MA Natural Philosophy
About this course
MA in Natural Philosophy, an undergraduate degree combining physics and mathematical foundations to understand the nature of the physical universe and its fundamental principles. Core topics include Microelectronics, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Research Methods, Project Management, Communication & Writing, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. Students have the option to undertake a year abroad. The first year covers core topics through The Physical Universe A, Calculus 1, Algebra, and Calculus II. The second year progresses with Dynamical Phenomena, Light Science, Practical Optics and Electronics, and Relativity and Quantum Mechanics. The third year continues with Electricity and Magnetism, Introduction to the Solid State, Energy and Matter, and Quantum Mechanics. The final year includes Case Studies in Physical Sciences, Statistical Physics and Stochastic Systems, Modelling Theory, and Project A.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
What students say
Based on about 11 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 99%
- Learning opportunities: 93%
- Assessment and feedback: 86%
- Academic support: 98%
- Organisation and management: 89%
- Learning resources: 97%
- Student voice: 93%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 14 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 50%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Business and public service associate professionals: 20%
- Administrative occupations: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Sports and fitness occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 55%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 30 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 5%
- North West: 5%
- East Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 15%
- South West: 5%
- Scotland: 65%
- Northern Ireland: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 25 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Modules
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen
- The Physical Universe A
- Calculus 1
- Algebra
- The Physical Universe B
- Calculus II
- Dynamical Phenomena
- Light Science
- Practical Optics and Electronics
- Relativity and Quantum Mechanics
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Introduction to the Solid State
- Energy and Matter
- Quantum Mechanics
- Advanced Practical Physics
- Case Studies in Physical Sciences
- Statistical Physics and Stochastic Systems
- Modelling Theory
- Project A
- Nuclear and Semiconductor Physics
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Natural Philosophy at University of Aberdeen earn?
The median salary is £29,000 after 15 months, £20,000 after 3 years, £28,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £23,500 and £33,000. The £28,500 median after five years is £4,000 less than the UK median for Philosophy.
What do graduates of MA Natural Philosophy at University of Aberdeen do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Natural Philosophy at University of Aberdeen?
99% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Natural Philosophy at University of Aberdeen?
The average entrant had 143 UCAS points.
Does MA Natural Philosophy at University of Aberdeen include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Natural Philosophy at University of Aberdeen?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.