MPhys Physics with Industrial Placement

The MPhys Physics with Industrial Placement programme combines advanced physics education with a Year 4 industrial placement in photonics, quantum technology, and engineering.

Key Information

• UCAS code: F31P
• Level: Undergraduate
• Delivery type: Full Time
• Degree qualification: MPhys
• Mode of delivery: On-Campus
• Duration: 4-5 years
• Location: Edinburgh
• Start date: September

Programme Overview

This five-year programme includes an industrial placement in Year 4, giving students the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting and gain hands-on experience through Heriot-Watt's established network of industrial partners in the photonics, quantum technology, or engineering sectors. The programme equips students with a broad education in physics, supported by a range of computational and mathematical skills that are highly valued across modern industries.

Course Content

The programme covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Mechanics, Fields and Forces
• Investigative Techniques
• Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists
• Electronics and Programming Skills
• Photonics and Optics
• Thermal Physics and Properties of Matter
• Experimental Lab and Problem Solving
• Quantum Theory and Spectroscopy
• Advanced Independent Research Project

Year 1

Mandatory September

• Mechanics, Fields and Forces
• Investigative Techniques 1
• Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists 1

Optional September

• Logic and Proof
• Principles of Chemistry
• Introductory Biology 1
• Introduction to Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Elements of Probability

Mandatory January

• Waves and Matter
• Investigative Techniques 2
• Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists 2

Optional January

• Introductory Biology 2
• Chemical Reactivity
• Introduction to Mechanical Engineering
• Discrete Mathematics
• Topics in Statistical Practice

Year 2

Mandatory September

• Electronics and Programming Skills
• Photonics and Optics
• Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists 3

Optional September

• Chemical Thermodynamics & Introductory Chemical Kinetics
• Astrophysics

Mandatory January

• Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists 4
• Thermal Physics and Properties of Matter
• Experimental Lab and Problem Solving

Optional January

• Cell and Molecular Biology
• Atomic & Molecular Spectroscopy
• Maths Apps and Lab

Year 3

Mandatory September

• Physical Mathematics 1
• Experimental Labs and Programming Skills
• Dynamics and Relativity
• Electromagnetism

Mandatory January

• Physical Mathematics 2
• Solid State Physics
• Applied Physics
• Quantum Theory and Spectroscopy

Year 4

Mandatory AY

• Physics Industrial Placement

Year 5

Mandatory September

• Electromagnetism and Laser Physics
• Quantum Theory & Solid State
• Numerical Modelling and Data Analysis

Mandatory AY

• Advanced Independent Research Project

Mandatory January

• Problem Solving

Optional January

• Photonics Sensors
• Biophysics
• Quantum Devices
• Fibres and Nonlinear Optics

Fees and Funding

• Scotland: Paid by SAAS
• England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland: Ł9,790
• International: Ł25,808
• Placement Year fees: Ł3,000

Scholarships and Bursaries

• Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to Ł3,100 per year) for students from England, Northern Ireland, or Wales.

Entry Requirements

• Standard entry requirements:
  • Highers: AAAB (including Physics and Maths, with one at A)
  • A-Levels: BBB (including Physics and Maths, with both at B)
  • International Baccalaureate: 30 points (including Physics and Maths at Higher Level 5)
  • BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM (in a relevant science subject, including sufficient Physics and Maths)
  • HNC: A in graded unit (in a relevant science subject, including sufficient Physics and Maths)
  • HND: BB in graded unit (in a relevant science subject, including sufficient Physics and Maths)
• Minimum entry requirements:
  • Highers: BBBC (including Physics and Maths, both at B)
  • A-Levels: BCC (including Physics and Maths, with one at B)
  • International Baccalaureate: 28 points (including Physics and Maths, both at Higher Level 5)
  • BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM (in a relevant science subject, including sufficient Physics and Maths)
  • HNC: B in graded unit (in a relevant science subject, including sufficient Physics and Maths)
  • HND: BB in graded unit (in a relevant science subject, including sufficient Physics and Maths)

English Language Requirements

• IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.

Employability

• 55% of graduates are working
• 15% are studying
• 10% are studying and working
• Average salary: Ł33,500
• Potential career paths:
  • Engineering professionals
  • Natural and social science professionals
  • Information Technology Professionals

Heriot-Watt University

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Overview:

Heriot-Watt University is a research-focused institution with campuses in Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai, and Malaysia, as well as an online presence. It is known for its career-focused degrees and strong links with industry. Heriot-Watt is highly regarded for its research, with a significant portion ranked world-leading and internationally excellent.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Heriot-Watt offers a diverse and international student community, with one-third of its Edinburgh Campus students coming from outside the UK. The university provides a range of facilities across its campuses, including healthcare, libraries, food and drink, sports centers, and more. Students can participate in clubs and activities, and the university offers accommodation options near its campuses.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Career-focused degrees:

Heriot-Watt is ranked first in Scotland for graduate employability and its graduates are first in the UK for CEO or MD roles.

Global reach:

The university has campuses across the UK, Dubai, and Malaysia, providing students with a truly international experience.

Strong research:

Heriot-Watt is valued for its pioneering research, which is informed by the global needs of business and industry.

Diverse student community:

The university boasts a diverse international student community, fostering a multicultural learning environment.

Beautiful campuses:

Heriot-Watt's campuses are located in stunning settings, offering students a unique and inspiring learning environment.

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Academic Programs:

Heriot-Watt offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

• Engineering
• Life Sciences
• Mathematics
• Computer Sciences
• Physical Sciences
• Social Sciences and Business
• Art and Design
• Languages and Culture

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Other:

Heriot-Watt is committed to sustainability and is actively working towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The university also offers a personalized virtual experience through its online tour platform, allowing prospective students to explore its campuses virtually.