Course contact details
Admissions Office
Email:studywithus@hw.ac.uk
Phone:0131 451 3376
Heriot-Watt University
Riccarton
Edinburgh
EH14 4AS
Physics
- Bachelor of Science (with Honours)
- 3 to 4 years
- Full-Time
- 13 September 2027
- Undergraduate
- Edinburgh Campus
Course summary
The BSc Physics programme consists of 4 years of courses including a final year project in Stage 4.
In Stage 1 students take two mandatory Physics taught courses (B27MW, B27FF) alongside two mandatory service maths courses delivered by MACS (F17XA, F17XB). A new 30-credit all-year experimental lab course (B27LA) replaces a pair of synoptically assessed courses. Students can select from one optional course in each semester, drawn from an established pool offered by Mechanical / Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. This has proven popular at Open Days, as it allows students some flexibility in their initial year of study.
In Stage 2 students take 5 mandatory Physics courses alongside two mandatory service maths courses delivered by MACS (F18XC, F18XD). A new 30-credit all-year lab course (B28LA) incorporating programming, experiments and graduate skills replaces a pair of similar courses from the existing programme. Astrophysics (B28AP) becomes mandatory instead of optional, and a course on Dynamics and Relativity (B28DR) has been redesigned for Level 8 rather than Level 9. A new course on Optics (B28OP) replaces a course on Photonics and Optics. A new course on Mathematical Problem Solving (B28PS) combines key elements from existing courses in these two areas.
In Stage 3 students take 7 mandatory Physics taught courses. A new 30-credit all-year advanced lab course (B29LA) replaces a pair of courses from the previous BSc Physics, with group work formally embedded throughout the year. A pair of existing Physical Mathematics courses (B29CA, B29CB) deliver discipline-specific math content. Following the programme review, four courses cover topics in thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, solid-state physics, and electromagnetism (B29TS (new), B29QM (new), plus existing courses B29SS and B29EM with updated syllabi).
In Stage 4 students take 7 mandatory Physics taught courses, including a 30-credit all-year independent research project (B20PJ). Courses on numerical modelling and advanced problem solving remain from the original programme (B20ND, B20PS) and will be refreshed. Following the programme review, three new courses cover topics in advanced solid-state physics, quantum mechanics and optics & photonics (B20SS, B20QM, B20AO). A new course in Industrial Applications of Physics explores fundamental physics principles applied in industrial settings, and prepares students for transitioning into the workplace (B20IA).
Graduate skills are embedded throughout the programme, including workshops in networking, CV writing, interview practice and completing applications. Communication skills including written, verbal and visual forms are embedded in all stages.
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:
- F380
- Institution code:
- H24
- Campus name:
- Edinburgh Campus
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A levelBBC
including Physics and Maths at BB for entry to Year 1.
For entry to Year 2: BBB including Physics and Maths.
For entry to Year 2: BBB including Physics and Maths.
T Level
We will consider T Levels as suitable for entry to our degree programmes, however, certain subject requirements may be required for entry to specific programmes. Where this is not evident as part of the T Level studies, we may ask for additional qualifications.
UCAS TariffNot accepted
Scottish HNCPass
HNC in a relevant subject (including sufficient Physics and Maths) with A in graded unit for entry to Year 1.
Scottish HNDPass
For entry to Year 1: HND in relevant subject (including sufficient Physics & Maths) with BB in graded units.
For entry to Year 2: HND in relevant subject (including sufficient Physics & Maths) with AA in graded units.
For entry to Year 2: HND in relevant subject (including sufficient Physics & Maths) with AA in graded units.
Scottish HigherAABB
including Physics and Maths, with one at A.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English and Mathematics at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent)
Scottish Advanced HigherAB
in Physics and Maths plus Highers AABB for entry to Year 2.
International Baccalaureate Diploma ProgrammeOffer: 29
with Higher Level Physics and Maths at 5 for entry to Year 1.
For entry to Year 2: 34 points with Higher Level Physics and Maths at 6.
For entry to Year 2: 34 points with Higher Level Physics and Maths at 6.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DMM
in a relevant subject (including sufficient Physics and Maths) for entry to Year 1.
For entry to Year 2: DDD in a relevant subject (including sufficient Physics and Maths).
For entry to Year 2: DDD in a relevant subject (including sufficient Physics and Maths).
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6)P
We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.
We accept a wide range of other qualifications from the UK, Europe and International countries. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further information on the entry requirements for these.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A level BCC
including Physics and Maths at BB for entry to Year 1.
For entry to Year 2: BBB including Physics and Maths.
For entry to Year 2: BBB including Physics and Maths.
Scottish HNC Pass
HNC in a relevant subject (including sufficient Physics and Maths) with A in graded unit for entry to Year 1.
Scottish HND Pass
For entry to Year 1: HND in relevant subject (including sufficient Physics & Maths) with BB in graded units.
For entry to Year 2: HND in relevant subject (including sufficient Physics & Maths) with AA in graded units.
For entry to Year 2: HND in relevant subject (including sufficient Physics & Maths) with AA in graded units.
Scottish Higher BBBC
including Physics and Maths, with one at A.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) MMM
in a relevant subject (including sufficient Physics and Maths) for entry to Year 1.
For entry to Year 2: DDD in a relevant subject (including sufficient Physics and Maths).
For entry to Year 2: DDD in a relevant subject (including sufficient Physics and Maths).
English language requirements
Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not previously been educated in English must provide evidence of their English language ability to ensure they can cope with the demands of a Heriot-Watt programme taught and assessed in English. Further information about the English language tests, school-level qualifications and Heriot-Watt English language programmes currently accepted as proof of English proficiency can be found on our website.https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/how-to-apply/entry-requirements/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.
We realise that not everyone has an equal opportunity to evidence their full potential from school or college qualifications alone, so we use all the information you provide on your application form to assess both your current achievements and potential to thrive at university. Our minimum entry levels apply to MD20, POLAR 4 Q1 and care experienced students. Students from other widening access backgrounds may get an adjusted offer which is slightly lower than our standard entry requirements.
International entry requirements
We accept a wide range of qualifications from the UK, Europe, and countries worldwide. If your qualification is not listed on https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/international-students/study-in-the-uk/information-for-your-country, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further information about entry requirements.
Some qualifications may be suitable for direct entry to Year 2, allowing you to complete your degree in three years. If your qualifications are not suitable for direct entry to one of our undergraduate programmes, we may be able to offer you a place on one of our Foundation programmes.
As an international student, you are likely to require a Student Visa to study in the UK. Please see the FAQ section on our website at https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/how-to-apply/international-students for further information about the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) process required for a Student Visa application. https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/international-students/study-in-the-uk/information-for-your-country
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 Heriot-Watt University - we are working with them to try and make it available soon - learn more.
Historical entry grades report
This report uses your grades to show how students with similar results have done when applying to this course in the past. Sometimes, there isn’t data for every possible set of grades. When that happens, universities and colleges occasionally fill in the gaps for sets of grades that are typically accepted.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Per year tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland | £9790 | |
| Scotland | £1820 | |
| EU & International | £25808 |
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
Subject to confirmation
Related courses
At Heriot-Watt University
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