Chemical Physics MChemPhys
About this course
The MChemPhys in Chemical Physics is an interdisciplinary undergraduate degree focused on the overlapping principles of physics and chemistry. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, and Laboratory Techniques. The course includes an optional placement year, and students complete a research project in their final year. The first year covers introductory chemistry alongside foundational physics and mathematics courses. The second year progresses through Physics of Fields and Matter, Dynamics and Vector Calculus, Linear Algebra and Several Variable Calculus, Modern Physics, and Chemistry for Chemical Physics 2, alongside either Programming and Data Analysis or Experimental Physics 2. Third-year study includes Fourier Analysis, Statistical Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Quantum Mechanics, and a choice between Computer Modelling or Experimental Physics 3. The final year involves an in-depth individual research project carried out within a research group.
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: from AAA to ABB in one set of exams (required: Chemistry at B, Mathematics at B, Physics at B) IB: from 37 points with 666 at HL to 32 points with 655 at HL
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What students say
Based on about 61 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 82%
- Learning opportunities: 78%
- Assessment and feedback: 64%
- Academic support: 81%
- Organisation and management: 56%
- Learning resources: 90%
- Student voice: 63%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 210 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 93%
- Left higher education: 7%
What graduates do next
Based on about 25 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 50%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 20%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 30%
- Natural and social science professionals: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Engineering professionals: 10%
- Finance Professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 55%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 70 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 3%
- North West: 8%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 6%
- West Midlands: 1%
- London: 6%
- South East: 7%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 60%
- Northern Ireland: 4%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- No formal qualifications: 10%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
- Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for fully meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
Modules
- the same introductory chemistry course as those for the other chemistry degrees
- physics and mathematics courses taught by the School of Physics and Astronomy
- Physics of Fields and Matter
- Dynamics and Vector Calculus
- Linear Algebra and Several Variable Calculus
- Modern Physics
- Chemistry for Chemical Physics 2
- Programming and Data Analysis or Experimental Physics 2
- computer programming
- data analysis
- experimental laboratory techniques
- Fourier Analysis
- Statistical Mechanics
- Electromagnetism
- Quantum Mechanics
- Computer Modelling or Experimental Physics 3
- work on a project in one of our cutting-edge research groups
- join a research group at one of our partner universities around the world
- take a paid industrial placement at one of our industrial partner companies
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of Chemical Physics MChemPhys at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £31,000 after 15 months, £29,000 after 3 years, £37,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £30,500 and £45,500. The £37,500 median after five years is £1,000 less than the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of Chemical Physics MChemPhys at University of Edinburgh do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on Chemical Physics MChemPhys at University of Edinburgh?
82% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for Chemical Physics MChemPhys at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 37 points in the IB. The average entrant had 195 UCAS points.
Is Chemical Physics MChemPhys at University of Edinburgh accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist. Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for fully meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
Does Chemical Physics MChemPhys at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on Chemical Physics MChemPhys at University of Edinburgh?
93% of students continued into their second year, and 7% left higher education.