Program Overview

The BSc Hons Physics program at the University of Strathclyde is a four-year undergraduate degree that connects with the first two years of study at Shanghai Normal University. This program provides students with the opportunity to delve deeper into the fascinating world of physics and complete a project in one of the university's research groups.

Key Facts

• Accreditation: Institute of Physics for BSc (Hons)
• Study mode and duration: Full-time, 4 years (2 years at SNU, 2 years at Strathclyde)
• Ranked: 1st in the UK for Physics by the Daily Mail University Guide Subject Tables 2025

Why This Course

This course is designed for students who are naturally curious about the world around them and want to tackle some of the biggest questions in science while developing critical thinking and analytical skills. The physics curriculum is influenced and delivered by world-leading academics who bring their passion for cutting-edge science to all aspects of their teaching.

What You'll Study

The degree is a four-year program, with Year 1 and 2 undertaken at Shanghai Normal University and Year 3 and 4 at the University of Strathclyde. At the University of Strathclyde, each year's curriculum consists of 120 credits, including both compulsory and optional modules.

Year 3

• Experimental Physics I (20 credits)
• Quantum Physics & Electromagnetism (20 credits)
• Condensed Matter Physics (20 credits)
• Gases, Liquids & Thermodynamics (20 credits)
• Optional modules:
  • Communicating Physics (20 credits)
  • Computational Physics (20 credits)
  • Mathematical Physics (20 credits)

Year 4

• Physics project (40 credits)
• Optional modules:
  • Topics in Solid State Physics (20 credits)
  • Topics in Nanoscience (20 credits)
  • Topics in Photonics (20 credits)
  • Topics in Quantum Optics
  • Topics in Physics (20 credits)
  • Topics in Theoretical Physics (20 credits)

Facilities

The University of Strathclyde's department of Physics is one of the leading research departments in the UK, with a range of cutting-edge research facilities equipped with the most up-to-date technology.

Work Placement

The department offers extra credits to students who do a summer vacation project, providing opportunities to work in industry on a physics-related project or in the research laboratories of academic members of staff.

Entry Requirements

• This degree program is only available to students from Shanghai Normal University, following a successful completion of two years of study on BSc Physics.
• A minimum overall English language proficiency score of IELTS 6.0 (with no score below 5.5) is required.

Fees & Funding

• All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.
• Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy.
• Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.
• Annual revision of fees: Students on programs of study of more than one year should be aware that the majority of fees will increase annually.
• 2025/26:
  • Republic of Ireland: If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status.
  • International: £27,800
  • Visa & immigration: International students may have associated visa and immigration costs.
  • Scholarships: All students will receive a 15% tuition fee scholarship from the university.

Careers

Studying physics helps you to problem-solve and understand the world around you, maximizing your career options. Physics graduates find work in diverse roles from research and development to production and management, and in every field of science and industry. The Careers Service provides careers information, advice, and guidance to help students and graduates achieve their career goals, with support provided to graduates up to five years after graduation.

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Overview:

• Founded in 1796 as Anderson's Institution
• Received its Royal Charter in 1964, becoming the University of Strathclyde
• Consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK for engineering and technology
• Home to the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC), a world-leading research center in metal forming
• Notable alumni include Sir James Black (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine), Sir David Murray (former CEO of Rangers Football Club), and Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell (astrophysicist)

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Student Life:

• Over 23,000 students from over 100 countries
• 150+ student clubs and societies, including sports teams, cultural groups, and academic societies
• Student support services include counseling, health, and disability support
• Campus facilities include a sports center, library, and student union

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Academics:

• Offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, science, business, law, and social sciences
• Faculty includes world-renowned experts in their fields
• Teaching methodologies emphasize hands-on learning and industry engagement
• Academic support services include tutoring, writing centers, and language support
• Unique academic programs include the Strathclyde MBA, which is ranked among the top 100 MBAs in the world

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Top Reasons to Study Here:

• Excellent reputation for teaching and research, particularly in engineering and technology
• Strong industry connections and opportunities for internships and placements
• Specialized facilities such as the AFRC and the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
• Vibrant student life with a diverse and inclusive community
• Located in the heart of Glasgow, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city

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Services:

• Counseling and mental health support
• Health center with a range of medical services
• Accommodation services with a variety of on-campus and off-campus options
• Library resources with over 1 million books and journals
• Technology support including IT services and free Wi-Fi
• Career development services with support for job searching, CV writing, and interview preparation