phd physics university of edinburgh

We have 14 University of Edinburgh Physics PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

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University of Edinburgh

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University of Edinburgh Physics PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

Edinburgh. Extraordinary futures await.

Vortex Induced Vibration analysis of floating Offshore Wind Dynamic Power Cables

Phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Using computer simulations to model the separation of circulating tumour cells from blood cells as an early diagnostic tool for cancer

Design of superconducting electric machines for zero emission transport, elucidating molecular transport mechanisms through atomistic simulations, awaiting funding decision/possible external funding.

This supervisor does not yet know if funding is available for this project, or they intend to apply for external funding once a suitable candidate is selected. Applications are welcome - please see project details for further information.

Fouling Control of Water Treatment Membranes through Optimal and Sustainable Cleaning Strategies

Multistack resistive random-access memories for optoelectronic applications, funded phd project (uk students only).

This research project has funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

Optoelectronic Restive Random-Access Memory technologies

Modelling gas-microdroplet interaction and dispersion for decontamination applications, machine learning assisted optimization techniques for fitting excitonic spin-orbit models to big data, new materials and structures for cte management of laser systems, funded phd project (european/uk students only).

This project has funding attached for UK and EU students, though the amount may depend on your nationality. Non-EU students may still be able to apply for the project provided they can find separate funding. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Developing a Systematic Food Texture Characterisation Methodology for Advanced Manufacturing

Self-funded phd students only.

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

Intracellular Capillarity of Biomolecular Condensates

Designing structured surfaces with superwettability properties, make your phd extraordinary, funded phd programme (students worldwide).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. Applications for this programme are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Funding may only be available to a limited set of nationalities and you should read the full programme details for further information.

PhD Opportunities

PhD Opportunities highlight some of the specific PhD projects, programmes or other information currently available from a university.

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Filtering Results

• Schools & departments

PhD Opportunities

• School of Mathematics
• Structure and Symmetry
• Mathematical Physics

PhD applications and supervisors

We typically require a strong undergraduate degree in Mathematics and/or Physics  and  a Masters degree (or equivalent) in Mathematics and/or Mathematical/Theoretical Physics. We actively encourage applications from women and under-represented groups.

You must apply online for the Mathematical Physics PhD programme through the School of Mathematics application system.

Information and Instructions for applying to a PhD degree in the School of Mathematics.

Supervisors

Below is a list of the possible PhD supervisors, their interests, potential projects and their availability. Typically this will be updated in the autumn of each year.  In your online application please include a description of your research interests and an indication of who you would like to work with (there is no need for you to write a research proposal).

My research develops new formulations of classical and quantum field theories which simplify the calculation of physical observables (like scattering amplitudes or correlation functions). Tools from string theory and twistor theory play a major role in my work, shifting the focus from space-time (the stage for most traditional approaches to field theory) to settings where powerful geometric techniques can be applied to the study of physics. I am open to taking a new PhD student in 2023 to work on projects related to alternative representations of the S-matrix (in particular, those arising in the 'celestial holography' program) or scattering amplitudes in the presence of strong (non-perturbative) gauge and gravitational fields. Applicants should have a strong background in quantum field theory, string theory or general relativity.

Tudor Dimofte

My current work centers around supersymmetric quantum field theories, and in particular gauge theories. I use modern techniques from topology and algebraic geometry to characterize the interactions of local and extended operators/defects; and, conversely, apply physical dualities to produce new mathematical results in geometry and topology. Some of colleagues and I hold  regular group meetings  related to these ideas. I will be supervising two students in the fall of 2023, and there is potentially room for one more.

José Figueroa O'Farrill  

I work on the application of representation theory and differential geometry to problems inspired by Physics. I am particularly interested in different manifestations of supersymmetry and I am partial to homological methods. I am currently involved in two research programmes from which any PhD project I would be willing to supervise would derive:

• Spencer cohomology and supersymmetry  This is a homological approach to the classification of supersymmetric supergravity backgrounds and to the construction of rigidly supersymmetric field theories in curved space.
• Spacetime G-structures I have become interested in the question of which are the possible geometrical structures for space and time. Going beyond General Relativity and its edifice built upon lorentzian geometry, I have become interested in "non-lorentzian geometries", which can be defined in terms of G-structures. Much of my recent work is concerned with the representation theory of the non-lorentzian symmetry groups.

