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IOP logo Producing aerosols Photo of the Harris Building David, 2011 graduate Nasir, current student
David Bajek, 2011 graduate
Nasir Ahmad, current student

Physics

MSci / BSc (Hons)

Physics, the most fundamental of all sciences, involves the exploration of nature in the broadest possible sense. The Physicist's goal is to uncover the fundamental truths about nature and where possible, to exploit that basic knowledge for the benefit of mankind.

Dundee Physicists have had a tremendous impact on the modern world - the electronic devices driving pixels in virtually all laptop computers were first conceived and made here, and ground-breaking work on satellite-borne environmental monitoring was initiated here.

Why study Physics at Dundee?

The Dundee Physics degree includes flexibility with the study of essential core topics to give you firm foundations in the subject.

We teach you:

  • relativity,
  • mechanics,
  • electro-magnetism,
  • quantum mechanics,
  • particle physics,
  • astronomy,
  • cosmology
  • optoelectronics,
  • plus we develop your programming skills via modules in computational physics.

Research-led teaching

Our current staff are working in some of the most exciting areas of cutting-edge physics. Many such areas are also those earmarked by the government as the critical scientific topics for the future: renewable energy and the environment; robust sensors; and physics applied to medicine and biology. To that end we use the most powerful microscopes available, each capable of resolving individual atoms, to characterise and develop materials such as the next generation of energy efficient solar cells.

We explore the boundaries of biophysics and laser science, especially in medical contexts where the University of Dundee as a whole boasts a world renowned reputation. Biophysics research is undertaken at state-of-the-art facilities within the University's Institute for Medical Science and Technology and also at Ninewells Hospital.

You can get directly involved in active research groups in Level 1: a fast-track route to applying the knowledge and skills that we will teach you.

MSci degree

In addition to the traditional four-year BSc Honours and joint Honours degree programmes, we also offer the new professional degree, the five-year MSci.

David Bajek is in his final year of BSc (Hons) Physics. "This course is for those who enjoy problem solving, but more importantly who have a natural inquisitive curiosity for how the universe works!" he says, "there are plenty of excellent and empathetic staff members here, so you feel welcomed, unique, appreciated, and important from the first day of first year until graduation comes around."

Degree Combinations

Related Courses at Dundee

Teaching & Assessment

The Physics degrees are taught by the Division of Electronic Engineering, Physics and Renewable Energy.

How you will be taught

Physics at Dundee is comfortably small and friendly with a relaxed atmosphere. Our formal teaching methods involve a combination of traditional lectures and tutorials, together with new and innovative multi-media based activities and practical laboratory sessions.

Students also receive IT training to gain maximum benefit from the advanced computing resources, and so enchance their transferable skills.

What you will study - BSc / MSci

MSci Honours Degree

An MSci honours degree normally takes five years, full time, you study levels 1-5, as described below.

BSc Honours Degree

A BSc honours degree normally takes four years, full time, you study levels 1-4, as described below.

Degree without Honours

If you choose to study a degree without honours, you study for three years, levels 1-3 below.

Advanced Entry Honours Degree

It is possible to study for most of our honours degrees in one year less if you have the required grades and subjects as listed in the Entry Requirements section. You study levels 2-4 for the BSc or 2-5 for the MSci. There are definite advantages to considering this route as the time needed to study is reduced by one year which enables you to start working and earning earlier.

Typical Degree Programme

Level 1

Modules at level 1 are designed to increase your understanding of fundamental physics and give the necessary mathematical skills on which modules in later years depend:

  • Astronomical Phenomena
  • Electricity, Optics and Waves
  • Mechanics and Thermodynamics
  • Professional Skills
  • Science and Engineering Mathematics
Level 2

Level 2 will extend your knowledge of classical physics and introduce you to some of the exciting advances made in modern physics:

  • Analogue and Digital Electronics
  • Electricity & Magnetism
  • Introduction to Modern & Solid State Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Mechanics
  • Optics, Waves & Thermodynamics
Level 3

At Level 3 you begin a detailed study of the main topics of modern physics together with the acquisition of advanced laboratory skills:

  • Advanced Optics
  • Electricity and Magnetism
  • Mathematical Methods
  • Nuclear and Particle Physics
  • Physics Laboratory Work
  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Thermodynamics
  • Advanced Professional and Transferable Skills OR a joint Honours subject option
Level 4

At Honours level, you continue your in-depth studies and carry out a personal project involving practical experience in a research laboratory:

  • Computational Physics
  • Materials
  • Optoelectronics and Photonics
  • Relativity and Cosmology
  • Solid State Physics
  • Statistical Mechanics
  • Physics Project (whole year)
Level 5

This year is only followed by the MSci Honours students. Modules cover selected topics in considerable depth and introduce you to research techniques and mathematical methods encountered by professional physicists.

  • Applied Electromagnetism
  • Advanced Photonics
  • Computational Physics
  • Introduction to Independent Research
  • Quantum Mechanics

You will also complete an extended two year project started in Level 4.

What you will study - BEng / MEng

For details of the BEng and MEng in Electronic Engineering and Physics, please visit the Electronic and Electrical Engineering webpage.

How you will be assessed

A variety of assessment methods is used, in some cases we will ask you to submit coursework and laboratory reports, in others you will take examinations, and sometimes we will simply ask you to discuss what you have achieved.

Careers

The prospects for physics graduates are excellent. As one of our graduates, the analytical and problem solving skills that you will have gained, together with practical abilities on state-of-the-art instrumentation, will allow entry to a diverse spectrum of job possibilities.

Many of our graduates now work for technology companies involved in the design and manufacture of electronic and optical devices.

In addition, it is possible to develop industrial careers in defence, micro-electronics, medicine, semi-conductors, communications, research and development, IT, optoelectronics and education.

