BSc Physics with Geology
About this course
BSc in Physics with Geology, an undergraduate degree combining the study of physical laws and Earth sciences through combined theoretical and practical approaches. Core topics include Microelectronics, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Research Methods, Fieldwork, Project Management, Communication & Writing, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. Students have the option to undertake a year abroad during their studies. The first year covers foundational concepts through Calculus 1, Algebra, The Physical Universe A, and Earth's Materials. The second year progresses into topics such as Light Science, Dynamical Phenomena, An Introduction to Field Geology, and Practical Optics and Electronics, alongside optional modules like Linear Algebra i. The third year builds core knowledge with Energy and Matter, Quantum Mechanics, Introduction to the Solid State, and Electricity and Magnetism, while offering optional modules such as Principles of Petroleum Geology. The final year involves an independent research project alongside core studies in Statistical Physics and Stochastic Systems and Case Studies in Physical Sciences, with further choices including Modelling Theory.
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. Mathematics and Physics are required. IB: 32 points including 5, 5, 5 at HL with Mathematics and Physics 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. Mathematics and Physics are required. O4 in English and Mathematics is also required.
See the highest paying Physics & Chemistry degrees in the UK →
See the highest paying Geography & Environmental Science degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 6 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 95%
- Learning opportunities: 92%
- Assessment and feedback: 93%
- Academic support: 95%
- Organisation and management: 76%
- Learning resources: 89%
- Student voice: 92%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
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: 40%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 25%
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: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 215 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 3%
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 6%
- South East: 4%
- South West: 2%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 72%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
Modules
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen
- The Physical Universe A
- The Nature of The Environment Through Geological Time
- Calculus 1
- Algebra
- The Physical Universe B
- Earth's Materials
- Calculus II
- Petrology & Mineralogy
- Light Science
- Dynamical Phenomena
- An Introduction to Field Geology
- Geophysics
- Practical Optics and Electronics
- Relativity and Quantum Mechanics
- Linear Algebra i
- Analysis i
- Energy and Matter
- Quantum Mechanics
- Introduction to the Solid State
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Mathematical Methods in Physics
- Principles of Petroleum Geology
- Igneous & Metamorphic Petrology
- Structural Geology & Tectonics
- Sedimentology
- Advanced Practical Physics
- Structure of Matter and the Universe
- Project
- Case Studies in Physical Sciences
- Statistical Physics and Stochastic Systems
- Modelling Theory
- Structure of Matter and the Universe
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Physics with Geology at University of Aberdeen earn?
The median salary is £27,500 after 15 months, £25,500 after 3 years, £32,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £27,500 and £37,000. The £32,000 median after five years is £6,500 less than the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of BSc Physics with Geology at University of Aberdeen do next?
75% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Physics with Geology at University of Aberdeen?
95% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Physics with Geology at University of Aberdeen?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 173 UCAS points.
Does BSc Physics with Geology at University of Aberdeen include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Physics with Geology at University of Aberdeen?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.