Physics, BSc (Hons)

About Physics, BSc (Hons) - at Heriot-Watt University

This Physics degree covers subjects including dynamics, electromagnetic fields and optics. These areas lead onto the quantum world of subatomic particles, the unique nature of laser light, and the philosophically challenging ideas of quantum physics and astrophysics. Mathematics also plays an important part in understand physical concepts in more depth. In later years, the course will offer you various topics, including Laser Physics, Photonics, Semiconductor Physics, Instrumentation, Nuclear Physics and Elementary Particles.

Through research projects, you'll be able to develop skills in experimental design or computational modelling. The course will also help with your practical abilities, initiative and teamwork. The Physics degree is mathematically rigorous and suitable if you're interested in a career in research.

Accreditation

This honours degree in Physics is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of partially meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.

<img src="/study/uk/undergraduate/img/susan-chan.jpg" alt="Susan Chan">

As a student I was awarded summer internships in research groups. It was great to be part of the research going on in Physics at Heriot-Watt. I was able to see what research was like and this helped me find my PhD place.

Susan Chan, Physics BSc

Employability

Work and study

This is what our BSc (Hons) Physics students are doing six months after graduating:

• 68% are working
• 21% are studying
• 0% are working and studying.

Managerial/professional position

• 60% of those working are in a professional/managerial position six months after graduating.

Salary

• The average salary of students six months after graduating: £24000
• The average UK salary of students six months after graduating from a similar course: £20000

Jobs

These are the most common jobs students go into six months after graduating:

• Information technology and telecommunications professionals
• Sales occupations
• Business, research and administrative professionals
• Engineering professionals
• Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations

Notes about fees for this course

Status*Scotland / EU**England / Northern Ireland / WalesInternationalFeePaid by SAAS£9,250£17,960

* Your residency 'status' is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course. Find out more about tuition fees.

** European Union countries, not including England, Northern Ireland or Wales.

Scholarships and bursaries

Featured scholarships

Bursaries for students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales starting undergraduate degree courses in 2018

In addition to government maintenance loans and grants towards the costs of fees and living costs, we are offering generous financial support to attract and support eligible students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales:

• Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to £3,100 per year)
• Heriot-Watt Academic Scholarship (£1,000 per year)

View our full range of undergraduate scholarships.

Entry requirements

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Related Information

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