Energy Science and Technology MPhys

Overview

The Course

The world's increasing energy needs highlight the importance of energy and related technologies. Physicists have played a pivotal role in the development, storage, distribution, and usage of energy. This programme combines the key benefits of physics (problem solving, analysis, investigation, experimentation, modelling) with key energy engineering topics (Thermodynamics, Fluids, Energy Generation, Safety, Energy Distribution), to offer students the option of a Physics degree with an emphasis on energy engineering, without losing the core physics concepts.

Career Prospects

The core Physics theme will allow the graduate to proceed into traditional physics careers. With the additional 'energy science and technology' background they will have excellent prospects for employment or research (at PhD level) in areas specialising in energy science.

Programme content

Level 1

Gives a strong foundation in physics, mathematics and principles of mechanical engineering. It provides the basics of physics and mathematics as well as the opportunity to look at wider aspects through a series of courses in investigative techniques.

Level 2

Important core themes of physics are introduced through courses in Astrophysics; Photonics and Environmental Physics. Courses also cover Electronics, an introduction to Electrical Engineering and Machine and Thermo Dynamics. Practical and computer laboratory courses run alongside these courses.

Level 3

The core Physics element is provided by a number of courses including Electronics; Optics; Solid State and Electromagnetism. This is supplemented by an introduction to Petroleum Engineering. Practical and Computer Laboratory courses continue to support these courses.

Level 4

The core Physics programme is provided by studies of Electromagnetism; Laser Physics; Optical Metrology and Applications of Lasers; Nuclear Physics and Energy Studies. Practical work is provided by advanced lab work or mini-projects.

Fifth Year

Options include: Laser Physics; Material Physics; High-Voltage Engineering; Engineering Safety; Energy Demand Management and Storage. These supplement a core that provides background in energy topics including; Electrical Power Systems and Renewable Energy Technology, plus a research project with 'Physics' or 'Energy Engineering' bias.

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 A 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	£13,530

* 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

• Academic Scholarships for Scots and EU Applicants (EPS)
  Applicants ordinarily resident in Scotland or an EU country.
• Access Bursaries (Scotland)
  Undergraduates who are ordinarily resident in Scotland and eligible for SAAS funding.
• Access to Engineering and Physical Sciences Scholarships (EPS)
  Students who are studying an HNC, HND or Access Programme at College, or at school studying Highers and in receipt of the Education Maintenance Allowance.
• Atkins Scholarship Programme (EPS)
  Undergraduate Chemical Engineering students (see below)
• British Chamber of Commerce in Germany Foundation Scholarship (German students)
  German nationals
• Chevron Bursary (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) (EPS)
  Year 2 students
• Chevron Scholarship (Chemical and Mechanical Engeering) (EPS)
  Year 2 students
• Dumfries and Galloway Access Bursary
  Undergraduates from Dumfries and Galloway
• EPS Student Assistance Scholarships (EPS)
  Students ordinarily resident in the UK or another EU country
• East Lothian Educational Trust
  Applicants must be a resident of the old county of East Lothian (ie excluding Musselburgh, Wallyford and Whitecraig.)
• Football Bursaries
  All students
• Heriot-Watt Academic Scholarship
  Students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales starting in 2012
• Heriot-Watt Foundation Bursary
  Students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales starting in 2012
• Heriot-Watt University Bursary
  Students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales starting in 2012
• Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust
  Restricted to residents of the UK who are a son, daughter, spouse, widow or widower of a commercial traveller, chemist or grocer.
• Lord Thomson of Monifieth Scholarship
  To be eligible to apply, students should be studying an HND/C or Access Programme, be studying Highers or A-levels at College, be at school and in receipt of the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) or have been in care.
• Music Scholarships
  All students
• Overseas Scholarship Scheme (EPS)
  New non-EU applicants
• Rector McCallum Memorial Bursary
  Applicants from Bathgate Academy only
• Royal Caledonian Schools Trust
  Applicants must be of Scots parentage (conditions apply - see below)
• Schlumberger Women into Science, Technology and Engineering (EPS)
  Female enrolled students normally resident in the UK or an EU country
• Scholarships for Women to study Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS)
  Female students ordinarily resident in the UK or another EU country
• Sports Bursaries
  All students
• Sports Scholarships
  All students
• Tenaris Scholarship Program (Roberto Rocca Education Program) (EPS)
  5th year students of engineering
• West Lothian Educational Trust
  Individuals must have originated in West Lothian or have lived there for the last 3 years.