glasgow physics phd

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Physics and Astronomy PhD

University of glasgow, different course options.

• Key information

Course Summary

Tuition fees, entry requirements, university information, similar courses at this uni, key information data source : idp connect, qualification type.

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Subject areas

Physics (General) Astronomy

Course type

Our strong collaborations with UK and international institutions contribute to an excellent environment for top quality research.

• We lead QuantIC, the UK's four Quantum Technology Hub
• We host two EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training
• We are a member of Scottish Universities Physics Alliance (SUPA)

Research groups

We cover a wide range of topics, including solar and plasma physics, cosmology and radio astronomy. Much of our research in solar physics concentrates on the theory, diagnostics and observation of solar flares, complementing our work in more general plasma theory and atmospheric plasmas.

Extreme Light

What could you do if you had a camera so fast that is can freeze light in motion? Or a quatum sensing device that can measure the path taken by a single photon with a precision of a single atom? We are developing the techonlogies that will enable new forms of imaging with applications ranging from seeing behind and through walls to quantum microscopy.

Imaging concepts

We conduct research into new imaging techniques at optical and radio-frequency wavelengths and work closely with collaborators in industry, biology and medicine to apply these techniques in real-world applications. Our main research fields are computational imaging, spectral imaging and biomedical imaging, particularly in the retina.

UK fees Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

International fees Course fees for EU and international students

2.1 Honours degree or equivalent.

The University of Glasgow is one of four ancient universities in Scotland, founded back in 1451. Alumni include seven Nobel Prize winners, Scotland’s First Minister and a Prime Minister, while Albert Einstein gave a seminal lecture on the theory of relativity there in 1933. The university consists of four colleges: College of Arts College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences College of Science and Engineering College of... more

Physics and Astronomy EngD

Full time | 4 years | 23-SEP-24

Physics and Astronomy MSc (Research)

Full time | 1 year | 23-SEP-24

Physics and Astronomy MPhil

Full time | 2 years | 23-SEP-24

Astronomy & Astrophysics Group

Supa school of physics & astronomy, university of glasgow, phd projects 2024.

Below are research project opportunities within the Astronomy & Astrophysics group. Most are suggested project topics without funding necessarily available and will evolve over time. There is a range of competitive scholarship funding and more information is available on the college website .

Solar energetic electrons from the Sun to the Earth

Chromospheric observations of solar flares – studies with iris, optical studies of solar flares, diagnostics of solar particle acceleration – a cosmic prototype, particles, plasma and electromagnetic waves in the heliosphere.

• Energetics of small solar flares

Pulsar Magnetospheres

Cosmic magnetism and plasma cosmology, plasma sheath stability and plasma acoustics, surface flow induced ionization in the sun, self-consistent dust growth in plasmas.

• Lightning in the atmosphere of brown dwarfs and exoplanets
• Dust cloud evolution in sub-stellar atomspheres
• Plasma for environmental applications

Formal applications are made through The College of Science and Engineering and students need to indicate the project title or area they would like to work in. So the prospective students should first contact the supervisor concerned for more details of the projects.

The current deadline for applications is Friday February 16th 2024 – please contact us for more information and details of potential funding.

Supervisor : Prof Eduard Kontar

Solar flares are efficient in electron acceleration, so that plasma particles are boosted to high speeds in the corona and can escape into the interplanetary space. The solar flare electrons can travel from the Sun to near Earth and can be directly observed by spacecraft near Earth or via radio emission in the inner heliosphere. Flaring activity on the Sun can directly impact communication systems, power networks and near Earth satellites. So, understanding of these energetic particles and related electromagnetic emissions is of practical importance and is an important component of space weather. 

