Program Overview

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Chemical Physics BSc/MSci

Chemical physics is concerned with electrons, nuclei, atoms and molecules in all states of matter, and how they interact with their environment. This degree programme covers the area in which chemistry and physics overlap.

You will learn how to understand the laws of physics so that you can apply the latest technologies to control molecules and make new materials.

Programme Details

• September start
• Session dates
• Chemical Physics BSc (Hons): F335 4 year degree
• Chemical Physics MSci: F322 5 year degree
• Chemical Physics with work placement MSci: F320 5 year degree
• Glasgow: Gilmorehill campus and Work placement
• Professionally accredited

Programme Structure

Years 1 and 2

You will study chemistry, physics and mathematics in both years 1 and 2.

Years 3, 4 and 5

If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4) you will study:

• In physics : a range of courses including quantum mechanics, thermal physics, solid state physics, waves & diffraction, electromagnetism, nuclear & particle physics and atomic systems.
• In chemistry : various aspects of physical and inorganic chemistry including catalysis, solid state chemistry, coordination chemistry, quantum mechanics & symmetry, spectroscopy, thermodynamics and diffraction.

You will gain an in-depth knowledge of chemistry, physics, mathematics and computing, and will be able to tackle most problems in chemistry and physics. In the final year, you will work closely with a member of staff on a research project.

You can take Chemical Physics as an MSci degree, which may include an additional placement year. This is normally spent doing research in industry or some other organisation such as a research institute like CERN or an academic laboratory. Placements may be in the UK, but are often taken overseas. They happen between year 3 and the final year of the degree.

Course Details

Year 1

• Chemistry 1
• Physics 1
• Mathematics 1

Year 2

• Chemistry 2X
• Chemistry 2Y
• Physics 2
• Mathematics 2A: Multivariable Calculus
• Mathematics 2B: Linear Algebra

Year 3

• Mathematical Methods 1
• Waves & Diffraction
• Quantum Mechanics
• Thermal Physics
• Honours Physics Laboratory
• Inorganic Chemistry 3 (Half)
• Physical Chemistry 3

Year 4

• Electromagnetic Theory 1
• Solid State Physics
• Atomic Systems
• Physical Chemistry 4H
• Inorganic Chemistry 4H (Half)
• Chemistry Special Topics 4H Half
• Chemistry Project 4H or Physics 40-credit H-level Project

Entry Requirements

for entry in 2026

Summary of entry requirements for Chemical Physics

• SQA Higher entry requirements
  • BBBB is the minimum requirement from S5 to be reviewed for an S6 offer
  • Offers are not guaranteed to applicants who meet the minimum from S5
  • Typically offers will be made at AAAAA by end of S6. B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher
  • Additional requirements: Higher Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics at AAA. (B may be considered in one).
• **SQA Higher adjusted entry requirements*** (by end of S5 or S6)
  • MD20 : BBBB (also other target groups*)
  • MD40 : AABB*
  • Additional requirements: Higher Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics. Successful completion of Top-Up or one of our Summer Schools.
• A-level standard entry requirements
  • AAB BBB
  • Additional requirements: A-level Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics.
• IB standard entry requirements
  • 34 (6,5,5)
  • Additional requirements: HL Chemistry, Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches) and Physics.

Entry requirements for advanced entry to Chemical Physics

Applicants who achieve exceptional grades in their Advanced Highers, A-levels or International Baccalaureate may be considered for advanced entry, meaning that an Honours degree can be completed in three years instead of the normal four years, or four years for five-year integrated Masters programmes.

English Language

For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

English language requirements

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)
  • 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
  • IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
• TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)
  • 90 overall with Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements, this includes TOEFL mybest.
• Pearsons PTE Academic
  • 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
• Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
  • 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
• Oxford English Test
  • 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
• LanguageCert Academic SELT
  • 70 overall with no subtest less than 60
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
• Password Skills Plus
  • 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
• Trinity College Tests
  • Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Career Prospects

Our graduates are employed in industry, commerce, government research and education. Many graduates proceed to research leading to a higher degree. Some of our recent graduates have been employed, among many other companies, by:

• EDF Energy
• Quotient Clinical
• Reckitt Benckiser
• Sterling Medical Innovation
• Synergy Outsourcing.

Degrees and UCAS codes

When applying you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:

BSc (Hons)

• Chemical Physics: F335 (4 years)

MSci

• Chemical Physics: F322 (5 years)
• Chemical Physics with work placement: F320 (5 years)

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees

How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where youre from.

Scholarships

The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That's why we've invested more than ｣1m in additional scholarship funding in recent years.

• Little Helpers Scholarship
• World Changers Glasgow Scholarship UG (EU)
• World Changers Global Excellence Scholarship
• World Changers RUK Excellence Scholarship
• Beaconhouse Schools
• World Changers RUK Access Bursary
• James McCune Smith Undergraduate Scholarship
• Care Experienced and Estranged Student Bursary
• Undergraduate Talent Scholarships
• Cowrie Foundation Scholarship - CLOSED
• Sanctuary Scholarships
• The Clan Gregor Society Prize
• Travel Bursary for Forced Migrants