The former topic is in a sort of hiatus and I am currently supervising two PhD students in the latter topic. It is not likely that I will be taking on any new students in 2024, due to the fact that I'll be on sabbatical.

Jelle Hartong  

Differential geometry plays a crucial role in theoretical physics in particular in areas such as gravity, string theory, holography and formal aspects of quantum field theory. From a physical point of view the geometries involved typically obey Einstein's equivalence principle: locally a manifold is flat in the sense of Minkowski space-time. There are however many situations in which one encounters a different type of geometry where Einstein's equivalence principle is replaced by another kinematical principle. We call such geometries non-Lorentzian geometries. They appear for example as boundary geometries of various solutions of general relativity, which is relevant for non-AdS (anti-de Sitter) holography, and in various approximations of GR such as the post-Newtonian expansion, but also in non-relativistic limits of string theory such as the AdS/CFT correspondence, as well as in effective field theories that appear in condensed matter physics and fluid dynamics. I will not be taking on a new PhD student in 2024.

James Lucietti

I work on general relativity and gravitational theories inspired by string theory and holography. Much of my research focuses on black hole solutions and related geometries in these contexts, with an emphasis on their construction and classification. I have a particular interest in higher-dimensional black holes, supersymmetric black holes, extremal black holes and near-horizon geometries. I'm currently supervising two PhD students and while I am not actively looking for new students to start in 2024 I am open to the possibility for suitable candidates with a strong overlap in interests.

Bernd Schroers

I work on the interface between quantum information & computation, and General Relativity, using holographic ideas to bridge them together. I may supervise a new PhD student in 2024 if suitable requirements are fulfilled and there is enough overlap of research interests.

We also have a lot of common interests with colleagues in neighbouring fields and, in particular, the Hodge Institute have a similar  webpage  listing potential supervisors.

You can also apply for a PhD in the School of Physics and Astronomy via the Higgs centre for Theoretical Physics webpage  (this requires a separate application through the School of Physics and Astronomy).

• Schools & departments

Visit the Higgs Centre Propose a workshop

Upcoming events

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From femtoscale boxes to exotic hadrons: a frontier in lattice QCD calculations — Stephen SHARPE   ( cancelled )

Interpreting the multi-messenger picture of colliding neutron stars — tim dietrich.

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Ricarda Beckmann — Ricarda BECKMANN

This event is a Outreach Event .

HiggsHalloween Lecture

Elizabeth gardner lecture — bernard derrida, colloquium with raju venugopalan — raju venugopalan.

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Report a problem

Thank you, your report has been submitted. We will deal with the issue as soon as possible. If you have any other questions, please send an email to [email protected] .

Your Programmes

Phd mphys bsc(hons) physics.

1 in 6 applicants to this programme received an offer.

Data shown above is for entry in academic year 2020/21 (sources) .

Previous Years

Data sources.

• FOI Request by Mr Burano. September 2015.
• FOI Request by Taza. October 2017.
• FOI Request by Beilei Xiang. January 2019.
• FOI Request by Erina Nishii. August 2021.

The acceptance rate , or offer rate, represents the fraction of applicants who received an offer. Note that this will be generally lower the acceptances rates (acceptances divided by applicants) published by many other sources. This article explains it in more detail. The acceptances generally indicate the number of offer holders who accepted the offer and fulfilled its conditions. For some universities, however, it denotes the number of applicants who accepted the offer, regardless of whether they subsequently met its conditions.

Data Reliability

Unless otherwise noted, the data presented comes from the universities and is generally reliable. However, some of the differences between years and/or courses may be due to different counting methodologies or data gathering errors. This may especially be the case if there is a sharp difference from year to year. If the data does not look right, click the "Report" button located near the top of the page.

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY

Anya nugent earns phd.

August 19, 2024

Her thesis title: “Deciphering the Origins of the Universe's Most Fantastic Explosions with State-of-The-Art Environmental Studies ”

Anya's advisor is Wen-fai Fong.

Congratulations, Dr. Nugent! We wish you well in your future endeavors and know you will have great success.