With the launch of ESA/NASA Solar Orbiter, Parker Solar Probe, the observations of these energetic particles closer to the Sun become possible. While the forthcoming SunRISE experiment, will create detailed 3D maps of where energetic radio emissions occur in the heliosphere. Building on these unprecedented observations, the project aims to extend the current understanding of the electron beam transport from the Sun to the Earth and to predict the arrival of solar energetic electrons over broad energy range. For the first time, a model tested by the in-situ observed electron, X-ray and radio data will be constructed.

Supervisor : Prof Lyndsay Fletcher

Solar flares are identified by strong radiation increases across the electromagnetic spectrum, but especially in radiation from the solar chromosphere. This research project will focus on understanding the properties of the solar flare chromosphere during the rapid burst of emission that occurs at the flare onset (the impulsive phase) and also during the slower evolutionary phase that follows as the solar atmosphere adjusts towards a new equilibrium. The project will involve the use of data from the Interface Region Imaging Spectrometer (IRIS), supported by the Solar Dynamics Observatory, to diagnose the properties of the intense, hot sources of flare emission. Topics for the proposed study include:

Carrying out spectroscopic analyses of the emission from flare footpoints and ribbons to look at the dynamics of these regions at different stages of the flare;

Understanding the horizontal and vertical structuring of the flare footpoint and ribbon emission;

Determining the relationship between the fine-scale spatial structures in the flare emission and the pre-flare atmosphere, and between the flare emission and the underlying magnetic field

The project will utilise high resolution data from a number of spacecraft, and involves programming in Python or IDL. Depending on the interest of the student, numerical modeling in collaboration with colleagues from Oslo is also a possibility.

Solar flares are dramatic bursts of particles and radiation from the solar atmosphere produced when energy is released suddenly from the coronal magnetic field. Although flares have a very beautiful appearance at short wavelengths (extreme UV and X-rays), the majority of the flare radiation is emitted in the optical part of the spectrum, which is thus a region rich in diagnostic information. This project will focus on the analysis of ground-based solar flare observations, taken with the Swedish Solar Telescope and other ground-based instruments. Possible research topics include

• Optical line plasma diagnostics – e.g. using high-order Balmer lines to determine the electron density and its evolution through a flare;
• Spatial and temporal characterisation of H-alpha and Ca 8542 emission, including spectropolarimetry and comparison with model predictions;
• Examination of the magnetic field variations at the location of flare optical emission.

The project will utilise high resolution data from ground-based instruments (but may also involve Solar Optical Telescope on the Hinode satellite), and involves programming in Python and IDL. Depending on the interest of the student, numerical modeling in collaboration with colleagues from Oslo is also a possibility.

Supervisors : Prof Eduard Kontar , Dr Iain Hannah and Prof Lyndsay Fletcher

Particle acceleration is a ubiquitous cosmic phenomenon from the scale of active galactic nuclei down to planetary magnetospheres with the resulting fast particles having an energy density high enough to influence their environment. Acceleration processes are far from well understood, either theoretically or phenomenologically from data interpretation.

The nearby sun offers a unique opportunity to study particle acceleration via high resolution spectra and images at radio to gamma-ray wavelengths from ground and space observatories, and by direct particle detection in space. We were the UK Co-I Group on the NASA high energy RHESSI solar mission and involved with ESA’s Solar Orbiter mission, Glasgow is involved in a wide range of theoretical and numerical projects on diagnosing data on solar electron and ion acceleration.

Possible thesis topics include:

• data mining and reduction;
• signal analysis (spectrum and image deconvolution);
• tests of phenomenological models against data;
• numerical simulations and analytic modelling

Supervisors : Prof Eduard Kontar  and Prof Lyndsay Fletcher

The physics of the solar system plasma in the near-Sun environment and further into space – the heliosphere – is studied by means of in-situ observations of particles and fields and low frequency radio emission and supported by theoretical calculations of the plasma wave, wave-particle and particle transport processes that link the Sun to space.

