Course summary
OVERVIEW Satisfy your curiosity and boost your employability with UWS’s BSc (Hons) Physics programme. Throughout your studies you will cover the core concepts in physics, including: • Classical Mechanics • Thermodynamics • Electromagnetism • Optics • Quantum mechanics • Atomic, nuclear and particle physics • Statistical Physics • Solid State Physics You will also develop laboratory skills and problem-solving experience which will prepare you for a successful career in industry or research. PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS • Modules are delivered by staff carrying out research at the forefront of their fields. • You will carry out a fourth-year project integrated within one of our research groups. • You will get the chance to develop your practical skills through research placements. • Physics graduates are in demand in many different sectors – including medicine, finance, research and more. • Our Physics BSc (Hons) programme is accredited by the Institute of Physics, which allows you to register as a Chartered Physicist following graduation. PROGRAMME DETAILS Our Physics BSc (Hons) is taught on our Paisley Campus, which has modern classrooms, state-of-the-art teaching facilities, and well-equipped laboratories that will help you learn the relevant theoretical principles and practical skills. In Years 3 and 4 of study, some of your practical work will be carried out within our research laboratories. CAREERS There is high demand for physics graduates in industries including microelectronic telecommunications, optics, energy, teaching and research. UWS Physics BSc (Hons) graduates have gone on to secure employment with major companies, including: • Novosound • Gas Sensing Solutions • BAE Systems • Fujitsu • Motorola • Nikon
Modules
Year 1 Five core modules include physics and mathematics. One optional module can be chosen from a range of science, engineering or computing-related modules. The physics modules are taught at the same level as the Scottish Advanced Higher syllabus. Aspects of atomic physics and thermodynamics are also taught. Year 2 You will branch out to other areas including classical mechanics, optics, electronics, properties of matter, modern physics, and mathematical methods for physicists. Practical and professional skills are also developed. Year 3 Core modules include electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics, thermodynamics and statistical physics, advanced mathematical methods for physicists. Optional modules can be chosen from advanced optics, imaging and nuclear medicine, numerical analysis, abstract algebra. Optional 12-month industrial placement This is an optional year spent in industry or a relevant scientific research laboratory. Year 4 Subjects are more advanced developments of those undertaken in Year 3, with additional topics including solid state physics, advanced nuclear and particle physics, surface analysis and detectors, partial differential equations, selected topics in theoretical physics, and applications of nuclear physics. You will 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 assessment
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
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
UCAS Tariff - 90 points
A level - CCD
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM
Scottish Higher - BCCC
Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) - DDM
Scottish Advanced Higher - CCD
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 24 points
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H3, H3, H3, H4
Scottish HNC - Pass
Scottish HND - Pass
T Level - M
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
UCAS Tariff - 84 points
A level - CCD
Scottish Higher - CCCC
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 24 points
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H3, H3, H3, H4
English language requirements
Test | Grade | Additional details |
---|---|---|
IELTS (Academic) | 6 | IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 minimum in each skill / component. |
Cambridge English Advanced | 176 overall with no sub-test less than 169 | |
Cambridge English Proficiency | 176 overall with no sub-test less than 169 | |
Trinity ISE | Pass | ISEII with the minimum of a Pass in all sub-tests |
PTE Academic | 54 | An overall score of 54 with no element below 51 |
TOEFL (iBT) | 78 | no 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
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
Provider information
University of the West of Scotland
Paisley Campus
High Street
Paisley
PA1 2BE