Entry Requirements

The following are the typical requirements, please note qualifications have to be obtained at the first sitting of examinations.

Courses starting September 2013

Level 1 entry

Qualification Grade
SQA Higher AAAB
GCE A-Level ABB
ILC Higher AAAB
IB Diploma 32 points (including 6, 5, 5 at Higher Level)
Essential Subjects BSc: Mathematics and a Science or Engineering subject (at SQA Higher, GCE A-Level, ILC Higher or IB Higher Level)
MSci: Mathematics and Physics (at SQA Higher, GCE A-Level, ILC Higher or IB Higher Level)
EU & International Visit our EU and International webpages for entry requirements tailored to your home country

Advanced Entry (to Level 2)

Qualification Grade
SQA Advanced Higher AB (Advanced Higher) and AB (Higher) in different subjects
GCE A-Level AAB
IB Diploma 34 points (including 6, 6, 5 at Higher Level)
Essential Subjects Mathematics and Physics (at SQA Advanced Higher, GCE A-Level or IB Higher Level)

Other Qualifications

Qualification Grade
SQA

A relevant HNC with B in the Graded Unit including Mathematics for Engineering 1 (Level 1 entry)
A relevant HNC with A in the Graded Unit including Mathematics for Engineering 2 and 120 SCQF points (Level 2 entry)
A relevant HND with BB in the Graded Units including Mathematics Engineering 2 (Level 2 entry)

Scottish Baccalaureate BSc - Pass with BC at Advanced Higher in Mathematics and a Science/Engineering subject (Level 1 entry)
MSci - Pass with BC at Advanced Higher in Mathematics and Physics (Level 1 entry)
BSc - Distinction with AB (MSci) at Advanced Higher in Mathematics and a Science/Engineering subject (Level 2 entry)
MSci - Distinction with AB (MSci) at Advanced Higher in Mathematics and Physics (Level 2 entry)
SWAP Access Programme Relevant science subjects with ABB grades including Mathematics and Physics Units at SCQF Level 6 (Level 1 entry)
EDEXCEL

A relevant BTEC Extended Diploma with DDM (Level 1 entry)
A relevant HND with Merits in appropriate Science/Mathematics modules (Level 2 entry)
A relevant BTEC Extended Diploma with DDD (Level 2 entry)

Advanced Diploma BSc - Grade B with ASL-A Levels at AB in Mathematics and a Science/Engineering subject (Level 1 entry)
MSci - Grade B with ASL-A Levels at AB in Mathematics and Physics (Level 1 entry)
BSc - Grade B with ASL-A Level at AA in Mathematics and a Science/Engineering subject (Level 2 entry)
MSci - Grade B with ASL-A Level at AA in Mathematics and Physics (Level 2 entry)
Welsh Baccalaureate BSc - Pass with A level at AB in Mathematics and a Science/Engineering subject (Level 1 entry)
MSci - Pass with A level at AB in Mathematics and Physics (Level 1 entry)
BSc - Pass with A level at AA in Mathematics and a Science/Engineering subject (Level 2 entry)
MSci - Pass with A level at AA in Mathematics and Physics (Level 2 entry)
Entry to BSc programme only, unless otherwise stated.
Applicants with alternative overseas qualifications should visit the relevant country page on our International website.

 

Fees and Funding

There have been many changes to the arrangements for funding students entering higher education in recent years, yet a degree from the University of Dundee, with its high rate of employment success, remains a cost-effective option.

The fees you pay will, in most cases, depend on your current country of residence.

Fee category Fees for students starting September 2012 Scholarships & Bursaries applicable
Scottish students £1,820 per year of study.
You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government.
Students from the rest of the UK BEng/BSc - £9,000 per year, for a maximum of 3 years, even if you are studying a four year degree.
MEng/MSci - £9,000 per year, for a maximum of 4 years, even if you are studying a five year degree.
You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of the tuition fees, from the Student Loan Company.
EU students £1,820 per year of study.
You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government.
Overseas students (non-EU) £13,335 per year.

The fee shown is annual, and may be subject to an increase each year.

Living Costs

  • Dundee is ranked as one of the most affordable places for students to live in the UK, and the cost of living is around 15% cheaper than the UK average.
  • Increasing numbers of students are successfully undertaking part-time work to supplement their income. You can get advice from our Careers Service, both about job opportunities and how to find a suitable study/work/life balance. EU and international students are also allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.
  • As a student in Scotland, you have free access to the National Health Service. Visits to doctors and hospitals, as well as prescriptions, sight tests and dental checkups, are available free of charge.

Your Application

All applications must be made through UCAS

UCAS Codes

Institution Code: D65

Degree UCAS Codes KIS data
MSci Physics F303 View KIS data for this course
BSc Physics F300 View KIS data for this course
BSc Physics & Mathematics FG31 View KIS data for this course
BEng Electronic Engineering & Physics HF63 View KIS data for this course
MEng Electronic Engineering & Physics FH36 View KIS data for this course

UCAS Application Process

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International Applicants

We have information specifically for international applicants on our International website:

Any questions?

If you have any further questions about the application process, please contact:

Home / EU applicants

Undergraduate Admissions
Admissions & Student Recruitment
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee
DD1 4HN
Scotland

Telephone: 01382 384370/ 388074/ 388585 (from the UK)
Telephone: +44 1382 384370/ 388074/ 388585 (from outside the UK)

Email: ContactUs@dundee.ac.uk

International applicants

International Office
Admissions & Student Recruitment
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee
DD1 4HN
Scotland

Telephone: 01382 388 111 (from the UK)
Telephone: +44 1382 388 111 (from outside the UK)

Email: ContactUs@dundee.ac.uk