Entry points, requirements, and module choices
Suitably qualified students who are aiming for a degree in physics, theoretical physics, astrophysics, or a joint degree with mathematics, may consider taking either first or second year entry. First year entry allows a broader education, whereas direct entry to level two allows students to complete their honours degree one year earlier. Joint degrees with all subjects except Mathematics require first year entry.
Full details of what modules are required at all stages of your programme is published in the University's Programme requirements. The University Module catalogue the definitive source of information as to what the necessary pre-requisites are for each module.
First-year entry to Physics and Astronomy degree programmes
Most entrants aiming for a degree involving this School (around two thirds) start their programme in first year and will normally take 120 credits from first year modules.
These must include
- PH1011 Physics 1A
- PH1012 Physics 1B
- MT1002 Mathematics.
- AS1001 Astronomy 1 for those intending an Astrophysics degrees.
Some students may be required to take MT1001 Introductory Mathematics before taking MT1002.
Students on joint degrees will also have additional requirements from their other subject.
Accelerated entry to Physics and Astronomy degree programmes
The accelerated route gives direct entry to level two physics and maths modules. Qualifying students are given 120 advanced standing credits on the basis of their school/college attainment, and can then obtain an honours BSc degree in three years or an honours MPhys degree in four years. Note that the University may withdraw these advanced standing credits if the student changes to a programme where they are no longer appropriate. See also the University student handbook on advanced standing credit and the official policy.
Please note that it is not possible to take second year entry to joint degrees with Chemistry or Philosophy. MSci Chemistry and Physics should see later in this document, and the advice on module choices for entrants available on the School webpages.
For Physics, Astrophysics, and Theoretical Physics programmes, direct entry to second level currently requires:
- A-levels AAA, with A in both Mathematics and Physics, or
- Advanced Higher AA in Mathematics and Physics, and Highers AAAA, or
- IB with at least 38 points including Physics and Mathematics (and one other) at HL6 or above, or
- qualifications equivalent to the above.
For Physics and Mathematics and Theoretical Physics and Mathematics programmes, direct entry to second level currently requires:
- A-levels A*A*A, with A* in Maths, A in Further Maths, A in Physics, or
- Advanced Highers AA in Mathematics and Physics, and AAAAB in Highers, or
- IB with at least 39 points including Physics and Mathematics (and one other) at HL6 or above, or
- qualifications equivalent to the above.
We strongly recommend those with A-levels taking direct entry to second level should have included at least one mechanics module in their mathematics A-level.
Possible Module Choices
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | |
| PH2011 Physics 2A (30) | PH2012 Physics 2B (30) | |
| MT2503 Multivariate Calculus (15) | Choice (30) | |
| MT2501 Linear Mathematics (15) |
A. Can lead to BSc or MPhys Physics or MPhys Theoretical Physics. The Choice credits in second semester may be at level 1000 or 2000.
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | |
| PH2011 Physics 2A (30) | PH2012 Physics 2B (30) | |
| AS1101 Astro 1 condensed (5) | ||
| MT2503 Multivariate Calculus (15) | AS2001 Astronomy & Astrophysics 2 (30) | |
| MT2501 Linear Mathematics (15) | OR [ AS2101 Astrophysics 2 (15 credits) and choice (15 credits) ] |
B. This combination can lead to any of the single-honours degrees offered within the School: BSc/MPhys Astrophysics, BSc/MPhys Physics, or MPhys Theoretical Physics.
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | |
| PH2011 Physics 2A (30) | PH2012 Physics 2B (30) | |
| MT2503 Multivariate Calculus (15) | MT2506 Vector Calculus (15) | |
| MT2501 Linear Mathematics (15) | MT2507 Mathematical Modelling (15) |
C. This selection (a specific example of A) is required for students on BSc Maths and Physics or MPhys Maths and Theoretical Physics who wish to take an applied maths route.
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | |
| PH2011 Physics 2A (30) | PH2012 Physics 2B (30) | |
| MT2503 Multivariate Calculus (15) | MT2501 Linear Mathematics (15) | |
| MT2502 Analysis (15) | MT2505 Abstract Algebra (15) |
D. This selection is required for students on BSc Maths and Physics or MPhys Maths and Theoretical Physics who wish to take a pure maths route. MT2501 and MT2503 could be taken in the opposite order.
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | |
| PH2011 Physics 2A (30) | PH2012 Physics 2B (30) | |
| MT2503 Multivariate Calculus (15) | MT2501 Linear Mathematics (15) | |
| Another 15-credit level 2 maths module, or a level 1 subject of interest, eg Maths MT1002 (20) or Astrophysics AS1001 (20). | Another level 2 maths module (15), or a level 1 subject of interest. |
E. If MT1002 is taken in the first semester this can give a gentler entry route into mathematics study. With the modules shown this can lead to BSc or MPhys Physics or Theoretical Physics.
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | |
| MT1002 Mathematics (20) | PH2012 Physics 2B (30) | |
| PH2011 Physics 2A (30) | ||
| AS1101 Astro 1 condensed (5) | AS2101 Astrophysics 2 (15) | |
| MT2501 Linear Mathematics (15) | MT2503 Multivariate Calculus (15) |
F. With MT1002 taken in the first semester this can give a gentler route in to mathematics study than other routes, though is over normal credit load in semester one. This can lead to BSc or MPhys Astrophysics, Physics or Theoretical Physics.
This list of modules is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute a guarantee of the specific modules or module content or route to be offered in future years, but should work for 2025-2026.
Entry to MSci Chemistry and Physics Programme
Students on MSci Chemistry and Physics do not normally have the option of accelerated entry, but do have two possible routes through years one and two, depending upon entry qualifications.
Those entering with Advanced Higher/A-Levels in maths, physics and chemistry, all at grade A (or equivalent) may choose to spend year one doing mostly second-level chemistry, and year two doing mostly second level maths and physics. This can avoid the need to take more than 120 credits in year two, which would otherwise be required.
Further details are available on the School webpages, in the note on module choices for entrant students. Students on this programme should discuss their options with their adviser of studies.
Entry requirements for level 1000 AS and PH modules
- PH1011 Physics 1A and AS1001 Astrophysics 1: Minimum of grade B in SQA Highers / A-levels (or equivalent) in Maths and Physics.
- AS1011 Astronomy 1 (direct Entry) is available only to those on an accelerated entry to AS/PH programmes.
- PH1012 Physics 1B: Physics 1A is a pre-requisite for Physics 1B.
- PH2011 Physics 2A: PH1101, PH1012, MT1002 are pre-requisites for PH2011. Physics 2A is also open to those with the equivalent of A-grades in the SQA Advanced Highers in Maths and Physics.
- PH2012 Physics 2A is a pre-requisite for PH2012 Physics 2B.
- AS2001/AS2101 Astrophysics 2: PH1011, PH1012, MT1002 and AS1001/AS1101 are pre-requites for Astronomy 2.
We welcome students with other relevant qualifications on to these modules.
Those from outside the UK may wish to look at past Scottish Higher Exam Papers to see the level:
SQA Higher Physics and SQA Higher Mathematics.