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Physics at University of the West of Scotland - UCAS

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2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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Course summary

OVERVIEW The professionally-recognised BSc Physics degree will develop your understanding of the fundamentals of physics as a core science, and will build your knowledge and professional skills to prepare you for a career in any area of physics, including industrial applications and academic research. UWS is a key member of Scottish Universities Physics Alliance (SUPA) which is a research alliance with the aim of placing Scotland at the forefront of international physics research. You can be assured that you will be taught by research-active academics who are specialists in their field. In addition, you will also have the opportunity to undertake a 12-month paid placement with an industrial or scientific employer in the UK or abroad. PRACTICAL FOCUS In addition to work-based learning, the Honours sandwich degree also offers you the opportunity to complete a 12-month period of paid work experience with an industrial or scientific employer in the UK or abroad. In recent years students have undertaken placements with Rutherford Appleton Laboratory and CERN Accelerator in Switzerland. PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION This course is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP). It partially meets the educational requirements for Chartered Physicist (CPhys). You can also apply to become a Registered Scientist (RSci) through the IoP upon completion of the course. CAREER PROSPECTS Jobs There is high demand for physics graduates in industries including microelectronic telecommunications, optics, energy, teaching and research. Physicists are also in demand in the public services, including in schools and hospitals, the civil service and research laboratories. UWS Physics BSc graduates have gone on to secure employment with major companies, including: BAE Systems / Fujitsu / Motorola / Nikon Further Study Some graduates choose further study at MSc, MRes and PhD level. Others have went on to complete a Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) to become a physics teacher at secondary school level.

Modules

In Year 1, five core modules are taught which include aspects of atomic physics, thermodynamics and mathematics. One optional module can be chosen from a range of science, engineering or computing-related modules. In Year 2, you will study classical mechanics, special relativity, optics, electronics, oscillations and waves, properties of matter, and mathematical methods for physicists. In Year 3, you will undertake core modules in electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics, thermodynamics and statistical physics. Two optional modules can be chosen from complex analysis, advanced optics, imaging and nuclear medicine. Optional Sandwich year - you have the option to undertake a paid period of up to 12 months in industry or a relevant scientific research laboratory. In Year 4 (or 5), advanced topics are covered including nuclear and particle physics, solid state physics, surface analysis and detectors, partial differential equations, and applications of nuclear physics. You will also 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 assessments

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

31Jan

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 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

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

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 minimum in each skill / component.
Cambridge English Advanced176 overall with no sub-test less than 169
Cambridge English Proficiency176 overall with no sub-test less than 169
Trinity ISEPassISEII with the minimum of a Pass in all sub-tests
PTE Academic54An overall score of 54 with no element below 51
TOEFL (iBT)78no 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/

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
70%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
95%
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

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.
Physics at University of the West of Scotland - UCAS