BSc (Hons) Physics · StrathclydeBachelor's degree · Duration varies
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University of Strathclyde · Undergraduate

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.

BSc (Hons)
Award
Years
Part-time
Study mode
John Anderson Campus
Location

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:

StageModule
Year 1Core Physics / Chemistry I
Mechanics, matter and energy, or atomic structure and bonding.
Year 1Mathematics for Scientists
The calculus and algebra the science depends on.
Year 1Laboratory Skills I
Measurement, uncertainty and writing up like a scientist.
Year 2Quantum & Thermal Physics / Organic & Physical Chemistry
The discipline's conceptual core.
Year 2Laboratory Skills II & Computing
Advanced experiments plus scientific programming.
Year 2Mathematical Methods
The tools for solving real physical problems.
Year 3Specialist options
Typically astrophysics, materials, medicinal chemistry or condensed matter.
Year 3Advanced Core & Seminar
Research-level topics taught by active researchers.
Year 3Research 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.

2027 entry deadlineApply directly to the provider

Part-time application dates vary by provider. UCAS dates

2026 entryLive availability check

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

Professionally accreditedAccredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check Strathclyde's official course page for the current offer.

Entry & your chances

An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.

Offer-based entry

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.

Apply byApply directly to the providerfor this course
UCAS codeN400quote this on your application
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course (code N400). One application covers up to five choices.

  2. 2
    Write 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.

  3. 3
    Submit by Apply directly to the provider

    Part-time application dates vary by provider. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.

  4. 4
    Reply to your offers

    When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.

  5. 5
    Results 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.

💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask Strathclyde whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.

Fees & funding

What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.

Tuition per year

Internationalset by the university

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.

Funding matched to this course

Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for

All Strathclyde funding →

Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.

Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.

StudyKit · free

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.

Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check

Careers & earnings

What Physics & Chemistry graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.

  1. 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
  2. 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in physics & chemistry · 2–5 yrs
  3. 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
  4. 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs

How pay grows: this course vs Physics & Chemistry nationally

Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£26,500 – £34,000
After 3 years LEO
£24,650 – £34,800
After 5 years LEO
£30,600 – £43,200
national rangeaxis £23,000 – £44,500

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.

85%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Physics & Chemistry courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes
75%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled
90%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuation

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.

Where they work

  • Research institutes
  • Energy & manufacturing
  • Universities
  • Government labs

Who studies here and in this subject?

Provider- and UK subject-level context.

The University of Strathclyde

All students22,225
International18.8%
Aged 25+28.6%

Physical sciences across the UK

Students64,325
Aged 25+17.8%

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.

Common questions

Set by Strathclyde. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
See the career and earnings data for Physics & Chemistry below (national Graduate Outcomes / LEO figures).
Fees for this course are set under Scotland's own student-finance system, not the England cap; check the provider's course page for the exact figure. Tuition for eligible Scottish-domiciled students is paid by SAAS directly to the university, applied for through SAAS and not Student Finance England. Living-cost support is a mix of bursary and loan, and you repay only above the Scottish threshold. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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