Course summary
OVERVIEW This programme contains all of the core material of the physics programme – including quantum mechanics, electromagnetism and atomic, nuclear and particle physics – combined with material taught by our education department. The Education material is taught in Years 3 and 4. You will get professional experience with placements in schools throughout Year 4. You will graduate from the programme eligible for provisional registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland and entry to the Teaching Induction Scheme as a secondary school teacher of physics. PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS • This programme combines an IOP-accredited physics degree with the training necessary to become a physics teacher. • You will get classroom experience in three schools placements during Year 4 of the programme. • There is a high demand for secondary-school physics teachers in Scotland and the UK. • The physics modules are delivered by staff who are carrying out research at the forefront of their fields. • The programme is accredited by the Institute of Physics, which allows you to register as a Chartered Physicist following graduation. PROGRAMME DETAILS Our campuses are home to modern classrooms, state-of-the-art teaching facilities, and well-equipped laboratories that will help you learn the relevant theoretical principles and practical skills required for a career in physics and teaching. CAREERS There is high demand for physics graduates in industries including microelectronic telecommunications, optics, energy, teaching and research. Following graduation from the BSc (Hons) Physics with Education programme, graduates are provisionally registered with the General Teaching Council for Scotland and are eligible for a one-year paid induction post in a Scottish secondary school.
Modules
Year 1 You will undertake five core modules and one optional module. Core modules include physics and mathematics. Aspects of atomic physics and thermodynamics are also taught. Year 2 You will cover other areas including electronics, vibrations and waves, and mathematical modelling. Practical and professional scientific skills are also developed. 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. 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
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
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 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
UCAS Tariff - 84 points
A level - CCD
Scottish Higher - CCCC
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H3, H3, H3, H4
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
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
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
Provider information
University of the West of Scotland
Paisley Campus
High Street
Paisley
PA1 2BE