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Physics with Philosophy

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

Course summary

Physics at Aberdeen offers understanding of physics applied to other areas of science. You can study this in combination with Philosophy.

Physics at Aberdeen offers a thoughtful balance between understanding basic principles of physics and showing how physics can be applied to other areas of science.

The fascination with how the world works used to be called “Natural philosophy” and there was little distinction between a physicist and philosopher. If you want to explore the big questions of “life, the universe and everything” understanding how the universe works, but also thinking about the philosophical ramifications of these great theories - this could be the degree for you, consisting of a 75% component of physics and a 25% component of philosophy.

We are ranked 6th in the UK for Physics - The Guardian University Guide 2024

Modules

Course Modules

View all modules on the programme page to find out more about what you will be studying and when. University of Aberdeen modules are designed to give you breadth and depth to your degree. The range of modules you study will allow you to become proficient in all subjects which are directly relevant to your degree giving you greater career options.

Assessment method

The use of various forms of assessment and learning environments facilitates the development of generic transferable skills enhancing student employability.

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods: coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course; practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and written examinations at the end of each course. The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

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:
F3V5
Institution code:
A20
Campus name:
Main Site

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
BBC

A minimum of 3 A Levels at BBC - to include Mathematics and Physics.
To be considered for entry into Second Year, a minimum of 3 A Levels at ABB, with AB from 2 science or maths subjects (including the subject(s) nominated for Honours - an A in the subject for Single Honours or AB in the subjects for Joint Honours).

Also required: GCSE at C or above in English or English Language.

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Scottish Higher
BBBB

Applicants who have achieved BBBB or better (to include Mathematics and Physics), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required. Must achieve at least BB from two science or mathematics subjects. C at Advanced Higher may substitute for B at Higher.

Also required: National 5 in English.

Scottish Advanced Higher
ABB

For Second Year entry a minimum of 3 AH at ABB, a minimum of two must be Science or Maths subjects (including the subject(s) nominated for Honours).

Also required: National 5 in English.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 32

A minimum of 32 points, with a minimum of 5 points at HL required from 2 Science or Maths subjects.
For Second Year entry: a minimum of 34 points with a minimum of 6 at HL in the subject(s) nominated for Honours.
A minimum of Standard Level English also required.

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

A minimum of DMM with the main subjects being Science or Maths.
Also required: GCSE at C or above in English or English Language.

Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6)
Pass

Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H3H3H3H3H3

Five subjects at Higher at H3, to include Mathematics and Physics. O in English or in English Language also required for entry.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6Overall - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 5.5 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted.
TOEFL (iBT)78TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition (online) - DI code is 0818: Overall 78 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 18 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above.
PTE Academic59Overall - 59 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online Test is not accepted.
Trinity ISEPassPass overall at ISE II with a distinction in writing and merit in the other three skills.
Institution's Own TestAcademic English Pre-sessional Programmes - Pass (valid for one year) OR Academic English Preparation Programme - Pass at Level Four (valid for one year)
Cambridge English AdvancedCOverall - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing -169.
Cambridge English ProficiencyCOverall - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing -169.

To study for an undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, or through a recognised English language test. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your degree programme, unless otherwise stated.https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/undergraduate-degrees-english-requirements-268.php

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.

We are keen to encourage students from the widest possible range of backgrounds to participate in University studies, and we appreciate that not all students have the same opportunity to meet our advertised entry requirements.

For this reason we take contextualised information into account when making decisions on the applications we have received. Decisions are made in line with the University's Contexualised Admissions Policy.

Learn more on the University of Aberdeen 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 available

Historical entry grades data is not currently available for University of Aberdeen - we are working with them to try and make it available soon - 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

Fee information is not yet published for entry in Academic Year 2027/2028. For guidance, the fees on the website are for 2026/27.

Sponsorship information

RUK and Ireland Entrance Scholarship

The University of Aberdeen is committed to attracting the brightest students, regardless of financial circumstances. To support this commitment, we are delighted to offer an entrance scholarship for undergraduate students joining us from England, Northern Ireland, Wales, the Republic of Ireland, the Channel Islands and Isle of Man in September 2027. This scholarship is designed to provide meaningful support, helping students manage the cost of living and settle into life at university.

Please note, this scholarship is only available for Aberdeen campus-based students in their first year of entry to undergraduate study.

Eligible students will automatically receive:

  • A £2,000 discount towards University accommodation.
  • A £50 weekly catering card allowance to use in university outlets for 27 weeks of teaching and exams.

This support helps make student life in Aberdeen more affordable, while giving you access to high-quality university accommodation and on-campus dining.

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/funding/411

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