Requirements

Application & Statement of Purpose

Letters of Recommendation

GRE & Exam Scores

More information

Application Resources

Our Graduate Recruitment Committee (GRC) conducts a holistic review of all application materials for indicators that the applicant possesses the essential qualities that will contribute to the successful completion of our degree program. No single factor leads to either accepting or excluding an applicant from admission. Our admissions review process considers each applicant’s academic performance to date, the potential for meaningful research contributions, and persistence in and commitment to educational success.

Your Undergraduate Degree

Prior to matriculation into the Physics graduate program, the University requires all applicants to have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university or an international degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree in both length and rigor. International applicants should refer to  this GIAC site  to ensure that their educational credentials meet The Graduate School's requirements. 

No minimum undergraduate GPA is required to apply, however, in order to receive funding, the University requires a minimum of a 3.00 GPA in all upper-division or advanced course work undertaken at the undergraduate level.

No specific course work is required prior to the application for admission.  Although , the educational grounding necessary for the program is the equivalent of a full undergraduate major in physics. This should include solid courses at the intermediate-level or beyond in: classical mechanics, electromagnetism, waves, thermal and statistical physics, and quantum mechanics, as well as some study of applications in the context of modern physics. If you majored in something other than physics as an undergraduate and would like help evaluating whether your background is sufficient, please see our page on this subject for more information. Additionally, research experience is not a requirement, but it is an undeniable asset.

Application   (required)

Please, note that the State of Texas maintains a unified application system for all public institutions of higher education in the state at:  ApplyTexas.org . All application materials are processed by GIAC prior to being referred to the Department for review. This site allows you to save your work and complete the application at your own pace.

To be considered, all applications and their accompanying materials must be submitted before the yearly application deadlines of:

• 11:59 p.m. CDT on 1 October  for Spring admission
• 11:59 p.m. CST on 1 December  for Fall admission.

We allow a grace period of precisely one (1) calendar week following each of the deadlines for the uploading of Letters of Recommendation by your recommenders.

The application fee must be paid as instructed by the GIAC website. The fee is $65 for United States citizens or permanent residents, and $90 for non-U.S. citizens. The Graduate School provides fee waivers to applicants who meet certain criteria. The Department is not involved in either the fee payment or fee waiver processes.

Statement of Purpose   (required)

The Statement of Purpose is not wholly equivalent to a ‘Personal Statement’ and should be no more than two pages in length. Instead, your Statement of Purpose may begin with a  brief  personal statement that amounts to  no more than one-third (1/3)  of your Statement as a whole. Please address any information that you believe your application would be incomplete without and that sheds more light on your unique potential to succeed in Physics and contribute to the University community and the field or profession.

Following, the  brief  personal statement, you should plan to answer—to some degree—the majority of the following questions:

• What are your current goals and expectations for graduate school? For your future career?
• What is your past research experience? What are your research interests? With whom might you plan to do your research at UT Physics?
• How have your educational, research, and/or professional experiences prepared you for pursuing a graduate degree in physics?

Should you choose to submit the GRE Subject Test in Physics (pGRE) scores—then the personal statement section of your Statement of Purpose must also make explicit your reasons for doing so (including the ways in which you believe these scores are essential to the success of your application as a whole). If you submit such scores and you do not include this information in your Statement of Purpose, then your scores will not be considered in our review of your application.

Letters of Recommendation   (required)

Three (3) Letters of Recommendation must be submitted via ApplyTexas. The Graduate Recruitment Committee will not review more than three (3) letters. Thus, it is essential that you choose your recommenders with the utmost care. All of your recommenders should be able to speak to your knowledge, skills, or achievements in some combination of the following broad areas: course work, research, background, and personal qualities. It is also wise to choose recommenders who have a degree of knowledge regarding your development toward graduate school over time.

The ApplyTexas application will prompt you to provide contact information for each of your recommenders as part of the “Academic References” section. Once you have submitted your application and paid the application fee, the system will then send an email to each of your recommenders containing an individualized link to an online portal where they must upload their Letter of Recommendation.

If your recommenders are unable to submit their letters through the online application, please contact GIAC at:  [email protected] . Letters of Recommendation that are mailed or emailed directly to the program will not be considered.