We have close involvement with instruments and missions designed to study the heliospheric environment and can offer a range of theoretical projects, with supporting observations, e.g.:

• Physics of wave-wave and wave-particle interaction in the heliosphere
• Wave acceleration of particles in solar flares
• Coherent plasma emission from energetic particles, plasmas and shock waves
• Development of solar radio emission models for the next generation of solar radio observatories (e.g. LOFAR – The Low Frequency Array for Radio astronomy, and FASR – the Frequency Agile Solar Radio telescope)

Studying the energetics of small solar flares

Supervisors : Dr Iain Hannah

Solar flares are rapid releases of energy in the solar atmosphere and the energetically smaller the flare the more frequently they occur. These microflares, and heading down to the postulated nanoflares scale (about a billionth the energy of the biggest flares), could contribute significantly to the heating of the solar atmosphere. If these small events involve the same physical process as the large events then they should also accelerate particle as well.

Projects studying these small flares require highly sensitivity observations of the Sun’s atmosphere and recent work has used the unique X-ray observations from NASA’s astrophysics telescope NuSTAR in comparison to data from solar X-ray/EUV /UV telescopes like Solar Orbiter/STIX, Hinode/XRT, SDO/AIA and IRIS.

Supervisor : Prof Declan Diver

Pulsar atmospheres consist of electron-positron plasmas. Such plasmas are very energetic, and given that the positive and negative species have equal mass, these plasmas have unique properties. We are investigating wave propagation in magnetised pair plasmas, from the perspective of trying to understand the wave processes that could contribute to the pulsar radiation source. To date we have examined the radiation damping of quasi-linear electron-positron plasma oscillations, using computer simulations. Complex analysis has allowed us also to reformulate the Bernstein modes in a weakly relativistic pair plasma, with a view to studying how such weakly damped magnetic modes might act as a vehicle for radiation transport in a non-uniform plasma.

The project will be concerned with:

• developing simulations of the interaction between fast particle streams and large-amplitude collective oscillations;
• extending our analytical attack on relativistic Landau damping, and exploiting the new physics that arises; and
• creating the necessary relativistic transformations that allow the radiation field to be translated into the observer’s frame.

Supervisor : Dr Declan Diver

The role of the magnetic field in medium scale cosmic evolution is not well understood, given the complexity of the possible interactions. We aim to focus on two specific areas: (1) the natural evolution of jets and other linear structures, and (2) the development of density structure in large-scale mixed flows of plasma and neutrals.

• Self-guiding magnetic fields, produced by Inverse Faraday Rotation( in which the internal plasma currents create an axial magnetic field component that is projected ahead of the plasma front, so guiding the direction of the flow could play a role in the evolution of large-scale astrophysical jets, in which rectilinear structures stretch for remarkably large distances with very little deviation
• Plasma-neutral gas mixtures are a unique medium, if momentum transport is incorporated between the charged fluid and its neutral counterpart. Density structures evolve that are hybrids of the plasma response to magnetic perturbations, and the neutral gas sonic pressure waves. The resulting mixture leads to an anisotropic medium that can support a large variety of pressure variations

A project to model (i) the impact that a plasma source can have on neutral gas and (2) the time evolution of the sheath around a free-surface in a streaming plasma.

• In plasma acoustics, the ion wind and localised heating of a plasma source in a neutral gas can trigger significant sonic disturbances.
• In the sheath stability studies, the electrostatic environment at the perimeter of a possibly deformable conducting (or dielectric) structure placed directly in a flowing plasma.

These projects are computational and analytical in character, sharing basic plasma physics but applied to different situations. Several competing scale-lengths will contribute to the complexity of the evolution: the collisional mean free path of the plasma, the free-fall sheath length scale, the typical wavelength of deformation of the conductor and the scale-length for non-uniformity of the plasma flow. The competition between these characteristic scales will lead to strong time-dependence in the local electric field, and the consequence non-linear feedback on both the impinging plasma flow, sonic disturbances and the free-surface deformation of the obstruction.

