Physics at Aberdeen takes you on a fascinating journey of understanding through every level of the physical world, from quarks, atoms and molecules to solar systems, galaxies and the universe. We will explore questions as vast as how the universe has evolved into its present state and cover topics such as the quantum nature of reality and other fascinating topics like thermodynamics and entropy.
We are ranked 6th in the UK for Physics - The Guardian University Guide 2024.
We offer a stimulating environment for learning, with small class sizes and friendly staff that you will truly get to know well as you study here. Our overall aim is to build a solid foundation of physics knowledge and use that to teach you how to think differently about the world and learn the widely applicable problem-solving skills of a physicist.
Here, you will be taught by experts in both experimental and theoretical areas of physics. Our highly research-active staff's work also interfaces strongly with other disciplines, so you will learn how to apply your physics skills and knowledge to understanding problems in multiple fields, including the environment, the economy and medicine.
We have laboratory physics available at all four years of the degree, with a solid introduction to the skills required for experimental physics in our first-year labs, leading to ever more complex experiments and more freedom to pursue your own interests in the second and third year.
In fourth year, you may choose to undertake an experimental physics project - this year, this has included designing an in-vitro chip for studying heart disease, or constructing an optical tweezers.
Thanks to our connections with other disciplines we have offered other fourth year projects in medical physics, including MRI, and solid state chemistry and the study of anti-matter. We also have extremely strong expertise in computational modelling, and have projects modelling topics as diverse as patient flow through a hospital, the effects of chaos on network communications and the spread of disease.
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.
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.
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
The following entry points are available for this course:
For entry to Year 2:
Satisfactory completion of HNC Applied Sciences (120 SCQF credit points). B in Graded Unit.
Curriculum to include: Mathematics for Science 1 (H8XP 33), Mathematics for Science 2 (H8XR 34), Physics for Life Sciences (H93F 34), Physics Principles: Heat and Thermodynamics (H93G 34), Physics Principles: Mechanics (H93H 34), Electricity and Magnetism (H93L 34), and Physics: Light and Optics (H93J 35).
For entry to Year 3:
Satisfactory completion of HND Applied Sciences (240 SCQF credit points). B in Graded Unit 1 and A in Graded Unit 2.
Curriculum to include: Statistics for Science 1 (H8XT 33), Physics 2 (H93E 35), Electronics (H93M 35) or Maxwell’s Equations (J7XD 35), Relativity and Quantum mechanics (J676 35/H93K 35), Dynamical Phenomena (J4C0 35), Linear Algebra 1 (J81W 34/J2RB 34), Linear Algebra 2 (J5WF 35/J2RC 35), Programming Foundations (H17X 34) or equivalent.
In addition to tuition fees, students will require money to cover their living costs including accommodation, food, books, entertainment, clothing, phone bills, local travel, and laundry. These expenses will vary depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. In keeping with UKVI rules, we recommend that student’s budget at least the minimum maintenance amount as stated by the UKVI per month, to cover their living costs and you have to evidence 9 months’ worth of maintenance when applying for your visa. You also have to pay the NHS health surcharge per each year of study, when applying for a visa.
When you apply for your Student Visa, you will be required to evidence these funds in your personal bank account (or a parent’s personal bank account (NOT a Business Account). Therefore, you will have to evidence your 1st years tuition fees (minus the International Scholarship for self-paying students) and the maintenance amount. These funds have to have been in your account for a minimum of 28-consecutive days immediately prior to applying for your visa. If the amount in your account drops below the required amount, the 28-day period starts over.
International students who will be studying for more than 6 months are permitted to work for 20 hours per week during term-time, though this may be increased during the holiday periods. Please note this must not be relied upon as a means to fund your studies, as you have to evidence your funding when applying for your Student Visa.
Discover what it's like to study Physics at University of Aberdeen: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | Overall - 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) | 78 | TOEFL 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 Academic | 59 | Overall - 59 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online Test is not accepted. |
| Trinity ISE | Pass | Pass overall at ISE II with a distinction in writing and merit in the other three skills. |
| Institution's Own Test | Academic English Pre-sessional Programmes - Pass (valid for one year) OR Academic English Preparation Programme - Pass at Level Four (valid for one year) | |
| Cambridge English Advanced | C | Overall - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing -169. |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | C | Overall - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing -169. |
Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/undergraduate-degrees-english-requirements-268.php
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.
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.
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.
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Republic of Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| International | £24800 | Year 1 |
| England | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9790 | Year 1 |
| EU | £24800 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £1820 | Year 1 |
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.
EU/International Applicants: When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country, and arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs.
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.
International Students: The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme. This scholarship is in the form of a tuition fee waiver. To be eligible students must be registering for a full-time, on-campus programme and cannot be in receipt of external scholarships or other University of Aberdeen scholarships, except for awards granted by the University of Aberdeen Development Trust. Please note that the scholarship does not apply to the DPLP or Medicine.
View the University of Aberdeen Online Prospectus programme page to find out about any scholarships and funding you may be eligible to apply for.
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