Transcripts   (required)

Official transcripts must be submitted and reviewed by GIAC. After satisfying the application fee, you must provide an official transcript from every senior college you have attended. Even if courses taken at one institution are recorded on another college's transcript, transcripts must be submitted from the institution at which the courses were taken. Failure to list all colleges on the application and provide those transcripts will be considered an intentional omission and may lead to the cancellation of your application for admission or withdrawal of your offer of admission.

Official transcripts bear the facsimile signature of the registrar and the seal of the issuing institution. Transcripts from U.S. colleges or universities must have been produced within the last calendar year and should include the award of degree printed on the transcript unless coursework is still in progress. Transcripts written in a language other than English must be accompanied by a translation. We do not accept outside evaluations of foreign transcripts. Each transcript (mark sheet) should contain a complete record of studies at the institution from which it is issued (i.e., the subjects taken and grades [marks] earned in each subject).

Please note the department is not involved in the transcript process prior to application review. For submission options based on the sending institution please review this  GIAC site . Questions regarding transcripts should be directed to   [email protected]  (Please do not send transcripts to this address).

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Test Scores

The General Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is  not  required and  will not  be considered as part of your application if submitted.

The GRE Subject Test in Physics (pGRE) is optional; if you choose to submit a pGRE score you must make a clear case (in your required Statement of Purpose) for why you believe it is integral to your application, otherwise, it will not be considered, as described above under “The Statement of Purpose”.

We only accept scores officially and electronically reported to The University of Texas at Austin by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), our institution code is 6882.

English Proficiency Exams   (required of international applicants only)

In addition to completing the prescribed  graduate admissions  process, international students applying to The University of Texas at Austin must submit either an official  Test of English as a Foreign Language  (TOEFL) or  International English Language Testing System  (IELTS) score report demonstrating an adequate knowledge of English. The Institutional TOEFL (ITP) and the IELTS General Training, and alternatives ( ex: Duolingo ) are not accepted.

Scores must be sent to the university by the testing agency (self-reported scores are not accepted). The Educational Testing Service (ETS) institution code for UT Austin is 6882. There is no institutional code for the IELTS examination. To fulfill the requirement with scores from the IELTS, please use the IELTS electronic score delivery service to send your scores to the “University of Texas at Austin” account.

The minimum scores considered acceptable for admission by the Graduate School are TOEFL: 79 on the Internet-based test (iBT); IELTS: An overall band of 6.5 on the Academic Examination. Do not be discouraged from submitting an application if you do not meet these minimum scores.

International applicants who are from a  qualifying country  are exempt from this requirement. Additionally, applicants are exempt from the requirement if they possess a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. institution or a  qualifying country .  The requirement is not waived for applicants who have earned a master's—but not a bachelor's—degree from a similar institution.  For more information, please visit  this GIAC site .

MyStatus Website   (for everyone)

The University of Texas at Austin utilizes the online  MyStatus site  as your hub for the remainder of your application after ApplyTexas submission. This process is electronic and centralized, as such, please  do not  send any application materials directly to the department.

In an effort to increase security, multi-factor authentication (Duo) will be required to access most online services that require a UT EID login. Please make sure to  set up Duo  prior to attempting to log in to  MyStatus . Once logged on, your application will have one of the following statuses:

• Incomplete – review list of missing application items, must be completed by the deadline!
• In Review – application received by the department; you are now on the waitlist!
• Admitted – have been offered admission!
• Denied – have been denied admission.

After 1 May of every year, all remaining applications with Incomplete and In Review status begin to be closed out by the department. For more information, please email  [email protected] .

Where to Find More Information   (for everyone)

For more detailed information on our various research groups, please see Explore Our Graduate Program page. For additional information regarding our program as a whole, please consult the same website (including the FAQ page).

UT Application Process Overview:

• Where to Begin provides introductory information regarding UT Austin programs and degrees offered, cost of attendance, admissions and enrollment statistics, and eligibility for admission.
• How to Apply helps you decide which type of application is for you and provides logistical details such as application fees & official score submission procedures.
• ApplyTexas is where you will start your application before the deadline.
• MyStatus is your portal for all application documents & status updates during the admissions process  after  your ApplyTexas submission. 

Please note: Admitted Master’s applicants are not awarded financial support regardless of semester.

