BSc Physical Sciences
About this course
BSc in Physical Sciences, a physical sciences degree exploring fundamental concepts and natural phenomena across physics and related scientific disciplines. Core topics include Signal Processing, Microelectronics, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Research Methods, and Project Management. Students have the option to undertake a year abroad. The first year covers foundations through Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen, The Physical Universe A, Calculus 1, and The Physical Universe B. The second year focuses on Light Science, Dynamical Phenomena, Practical Optics and Electronics, and Relativity and Quantum Mechanics. The third year continues with Energy and Matter, Introduction to the Solid State, Optics and Photonics, Advanced Practical Physics, Quantum Mechanics, and Electricity and Magnetism, alongside optional study in Nuclear and Semiconductor Physics. The final year comprises Project, Statistical Physics and Stochastic Systems, Case Studies in Physical Sciences, and Modelling Theory, with further optional study available in Nuclear and Semiconductor Physics.
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.
Entry requirements
A level: BBC. Two Mathematics/Science subjects required. IB: 32 points including 5, 5, 5 at HL with two Mathematics/Science subjects required. SL or HL in English and Mathematics are also required. SQA Highers: BBBB. BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: DMM. Main subjects to be Science or Mathematics. (Note: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Subsidiary Diploma) achieved at Distinction level, is normally acceptable in lieu of one A Level at grade B). GCSE at Grade C/4 or above is also required in English or English Language, Mathematics and either Chemistry, Physics or Dual Award Science. Irish Leaving Certificate: Five subjects at Higher at H3. Two Mathematics/Science subjects required. O4 in English and Mathematics is also required.
See the highest paying Physics & Chemistry degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 9 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 91%
- Learning opportunities: 91%
- Assessment and feedback: 81%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 82%
- Learning resources: 93%
- Student voice: 91%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 10 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 80%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 35%
- Teaching Professionals: 25%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Engineering professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 90%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 60 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 4%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 2%
- London: 2%
- South East: 3%
- Scotland: 87%
Who gets in
Based on about 30 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 70%
- Other HE qualification: 30%
Modules
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen
- The Physical Universe A
- Calculus 1
- The Physical Universe B
- Light Science
- Dynamical Phenomena
- Practical Optics and Electronics
- Relativity and Quantum Mechanics
- Energy and Matter
- Introduction to the Solid State
- Optics and Photonics
- Advanced Practical Physics
- Quantum Mechanics
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Nuclear and Semiconductor Physics
- Project
- Statistical Physics and Stochastic Systems
- Case Studies in Physical Sciences
- Modelling Theory
- Nuclear and Semiconductor Physics
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Physical Sciences at University of Aberdeen earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £25,500 after 3 years, £31,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £25,000 and £36,000. The £31,500 median after five years is £7,000 less than the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of BSc Physical Sciences 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 BSc Physical Sciences at University of Aberdeen?
91% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Physical Sciences at University of Aberdeen?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 182 UCAS points.
Does BSc Physical Sciences at University of Aberdeen include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Physical Sciences at University of Aberdeen?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.