the school’s active research groups.

The Physics degree programmes emphasise technological applications such as laser physics, semiconductor physics & devices, modern signal processing technology and magnetic & superconducting materials.

The Theoretical Physics degree focuses on more advanced theoretical topics and will involve specialised computational project work.

There is an opportunity to take an MSci degree, which explores physics topics in greater depth and includes a more extensive individually supervised project working at the cutting edge of international research.

Our international links

You will have the opportunity to study abroad at one of our partner universities as part of your degree. This won’t add any extra time to your studies.

Career prospects

The scientific knowledge and mathematical and analytical skills you acquire will equip you to work across a wide range of industries including aerospace, electronics, semiconductors, petroleum, communications, computing, medical physics, education, commerce and the Civil Service.

Accreditation

These programmes are accredited by the Institute of Physics.

Modules

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Physics, Institute of

How to apply

Apply by
13 January 2027

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:
G28
Campus name:
Gilmorehill (Main) Campus

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2

Open days

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
AAB-BBB

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Scottish Higher

Please refer to the University of Glasgow website for Scottish SQA Higher entry requirements linked here. Once you follow the link, please select your degree programme of interest and refer to the 'Entry Requirements' tab on the individual degree webpage: https://www.gla.ac.uk/undergraduate/degrees/

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

The University welcomes applications from candidates who have sat BTEC National Diploma (Level 3) Qualifications. Please refer to the University of Glasgow website for BTEC entry requirements linked here: https://www.gla.ac.uk/undergraduate/how-to-apply-for-an-undergraduate-degree/entry-requirements/admissions-guidance/#btec

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

Please refer to the University of Glasgow website for International Baccalaureate entry requirements linked here. Once you follow the link, please select your degree programme of interest and refer to the 'Entry Requirements' tab on the individual degree webpage: https://www.gla.ac.uk/undergraduate/degrees/

For the most up to date and detailed entry requirements including any subject-specific requirements, please refer to the University of Glasgow website: www.gla.ac.uk/undergraduate/degrees https://www.gla.ac.uk/undergraduate/degrees/physics/?utm_source=ucas&utm_medium=profile&utm_campaign=mar-cose-ug&utm_content=phys-bsc-entryreq#tab=entry

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.56.5 with no subtests under 6. We accept IELTS One Skill Retake. Tests must have been taken within 2.5 years of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements with a single test.
TOEFL (iBT)9090 overall with Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21. Tests must have been taken within 2.5 years of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements.
PTE Academic5959 with minimum 59 in all subtests. Tests must have been taken within 2.5 years of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Cambridge English Proficiency176 overall, no subtest less than 169. Tests must have been taken within 2.5 year sof start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Cambridge English Advanced176 overall, no subtest less than 169. Tests must have been taken within 2.5 year sof start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. We do recognise that some applicants may already have a good command of English through education and work experience. However, in line with UKVI requirements, we must insist on a satisfactory English language test. You can also meet our English language requirements with qualifications from school. Please note that these are the University’s standard requirements and for some courses these may be higher. Applicants should always check the specific requirements for their chosen course.https://www.gla.ac.uk/international/englishlanguage/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 contextual admissions approach could mean that you may be eligible for adjusted grades. Please review our website for more information on our widening access priorities at www.gla.ac.uk/study/wp.

The entry requirements for a programme will be detailed in your offer. If you meet these conditions, you are guaranteed a place on the programme.

Our programmes may require specific grades in mandatory subjects. Please review our programme pages on our website for more information.

Learn more on the University of Glasgow website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course 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.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

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

Please refer to the fees information listed on our website - https://www.gla.ac.uk/undergraduate/fees/

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