Following your circuit through the above websites, if you then have additional questions concerning our department, its research entities, and/or the admissions process, we would be more than happy to answer them, please contact us directly at:  [email protected] . In our effort to provide you with the best possible experience, when corresponding with our office  always  include your full name and either your Applicant ID (before submitting your application) or your EID (which you will receive after ApplyTexas submission)—the EID is always preferred.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a compilation of the most commonly received questions regarding the Graduate Program, Admissions, and other graduate-related topics. Additional resource sites & contacts are provided below . If your question is not addressed here or in the other areas of this site, please email us at [email protected] .

Please note, the Department of Physics at The University of Texas at Austin no longer requires the General GRE and the GRE Subject Test in Physics (pGRE) is now optional.

Should you choose to submit the pGRE—then the personal statement section of your Statement of Purpose must also make explicit your reasons for doing so (including how you believe these scores are essential to the success of your application as a whole). If you submit such scores and you do not include this information in your Statement of Purpose, then your scores will not be considered in our review of your application.

No. We also do not make admissions comments should you send CVs or other application materials prior to applying.

Due to the high volume of requests and applicants (approximately 500 a year), we cannot provide you with an estimate of your chances for admission. Admission is highly competitive and is more so for international students due to the higher volume of applicants and fewer admissions. For Fall 2020 admission, we had 182 international applicants and only accepted 42 for admission. For U.S. applicants, there were 172 applicants, and 50 were admitted. A total of 92 were admitted with 26 new students enrolling (11 international and 15 U.S. students).

Our Graduate Recruitment Committee will begin to review applications in mid-January. Decisions should take place in l ate February for U.S. applicants and early to mid-March for International applicants. Please be patient as we review your materials. If you submitted a full application (application fee, official test scores, online application, etc.), you may check on your status through your MyStatus check page. The Department sends acceptance and financial aid award letters only to those who are admitted.

No, our admissions process is now completely online. All application materials should be submitted electronically through the MyStatus portal .

No, our admissions process is now completely paperless. All application materials should be submitted electronically through the MyStatus portal .

No. Please email us at [email protected] for further guidance.

Once you have submitted your application, you can use our self-service feature on the “My Status” website to re-send the Request for Reference email to your recommenders, if necessary. You can also use this site to supply an alternate email if your recommender’s spam filter blocks the original request, or, has removed the link. You can also add a new recommender and send the Request for Reference email or revise your FERPA (right to view) status from retained to waived.

Yes, however, please note we do not offer any financial support to Master’s applicants.

No. Most of our Ph.D. students do not earn a Master’s while en route to the Ph.D. There is an oral examination given in the third year of the program, and students also apply for Ph.D. candidacy later in that year, but this is not to earn a Master’s degree, but simply to advance in the program. If a student is making poor academic progress, he or she will often take a Master’s degree and leave before completing the Ph.D. Only about 1–2 students per year need to take the Masters' in this manner.

No, please review our main admissions page to review what is currently required. Should you need to send GRE and TOEFL scores to the University of Texas, please use university code 6882 through the ETS system.

There is no institutional code for the IELTS examination, please use the IELTS electronic score delivery service to send your scores to the “University of Texas at Austin” account.

International applicants who are from a qualifying country are exempt from this requirement. Additionally, applicants are exempt from the requirement if they possess a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. institution or a qualifying country . The requirement is not waived for applicants who have earned a master's—but not a bachelor's—degree from a similar institution.

Log into My Status to review the status of all your application materials.

It should be OK if your scores arrive within a couple of weeks after the deadline. Any longer than this and we may begin the review process, and your scores will not be in your file in time. We still review your other items, but this will hurt your chances if scores are missing.

No, we can only accept scores officially reported to us electronically by ETS (code: 6882).

No. You may see a major code for Applied Physics on the online application, but please do not choose this major code. We simply do not have many courses in this area on a Ph.D. level. You might want to consider applying to an Engineering area at UT Austin instead.

Physics Department Contacts

Graduate Admissions Coordinator [email protected]

Physics Graduate Recruitment Committee Dierdre Shoemaker, Professor of Physics [email protected]

Graduate Advisor Richard Fitzpatrick, Professor of Physics [email protected] PMA 11.226 • (512) 560-7295

Graduate Program Coordinator Matt Ervin [email protected] PMA 7.326 • (512) 471-1664

Physics Graduate Representatives [email protected]

Physics - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Science Teaching Complex (STC) and Quantum-Nano Centre (QNC) Buildings Located on Waterloo's Campus.