A numerical and theoretical investigation of Alfven ionization processes in strong solar photospheric flows. The kinetic energy of mixed-species neutral gas flowing through a magnetised plasma can result in pockets of energetic plasma electrons (confined by the magnetic field) that are able to ionize specific neutrals in the flow via electron-impact ionization. Such  a process has already been implicated in creating the anomalous chemical composition of the solar wind; we aim to extend this study by correlating solar surface flows and magnetic structures together with improved data on solar abundances to clarify the overall picture of ionised species evolution in the magnetic environment of the sun. Specifically, this project will address:

• the creation and transport of particular ions via interaction with a defined magnetic structure,
• the investigation of the differential diffusion of minority species in order to model directly the resulting abundance anomalies in the solar wind.

This will allow us to incorporate time-dependence arising from the photospheric flows and the character of the magnetic structures, as well as processes on solar cycle timescales

The evolution and character of plasma dust has wide-ranging implications for astrophysics and laboratory plasmas, including fusion and plasma processing. Whilst there are many studies of plasma crystals, there are fewer investigations of the more profound problem of growing the dust from first principles directly in the plasma.  Classical condensation mechanisms are not as relevant in the plasma context, since in the latter the local electrostatic conditions can influence enormously the conditions for dust growth, leading in some cases to naturally occurring prolate-spheroidal dust shapes. The implications of non-spherical dust grains for electromagnetic extinction and polarisation in astronomical observations are well-known, but though progress has been made in characterising the effects of composite grain structure and spheroidal  shapes, there is little in the way of a holistic approach to the problem. The main aims of this project are:

• To model the formation and evolution of dust in the original supporting plasma;
• To examine the electrostatic charging of dust over a range of scales, and its subsequent growth, with and without a magnetic field
• To simulate the remote diagnosis of the medium

Lightning in the atmospheres of brown dwarfs and exoplanets

Supervisor : Dr Craig Stark

Brown Dwarfs (BD) are intriguing astronomical objects; being neither stars nor planets, they straddle the poorly understood transition from cool stars to giant gas exoplanets. Their mass is insufficient to sustain hydrogen fusion resulting in very cool magnetized atmospheres and the formation of dust clouds. Triboelectric charging of the dust particles can result in a population of electrically active dust grains leading to large-scale electrical discharges or smaller-scale inter-grain sparking. Such ionization events inject a population of free electrons, ions, excited species, radicals and metastables into the local environment potentially lowering the activation energy barrier and enhancing reaction rates for surface reactions to occur, triggering a set of chemical reactions otherwise energetically unavailable.

This project aims to simulate lightning in BD atmospheres to help characterise large-scale electrical discharges and to quantify the impact of such events on cloud chemistry in substellar atmospheres.

The principal objectives are to:

• simulate the electron avalanche and streamer stages of electrostatic discharges for a range of atmospheric parameter regimes in BD atmospheres;
• model the resultant plasma-activated plasma chemistry and its impact on the atmosphere.

Dust cloud evolution in sub-stellar atmospheres

Understanding the formation, growth, and destruction of dust, leading to the evolution of large-scale cloud structures in sub-stellar atmospheres is key to interpreting their electromagnetic spectra and characterising their role in the transition between L and T dwarfs. In contemporary sub-stellar model atmospheres, dust growth occurs through neutral gas-phase surface chemistry. Recently, there has been a growing body of theoretical and observational evidence suggesting that ionisation processes can occur. As a result, atmospheres are populated by regions composed of plasma, gas and dust, and the consequent influence of plasma processes on dust evolution is significant.

The aim of this project is to investigate the influence of plasmas on dust growth, destruction, and evolution in sub-stellar atmospheres.

• model gas-plasma chemistry and surface interactions leading to mantle growth, molecule production and its impact on spectra;
• simulate the plasma-dust-surface interactions leading to surface energy enhancement and its effect on water absorption and adhesion of metals as a function of atmospheric pressure;
• model the fragmentation of charged dust grains via electrostatic disruption, and so impact on cloud seeding via amended seed distributions.

