Electronic and Electrical Engineering students
Check eligibility →BSc (Hons) Physics Bachelor's degree at Strathclyde
BSc (Hons) Physics at Strathclyde is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) to fully meet the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist status.
About this course
BSc (Hons) Physics is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Strathclyde, based in John Anderson Campus. It is studied part-time; duration varies by route.
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Physics & Chemistry, see the sections below.
Curriculum & modules
A typical UK Physics & Chemistry degree builds from foundations to specialist options and a final project. An indicative structure:
| Stage | Module |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | Core Physics / Chemistry I Mechanics, matter and energy, or atomic structure and bonding. |
| Year 1 | Mathematics for Scientists The calculus and algebra the science depends on. |
| Year 1 | Laboratory Skills I Measurement, uncertainty and writing up like a scientist. |
| Year 2 | Quantum & Thermal Physics / Organic & Physical Chemistry The discipline's conceptual core. |
| Year 2 | Laboratory Skills II & Computing Advanced experiments plus scientific programming. |
| Year 2 | Mathematical Methods The tools for solving real physical problems. |
| Year 3 | Specialist options Typically astrophysics, materials, medicinal chemistry or condensed matter. |
| Year 3 | Advanced Core & Seminar Research-level topics taught by active researchers. |
| Year 3 | Research project A supervised investigation in a research group. |
Typical structure for this subject (indicative). Modules vary by university. Check the provider's course page for the exact curriculum.
Specialisations & pathways
Tip: click a specialisation → current jobs in that area.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
You'll study the foundations of physics, mechanics, matter and energy, alongside mathematics and laboratory skills. As you progress, you'll move into the discipline's core: quantum and thermal physics, advanced experiments and scientific programming. In your final year, you'll choose specialist options such as astrophysics, materials science, quantum science or computational methods, take research-level seminars taught by active researchers, and undertake a supervised research project. A course like this typically builds from core concepts and practical training towards independent investigation, with opportunities for research placements alongside formal study.
Who it's for
This course suits those seeking a rigorous physics qualification whilst balancing other commitments, given its part-time structure. You'll benefit from IOP accreditation, which positions you towards professional recognition as a Chartered Physicist. The course is taught in English and is open to eligible students across the UK.
Careers & job market
Across Physics and Chemistry courses nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating, with 75% of working graduates in highly skilled roles or further study. National earnings data shows starting salaries (at 15 months) typically range from £26,500 to £34,000, rising to £30,600–£43,200 after five years. These figures reflect Graduate Outcomes and LEO data and are not guaranteed; your outcomes will depend on your choices and circumstances. First-year retention is strong nationally at 90%.
University & format
The BSc (Hons) Physics is studied part-time at the University of Strathclyde, a public university founded in 1796 located on the John Anderson Campus. Taught in English, the degree is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) to fully meet the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist status. The University is a recognised UK degree-awarding body; degrees are nationally recognised and.
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Part-time application dates vary by provider. UCAS dates
Opened 2 July 2026; last choice 19 October 2026. Check vacancies now. A cached page never claims a place is still available.
Entry & how to get in
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code N400). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by Apply directly to the provider
Part-time application dates vary by provider. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Set under Scotland's student-finance system; the provider's page is authoritative.
Check fees at Strathclyde →If you normally live in Scotland
For eligible Scottish-domiciled students at an eligible Scottish provider, SAAS can pay tuition directly. Living-cost support can combine bursary and loan and depends on household income and student circumstances. Students from elsewhere use their home funding body.
Check the current amounts with SAAS →Paying for it
- SAAS tuition payment: paid directly to the university for eligible Scottish-domiciled students, applied for through SAAS.
- Living-cost support: a mix of bursary and loan from SAAS, depending on household income.
- Repayment: only above the Scottish repayment threshold, and written off at the end of the plan term.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
Scotland runs its own system through SAAS; check saas.gov.uk for current rates.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
self-funded, international (non-EU) undergraduate students beginning September 2026
Check eligibility →Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Physics & Chemistry graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in physics & chemistry · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Physics & Chemistry nationally
National figures for Physics & Chemistry graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
Job market & outlook
How Physics & Chemistry graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Physics & Chemistry graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Research institutes
- Energy & manufacturing
- Universities
- Government labs
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Physics & Chemistry graduates.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Strathclyde
Physical sciences across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Is Physics & Chemistry right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Strathclyde from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by Strathclyde; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Strathclyde offers the Faculty of Engineering International Scholarship (15% reduction in tuition fees) for international students, see Scholarships above.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Strathclyde and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Strathclyde
Common questions
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