Be at the cutting edge of discovery in one of the largest physics and astronomy graduate programs in Canada with PhD in Physics program.

The department’s tradition of collaboration and innovations offers a rich and varied graduate experience that’s unparalleled.  

In the program, you’ll work closely with a supervisor to perform original research in an area of physics, culminating in a PhD thesis. You’ll be provided with funding to cover tuition and some living expenses.

Research areas and degree options

•   Astrophysics and Gravitation
•   Atomic Molecular and Optical Physic
•   Biophysics
•   Chemical Physics
•   Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
•   Industrial and Applied Physics
•     Quantum Computing
•     Subatomic Physics

Program overview

Department/School : Physics and Astronomy Faculty : Faculty of Science Admit term(s) : Fall (September - December), Winter (January - April), Spring (May - August)  Delivery mode : On-campus Program type : Doctoral, Joint, Research Length of program : 48 months (full-time) Registration option(s) : Full-time, Part-time Study option(s) : Thesis

Application deadlines

• January 9 (for admission in September)
• June 1 (for admission in January of the following year)
• October 1 (for admission in May of the following year)

Key contacts

Sophie Gagnon at [email protected]

I feel like everyone has at least a little bit of this fascination with space and the universe. Being able to share that sense of wonder with people is something I really enjoy. Cameron Morgan , Physics, PhD

Supervisors

• Review the finding a supervisor resources

Admission requirements

• Normally a Master's degree in Physics, with at least a 75% standing
• Students with an undergraduate degree in Physics may apply for admission directly to the PhD program. Successful applicants will have an outstanding academic record, breadth of knowledge in physics, and strong letters of recommendation

Degree requirements

• Review the degree requirements  on the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, including the courses that you can anticipate taking as part of completing the degree.
• Check out Waterloo's institutional thesis repository - UWspace  to see recent submissions from the Department of Physics and Astronomy graduate students

Application materials

• Note: This application document is currently not required due to COVID-19
• The SIF contains questions specific to your program, typically about why you want to enrol and your experience in that field. Review the  application documents web page for more information about this requirement
• If a statement or letter is required by your program, review the  writing your personal statement resources  for helpful tips and tricks on completion
• Transcript(s)
• Three academic  references  are required
• TOEFL 90 (writing 25, speaking 25), IELTS 7.0 (writing 6.5, speaking 6.5)

Tuition and fees

• Visit the  graduate program tuition page  on the Finance website to determine the tuition and incidental fees per term for your program

Review living costs and housing

• Review the funding graduate school resources for graduate students

• Schools & departments

• MSc scholarships
• Physics & Astronomy

Study with us

Information about undergraduate and postgraduate study in the School of Physics & Astronomy

Undergraduate study

We offer a comprehensive selection of BSc and MPhys Honours degree programmes.

Postgraduate research degrees

We are a highly-ranked world-class research centre, offering a diverse selection of PhD degree opportunities.

Taught postgraduate degrees

We offer taught masters (MSc) programmes in Theoretical Physics and Mathematical Physics, and Particle & Nuclear Physics.

MOOCS Online Learning

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) offered by the School of Physics and Astronomy.

• Schools & departments

BSc Physics

UCAS code: F300

Duration: 4 years

Delivery: Full-time

School: Physics and Astronomy

College: Science and Engineering

Introducing BSc Physics

Physics is the study of the fundamental processes of our Universe, and its laws underpin the other natural sciences.

Our flexible BSc Physics programme reflects this central role. The programme covers all aspects of physics, from the very basics to the current frontiers of knowledge.

The early years of the programme are broad-based, providing a robust foundation for advanced physics and mathematics courses.

In later years you can specialise by taking courses from different fields based on your interests and career ambitions.

Whatever field of physics interests you the most, you will find experts in:

• particle physics
• nuclear physics
• condensed matter

Studying physics at the University of Edinburgh

What do our students think, accreditation.

Accredited by the Institute of Physics ( IOP ).

What you will study

You will study compulsory courses in physics and mathematics.