Plasmas for environmental applications

As pressure mounts to find solutions to outstanding environmental challenges such as the long-term storage of atmospheric carbon dioxide or micro-plastic pollution reduction, new technologies are required to help curb their devastating effects on the environment. Plasma processes may present novel solutions to such challenges and help contribute towards the necessary portfolio of technologies required to safeguard the environment. Carbon sequestration is a crucial technological step towards finding a solution for the long-term storage of atmospheric carbon dioxide to help mitigate climate change. Micro-plastics could be potential carbon getters, reacting with activated carbon dioxide via plasma catalysis or plasma polymerisation and making the micro-plastics more reactive relative to other chemical filters. This approach exploits existing pollutants enabling micro-plastic pollution reduction, a growing environmental challenge, whilst simultaneously sequestering carbon.

The aim of this project is to explore and quantify the process of plasma catalysis-enhanced carbon sequestration in a plasma containing micro-plastics (a dusty plasma).

• model the key gas-plasma chemistry for sequestering carbon;
• simulate the electrostatic activation of chemistry due to charged dust interactions;
• simulate the critical surface interactions and gas-plasma-particulate symbiosis, incorporating carbon acquiring micro-plastics.

To discuss further your interests, please contact group members directly with any questions.

Welcome to GlaMS PhD training Centre, a joint PhD training centre between the University of Glasgow , the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University .

Our 60+ supervisors cover the full range of Algebra Structures, across Algebra, Mathematical Physics, and Geometry & Topology, and we train within the remit of algebraic methods, interpreted broadly.  We offer innovative training , including courses and working seminars in the first year, group projects, and 3-month placements.  For more information, please consult About , and our FAQs .

We have now completed four intakes of students. We very strongly encourage applications from across the mathematical sciences, and across traditional boundaries.  For more details, see our Apply page.

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Prestigious scholarship for University of Glasgow physics PhD candidate

A postgraduate student from the University of Glasgow has been awarded a prestigious scholarship from the Institute of Physics (IOP). Lauren Muir, a PhD candidate in the School of Physics & Astronomy, has been named as one of this year’s recipients of the Bell Burnell Graduate Scholarship Fund. The scholarship is named after the pioneering astrophysicist Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, a graduate of the University of Glasgow who discovered the first evidence of radio pulsars in 1967. The graduate scholarship fund was instigated by Professor Dame Bell Burnell and the IOP in 2019 after Dame Jocelyn was awarded the Special Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics for her role in the discovery of pulsars. Dame Jocelyn immediately donated her entire £2.3m prize award to the IOP. Her aim was to help counter what she described as "the unconscious bias that still exists in physics research", adding: "I don’t need the money myself, and it seemed to me that this was perhaps the best use I could put it to." The fund aims to improve diversity in physics by offering doctoral scholarships to students from groups currently underrepresented in the physics research community. Those eligible include women, people with refugee status, ethnic minorities, disabled or financially disadvantaged students - and others who would otherwise struggle to complete a course of postgraduate study due to their circumstances. Lauren received the award to support her research proposal, titled ’Nurturing Physics Identity in Undergraduate Students through Learning Communities’.

