BSc Computational Physics
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Computational Physics, a physics degree centred on computational approaches to physical theory and natural systems. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Laboratory Techniques, and Research Methods. The course is available in three-year and four-year formats. The first year covers the foundations through waves, classical mechanics, electricity, introductory quantum mechanics, nuclear and particle physics, computation and logic, and functional programming. The second year introduces algebra, calculus, dynamics and vector calculus, programming, data analysis, and experimental techniques. The third year builds on this with thermodynamics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, a supporting mathematics course covering Fourier analysis, probability and statistics, a computing course on numerical algorithms, and an introductory course to research methods. The optional fourth year advances study into relativity, nuclear and particle physics, condensed matter physics, and modelling and visualisation in 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: from AAA to ABB in one set of exams (required: Mathematics at A, 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 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
Modules
- waves
- classical mechanics
- electricity
- introductory quantum mechanics
- nuclear and particle physics
- computation and logic
- functional programming
- algebra
- calculus
- dynamics and vector calculus
- programming
- data analysis
- experimental techniques
- thermodynamics
- electromagnetism
- quantum mechanics
- a supporting mathematics course covering Fourier analysis, probability and statistics
- a computing course on numerical algorithms
- an introductory course to research methods
- relativity
- nuclear and particle physics
- condensed matter physics
- modelling and visualisation in physics
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Computational Physics 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 BSc Computational Physics 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 BSc Computational Physics 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 BSc Computational Physics at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 37 points in the IB. The average entrant had 198 UCAS points.
Is BSc Computational Physics 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.
Does BSc Computational Physics at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Computational Physics at University of Edinburgh?
93% of students continued into their second year, and 7% left higher education.