Physics 1A presents the pillars of physics upon which subsequent material is based.

This will develop your problem solving and study skills. The course is innovative in its use of technology and offers an interactive learning experience.

Physics 1B introduces you to a wide range of physics topics and how these impact our understanding of the universe, including:

• introductory quantum mechanics
• nuclear and particle physics

This also includes an introduction to University laboratory work.

Mathematics for Physics 1 and 2

Mathematics for Physics 1 and 2 include mathematical and problem-solving skills in the context of algebra and calculus, with focus on physical applications.

Option courses

You will be able to choose two further subjects from other academic areas.

You will study modern physics and physics of fields and matter.

Supporting mathematics courses will cover:

• dynamics and vector calculus

You will also be introduced to practical physics, including:

• programming
• data analysis
• experimental techniques

If you start in Year 2, you will also take additional introductory courses in classical physics and mathematics.

You will have the freedom to choose one or two courses from other academic areas.

You will study:

• research methods in physics
• Fourier analysis and statistics
• electromagnetism
• thermal physics
• quantum mechanics

You will have access to an experimental laboratory and research methods course.

Plus, you will also have the opportunity to take a computational modelling or numerical computation course.

You will study compulsory courses covering:

• relativity, nuclear and particle physics
• condensed matter physics

You will also complete a group project on a physics-based topic.

You can also select a number of further courses from a range available.

Programme structure

Find out more about the compulsory and optional courses in this degree programme.

To give you an idea of what you will study on this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.

Programme structure (2024/25)

Where you will study

Our facilities.

Teaching is based at the University's King's Buildings campus. The King's Buildings campus is around 15 minutes from central Edinburgh by bus.

The location of your optional courses will depend on what courses you choose.

During your first three years, you will have access to:

• the School of Physics and Astronomy undergraduate laboratories
• the University's libraries and computer facilities

From Year 2, you will also have access to the Computational Physics Laboratory.

Take a virtual tour

You can take a closer look at the School of Physics and Astronomy and explore our facilities and campus on the University's Virtual Visit site.

Take a virtual tour of the School of Physics and Astronomy

Study abroad

You will have the opportunity to study abroad through international exchange programmes.

What are my options for going abroad?

Learning and assessment

How will i learn.

You will be taught by specialists in the field through a combination of:

We take advantage of the latest teaching technology and these methods help to develop your problem-solving skills.

From Year 3, you will also complete group projects and research projects under the supervision of one of the School’s academic or research staff members.

How will I be supported?

You will be fully supported throughout your time in the School of Physics and Astronomy.

All students in the School of Physics and Astronomy have a named Student Adviser offering advice on well-being and study support issues.

You will also benefit from mentoring by a member of academic staff who will oversee your progress and advise on your academic options.

There are two peer support schemes that allow new students to get help from more experienced students:

The Physics Peer Mentoring Scheme pairs trained mentors (honours students) with pre-honours students to help them work on whatever area of study they would like to improve.

The Maths Buddies Scheme runs weekly study sessions focusing on support for maths questions and problems.

In addition, the School of Physics and Astronomy has year representatives for every year of each of our programmes, who act as a link between students and staff. The role of the representative is to ensure that students' views on academic matters are heard.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment includes a combination of:

• regular hand-ins
• in-class assessments
• online tests
• end of semester examinations

Practical and computing courses have laboratory write-ups and checkpoint assessments.

Other courses are assessed by:

• presentations
• peer assessing each other’s work
• writing critical reviews of scientific literature

Exams take place in December and May.

Career opportunities

Many employers recognise that physics graduates have advanced problem-solving skills and the ability to think logically and critically about complex situations.

Graduates have opportunities in a diverse range of careers using skills gained from this degree, such as:

a high level of mathematical ability

IT proficiency

communication skills

Where our graduates work

Our recent graduates have gone on into employment with a wide variety of organisations, including:

• The European Space Agency

Physicists are sought after by many sectors, including:

• engineering
• manufacturing
• the space industries

Further opportunities for study

A number of our graduates go on to further study, for example:

• PhD research
• a masters degree in a science or engineering subject
• a postgraduate diploma in education

Entry requirements

Standard entry requirement.

