Physics MPhys

  • UCAS Code F302
  • Duration Up to 5 years
  • Delivery type Full Time
  • Study location
  • Edinburgh
  • Number of places
  • 55 across all programmes

Overview

The Course

Core concepts studied include dynamics, electromagnetic fields and optics, leading to the fascinating quantum world of subatomic particles, the unique nature of laser light, and the philosophically challenging ideas of astrophysics. Mathematics forms an integral part in enabling students to understand physical concepts in depth. There are various options available in later years including Laser Physics, Photonics, Semiconductor Physics, Instrumentation, Nuclear Physics and Elementary Particles. Research projects allow students to develop skills in experimental design or computational modelling, as well as practical ability, initiative, and teamwork. The MPhys degree is mathematically rigorous and suitable for those wishing to pursue research.

Career Prospects

Physics graduates from Heriot-Watt have an excellent reputation with UK employers, and career prospects are very good. Our graduates gain employment in a wide range of research and industrial establishments, as well as in areas of banking and finance.

Overview

The Course

Core concepts studied include dynamics, electromagnetic fields and optics, leading to the fascinating quantum world of subatomic particles, the unique nature of laser light, and the philosophically challenging ideas of astrophysics. Mathematics forms an integral part in enabling students to understand physical concepts in depth. There are various options available in later years including Laser Physics, Photonics, Semiconductor Physics, Instrumentation, Nuclear Physics and Elementary Particles. Research projects allow students to develop skills in experimental design or computational modelling, as well as practical ability, initiative, and teamwork. The MPhys degree is mathematically rigorous and suitable for those wishing to pursue research.

Career Prospects

Physics graduates from Heriot-Watt have an excellent reputation with UK employers, and career prospects are very good. Our graduates gain employment in a wide range of research and industrial establishments, as well as in areas of banking and finance.

Programme content

Level 1

Provides the opportunity to look at wider aspects through a series of courses in investigative techniques. Elective subjects allow students to broaden their interests and increase the range of degrees open to them. Options include Computer Science; Chemistry; Electrical Engineering; Philosophy; Business; or Languages.

Level 2

Important themes of physics are introduced through courses in Astrophysics, Photonics and Environmental Physics.

Level 3

Deals with more advanced treatments of core physics, such as: Electromagnetism and Optics; Dynamics and Quantum Concepts; and Solid State Physics. Students can choose from specialist topics including Optical Processing, Laser Physics and Atmospheric Physics.

Level 4

Deals with more advanced treatments of core physics, such as: Electromagnetism and Optics; Dynamics and Quantum Concepts; and Solid State Physics. Students can choose from specialist topics including Optical Processing, Laser Physics and Atmospheric Physics.

Fifth Year

Research projects.

Iain Lawrie Claire Reekie

Iain Lawrie

Degree MPhys (First Class Hons), Computational Physics
Present Job Physics Teacher, George Watson's College,Edinburgh
Iain Lawrie


“I graduated in 1999 (Computational Physics) and found having a Physics degree opened many possible career doors. Opting initially for accounting I worked for five years as a Corporate Tax Consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers, qualifying as a chartered accountant in the process. However, having got married (to another of the Physics class of 99!) family life was on my mind. I was also hearing the call of my first love - Physics. One year of re-training later and I began teaching Physics at George Watson’s College where I am still happily educating and entertaining. My Physics programme notes from all those years ago are proving a very valuable asset when developing Advanced Higher Physics investigations, as are the laboratory skills developed in my first two undergraduate years.”

“The undergraduate Physics programme left me with a passion and excitement about the world we live in that I try to pass on to all pupils I encounter, hoping to inspire them to study Physics at university level.“

Claire Reekie

School Beath High School, Cowdenbeath
Degree Physics with Education
Present Job Physics Teacher
Claire Reekie

"My ambition since leaving school was to one day return and teach Physics. This has been made possible by the excellent course and tuition provided at Heriot-Watt. Through their expertise, care and dedication (and a bit of hard work from myself) I graduated with an Honours degree in 'Physics with Education'."

Entry requirements

The University offers as its normal entry routes:

  • entry at Level 1, mainly for students with Scottish Highers (or similar)
  • entry at Level 2, mainly for students with A-levels (or similar).

There is nevertheless considerable flexibility, depending on the level of qualifications, for entrants with A-levels to opt to enter at Level 1 and for Scottish students to enter at Level 2. Direct entry into Level 3 is also possible for students who already have certain HE qualifications.

Level 1 entry

  • Scottish Highers AABB
  • GCE AS Level BBB
  • Irish Leaving Cert (Higher) AACCC
  • SQA Higher National Cert B in graded unit. Relevant HNC - please contact Admissions Tutor to discuss further
  • Scottish Baccalaureate pass with BC in Adv. Higher Maths and Physics
  • Additional information Entry normally to include Physics and Mathematics; B at Highers; or B at Advanced Highers or A-Level. Total qualifications would correspond to at least 300 revised UCAS Tariff points.

Level 2 entry

  • GCE A Level ABB
  • SQA Advanced Highers BB and Highers
  • SQA Higher National Cert A in graded unit. Relevant HNC - subject to satisfactory tutor reference and interview. Please contact Admissions Tutor to discuss further.
  • SQA Higher National Dip BBC in graded units. Relevant HND - subject to satisfactory tutor reference and interview. Please contact Admissions Tutor to discuss further
  • Scottish Baccalaureate distinction with AB in Adv. Higher Maths and Physics
  • Additional information A range of alternative qualifications may be accepted including good qualifications in non-scientific subjects and mature applicants with appropriate work experience. Advanced qualifications should be in Physics and Mathematics. We expect further qualifications (H, AH or A) in different topics, which would bring the UCAS Tariff points score to at least 300.

Level 3 entry

  • SQA Higher National Dip AAB in graded units. Relevant HND - subject to satisfactory tutor reference and interview. Please contact Admissions Tutor to discuss further.

Tuition fees

Status* Scotland / EU** England / Northern Ireland / Wales International
Fee Paid by SAAS £9,000 £14,340

* Your residency 'status' is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the 3 years before the start of your programme. Find out more about tuition fees.

** European Union countries, not including England, Northern Ireland or Wales.

Scholarships & bursaries