Theoretical Physics (Faster Route) Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

The Theoretical Physics (faster route) offers focused, high achieving candidates joining us straight from school the option to complete the Honours Degree in three years or MSci degree in four years.

Why study this course at the University of Glasgow?

* This degree programme is accredited by the Institute of Physics.

* Many of our staff play leading roles in major international research projects, such as the Large Hadron Collider at CERN and the gravitational wave observatory LIGO.

* The school has two active societies, PhySoc and AstroSoc, run by students, for students.

Programme structure

Year 1

Students on the Physics Faster Route do not undertake Year 1.

Year 2

Entering Year 2 you will be a part of a bespoke course for Faster Route students developing practical, problem solving, and communication skills. You will build on your foundational understanding of core principles and experimental methods in physics, progressing to more advanced techniques and contemporary developments in the field. The curriculum covers a range of areas, including fundamental concepts, wave phenomena, material properties, thermal and optical physics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and modern research topics, along with essential mathematical methods. Physics and Mathematics are compulsory in Year 2.

Years 3, 4 and 5

If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4) you will continue to study in greater depth core topics spanning all areas of physics and explore a range of specialist topics of your choice. In the final year, you will work on an independent research project embedded in one of the school’s active research groups.

The Physics degree programmes emphasise technological applications such as laser physics, semiconductor physics and devices, and magnetic and superconducting materials.

The Theoretical Physics degree focuses on more advanced theoretical topics, and will involve specialised computational project work.

There is an opportunity to take an MSci degree, which explores physics topics in greater depth and includes a more extensive individually supervised project working at the cutting edge of international research.

Our international links

You will have the opportunity to study abroad at one of our partner universities as part of your degree. This won’t add any extra time to your studies.

Career prospects

The scientific knowledge and mathematical and analytical skills you acquire will equip you to work across a wide range of industries including aerospace, electronics, semiconductors, petroleum, communications, computing, medical physics, education, commerce and the Civil Service.

Accreditation

Our Physics single and joint honours programmes are accredited by the Institute of Physics. Graduating from the MSci programme sets you on the path to becoming a Chartered Physicist.