BSc Physics
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Physics. Core topics include Statistics. The programme includes a final-year individual research project, allowing students to specialise in an area of experimental, theoretical, or computational physics. An optional 3-year pathway is available for students meeting additional entry requirements, providing a faster route to employment or further study.
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 (BB in Physics and Maths required (in any order)) IB: 29 points. Must include Physics and Maths, both at Higher Level 5. Highers: AABB (over two sittings). Must include Physics and Maths, with one at A. BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM. Must be relevant science subject including sufficient Physics and Maths. HNC: A in graded unit. Must be relevant science subject including sufficient Physics and Maths. HND: BB in graded unit. Must be relevant science subject including sufficient Physics and Maths.
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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: 100%
- Learning opportunities: 85%
- Assessment and feedback: 82%
- Academic support: 91%
- Organisation and management: 86%
- Learning resources: 82%
- Student voice: 89%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 65 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 70%
- Left higher education: 19%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 11%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 25%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Further study: 45%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Engineering professionals: 25%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Information Technology Professionals: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 100%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 70%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 65 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 4%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 5%
- London: 7%
- South East: 3%
- South West: 1%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 72%
- Northern Ireland: 3%
Who gets in
Based on about 125 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 89%
- Access course: 1%
- A degree: 2%
- Other HE qualification: 9%
Modules
- Mechanics, Fields and Forces
- Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists 1
- Introductory Biology 1
- Principles of Chemistry
- Logic and Proof
- Elements of Probability
- Waves and Matter
- Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists 2
- Introductory Biology 2
- Chemical Reactivity
- Introduction to Mechanical Engineering
- Discrete Mathematics
- Topics in Statistical Practice
- Introductory Physics Labs
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Physics at Heriot-Watt University earn?
The median salary is £33,500 after 15 months, £25,500 after 3 years, £32,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £24,000 and £37,500. The £32,000 median after five years is £6,500 less than the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of BSc Physics at Heriot-Watt University do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Physics at Heriot-Watt University?
100% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Physics at Heriot-Watt University?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 29 points in the IB. The average entrant had 131 UCAS points.
Does BSc Physics at Heriot-Watt University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Physics at Heriot-Watt University?
70% of students continued into their second year, and 19% left higher education.