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Physics with Education at University of the West of Scotland - UCAS

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2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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Course summary

OVERVIEW The BSc (Hons) Physics with Education will provide you with both the extensive theoretical knowledge and practical skills in physics and professional skills through work-based learning to ensure you are fully equipped to meet the demands of being a Physics teacher in secondary (high) school. The overall aim of the course is to allow you to develop the knowledge and skills required to teach Physics at Secondary School level. You will study Physics to Honours level and your studies will contain all of the core material of the Physics degree, including quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, atomic, nuclear and particle physics. In additional, you will also develop your teaching skills in years 3 and 4 by taking modules in Education and practical school placements. The first two years of the course are the same as the BSc (Hons) Physics course - and it is possible to transfer between the courses up to the end of the second year. On successful completion of the course you will have met the Standard for Provisional Registration, and thus be eligible to apply for provisional registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) and entry to the Teacher Induction Scheme as a secondary school teacher of Physics with Science. Your depth of knowledge across a broad range of topics will support the teaching of senior phase courses up to SQA Advanced Higher (or GCSE A-level) level. CAMPUS NOTE Please note that all the Physics modules are taught at Paisley Campus and the Education modules (in years 3 and 4) are taught at our Ayr Campus. PRACTICAL FOCUS 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. The Physics wwith Education degree will cover all of the core topics of a degree in physics, alongside modules in education, including teaching placements in secondary schools. The degree is delivered in modern teaching facilities. The Physics teaching laboratories at the Paisley Campus are well equipped with apparatus to reinforce the theoretical principles learned in the Physics lectures. PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION The BSc (Hons) Physics with Education is professionally recognised by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS). By successfully completing the course you will meet the Standard for Provisional Registration as a secondary school teacher of physics with science. CAREER PROSPECTS Jobs Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Physics with Education degree will have the same career prospects as graduates of the BSc (Hons) Physics degree. However, it is expected that graduates of this programme will follow a career path into teaching of Physics in high schools. The BSc (Hons) Physics with Education was developed in response to the need for more Physics teachers in Scotland, so the career prospects are excellent. Following graduation from the BSc (Hons) Physics with Education degree, graduates are provisionally registered with the GTCS and are eligible for a one-year paid induction post in a Scottish high school. Further Study Some graduates choose further study at MSc, MRes and PhD level.

Modules

In Year 1, you will undertake 5 coure modules and one optional module. Core modules cover physics and mathematics and includes aspects of atomic physics and thermodynamics. In Year 2, electronics, vibrations, waves and mathematical modelling are covered in more detail. In Year 3, you will take four core physics modules covering important aspects of physics such as quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics and statistical physics. You will also take a double-weighted module in education focusing on the policies and influences in education. In Year 4, you will spend eighteen weeks on school experience placements in at least two high schools. The five blocks of placement will enable students to connect theory and practice in relation to teaching and assessment of physics and general science, and develop an understanding of wider school issues.

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.

  • General Teaching Council for Scotland

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:

  • Secondary

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:
PE30
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

Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)

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/Foundation Degree: Physics; Applied Science plus Higher English (or equivalent) Before progressing to Year 3, students must meet the following requirements: (i) English at SCQF Level 6 (e.g. Higher) (ii) Mathematics at SCQF Level 5 (e.g. National 5, Standard Grade (Grade 1 or 2), Intermediate 2. (iii) Successful interview with School of Education. (iv) Students who are offered the opportunity to progress to Year 3 of this programme must apply for and obtain membership of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme

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 STEM. Entry to Year 2 with Scottish Baccalaureate in Science (subject to review by programme leader) Before progressing to Year 3, students must meet the following requirements: (i) English at SCQF Level 6 (e.g. Higher) (ii) Mathematics at SCQF Level 5 (e.g. National 5, Standard Grade (Grade 1 or 2), Intermediate 2. (iii) Successful interview with School of Education. (iv) Students who are offered the opportunity to progress to Year 3 of this programme must apply for and obtain membership of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Additional entry requirements

Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)

Interview

A successful interview is required for admission to year 3 of this programme

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

There is no data available for this course. For further information visit 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 with Education at University of the West of Scotland - UCAS