The standard entry requirement is:

• SQA Highers: AAAA (achievement by end of S5 preferred). BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: AAA - ABB in one set of exams.
• IB : 37 points with 666 at HL - 32 points with 655 at HL.

Minimum entry requirement

The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:

• SQA Highers: AABB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: ABB.
• IB : 32 points with 655 at HL.

More information for widening access applicants

Required subjects

The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:

• SQA : Highers: Mathematics at A and Physics at B. Higher Applications of Mathematics is not accepted in place of Higher Mathematics. Advanced Higher Mathematics is recommended. National 5s: English at C.
• A Levels: Mathematics at A and Physics at B. GCSEs: English at C or 4.
• IB : HL: Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only) at 6 and Physics at 5. SL: English at 5.

Find out more about entry requirements

International applicants

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements by country

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.

Mature applicant qualifications

Academic Technology Approval Scheme

If you are not an EU , EEA or Swiss national, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme clearance certificate in order to study this programme.

Second year entry

For direct entry to second year the standard requirements must be exceeded, including the following:

• SQA Advanced Highers: AAA to include Mathematics and Physics.
• A Levels: A*AA in one set of exams to include Mathematics at A* and Physics.
• IB : 38 points with 766 at HL to include Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only) at 7 and Physics at 6.

Other entry pathways

Entry to many degrees in Science & Engineering is possible via other qualifications (eg HNC/D, Access, SWAP).

• Science & Engineering applications

English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

SQA , GCSE and IB

For SQA , GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:

• SQA National 5 at C
• GCSE at C or 4
• Level 2 Certificate at C
• IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 176 with at least 162 in each component.
• Trinity ISE : ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 65 with at least 54 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.*

We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests.

Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the degree you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS , PTE Academic, TOEFL or Trinity ISE test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the degree begins, regardless of your nationality.

(*Revised 24 May 2024 to change PTE Academic requirement from total 62 with at least 54 in each component, and to clarify that we do not accept PTE Academic online.)

We normally make offers to the highest qualified applicants. If competition for places is high this may mean that offers will only be made to applicants who are predicted, or who have achieved, above the single set of grades or the upper grade level in a range. Any conditional offer made may require you to achieve grades above the upper grade level. Therefore, achieving the top of our standard entry requirements does not guarantee a place on the relevant degree.

Please apply for only one Physics degree as we are only able to consider one application to this subject area. You will have the opportunity to switch between programmes in later years provided the required courses have been passed.

Discover Uni data

This information is part of a government initiative to enhance the material that higher education institutions provide about their degree programmes.

It is one of many sources of information which will enable you to make an informed decision on what and where to study.

Please note that some programmes do not have Discover Uni data available.

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees.

Tuition fees for BSc Physics

Additional costs

You should expect to buy the necessary textbooks for some compulsory and option components of your programme.

For more information on how much it will cost to study with us and the financial support available see our fees and funding information.

Fees and funding

• Have a query about undergraduate study?
• Send an enquiry

Degrees in Physics and Astronomy

13 degrees in physics and astronomy.

• Astrophysics (BSc) F510
• Astrophysics (MPhys) F361
• Computational Physics (BSc) F343
• Computational Physics (MPhys) F355
• Mathematical Physics (MPhys) F325
• Mathematical Physics (BSc) F326
• Physics (BSc) F300
• Physics (MPhys) F303
• Physics with a Year Abroad (MPhys) W2S4
• Physics with Meteorology (BSc) F304
• Physics with Meteorology (MPhys) 9W23
• Theoretical Physics (BSc) F302
• Theoretical Physics (MPhys) F306

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• Acoustics and Music Technology (BSc) W380
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• Geophysics (MEarthPhys) M7G6
• Geophysics and Geology (MEarthPhys) L3R7
• Geophysics and Geology (BSc) F690
• Geophysics and Geology with Professional Placement (MEarthPhys) L5T6
• Geophysics and Meteorology (MEarthPhys) K7T8
• Geophysics and Meteorology (BSc) FFP8
• Geophysics and Meteorology with Professional Placement (MEarthPhys) K8T9
• Geophysics with Professional Placement (MEarthPhys) U9H6
• Mathematics and Physics (BSc) GF13
• How to apply
• Why choose Physics and Astronomy

More information

Search the degree finder.