Lauren is passionate about widening participation and supporting those from under-represented backgrounds to fulfil their potential. Her research examines the correlation between students feeling like they are members of a learning community and how strongly they perceive themselves to be physicists. Lauren said: "Today, so much of science relies on collaboration, and therefore when designing our undergraduate courses that will be supporting the development of physicists of tomorrow, it is important to support students in forming communities and working collaboratively. Students with strong physics identities are more likely to stay in the field and have generally higher levels of satisfaction - and these benefits are particularly notable for students from minority groups. "I hope to better understand the relationship between these two pillars of educational practice, and as a result how we can design undergraduate courses that allow those from all backgrounds to flourish." Lauren is one of 10 new awardees announced today. To date, the Fund has enabled 31 students to begin PhDs they would otherwise not have been able to take on. Lauren said: "Receiving the Bell-Burnell scholarship is an absolute dream come true. Over the years, I’ve been told many times that I was too opinionated and that my voice wasn’t important, and there have been multiple instances where I was made to feel like I didn’t belong in a physics classroom because I am a woman. "I’m so grateful that the panel recognised my passion and dedication, it’s an affirmation that the causes I care about are important and that my perspective is valuable. "Furthermore, it feels incredibly validating that all the work I’ve done over the years has now come to fruition. I’ve been keenly interested in physics education research for years, and I’ve had the opportunity to work with the Astronomy and Physics Education research group in various capacities throughout my time at the University of Glasgow. "These experiences were incredibly formative for me, and it was the first time I felt I truly belonged in the physics department - the people I worked with were a massive inspiration for me and highlighted that I could unite my passions of physics and education. They are a wonderful team of people who care deeply about the work they do, and I am so excited to join them! "I hope to use my platform as a recipient of the Bell-Burnell scholarship to expand the perception of who can become a physicist, and indeed this project will actively promote the School of Physics and Astronomy’s ethos of inclusivity and diversity." Rachel Youngman, Deputy Chief Executive of the IOP, said: "This year I am delighted that we have been able to continue the amazing legacy of Dame Jocelyn in supporting 10 incredibly promising students in furthering their studies and building their careers in physics. "We desperately need physicists to help us meet the challenges of the next industrial age; whether that is in helping make nuclear fusion a viable source of energy production, exploiting the opportunities of quantum computing or helping design faster, smaller and more powerful semi-conductors. "Wherever we look there are problems that need physicists to help solve them and the more diverse we can make the population of physics researchers and innovators the more effective and creative it will be. "The Fund set up by Dame Jocelyn is already helping to achieve this. To date, it has enabled 31 students to embark upon a physics PhD, helping them to start their journey to a rewarding and exciting career. "Already students who have been supported are working across the UK in academia and business helping us solve some of the most important challenges of our times, in low carbon energy, medical sciences, computing and many, many other areas. "This is wonderful news for those awarded grants, who deserve the highest congratulations, but it is also already making an impact on all of our lives thanks to the science it is supporting and will continue to do so for many years to come." Professor Helen Gleeson, Cavendish Professor of Physics at the University of Leeds and IOP Representative to Council for Inclusion and Diversity, is the Chair of the Fund Committee. She said: "Every year the standard of applications for this fund gets higher and higher and the ten successful applicants have all done incredibly well. "There is no doubt that physics will provide the scientific applications and solutions to so many of the problems we face in our society and economy today and these Bell Burnell award winners will be at the very heart of that work. "I wish them all the best in their future work and will watch their careers with interest!"

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• Undergraduate study
• 2025 Degree programmes A‑Z
• Physics / Theoretical Physics

Undergraduate  

Physics / Theoretical Physics BSc/MSci

Physics is the experimental and theoretical study of matter and energy and their interactions, ranging from the domain of elementary particles, through nuclear and atomic physics, to the physics of solids and, ultimately, to the origins of the universe itself.

Many of our staff play leading roles in major international research projects, such as the Large Hadron Collider at CERN and the gravitational wave observatory LIGO.

• September start
• Session dates
• Physics BSc (Hons):  F300 4 year degree
• Theoretical Physics BSc (Hons):  F344 4 year degree
• Physics MSci:  F301 5 year degree
• Theoretical Physics MSci:  F340 5 year degree
• Glasgow: Gilmorehill campus
• Joint degree options
• Professionally accredited
• Study abroad available

Register your interest for more information

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Why study Physics / Theoretical Physics?

• This degree programme is accredited by the Institute of Physics
• Lectures are complemented by our observatory, planetarium and telescope facilities at our Garscube Campus
• Many of our staff play leading roles in major international research projects, such as the Large Hadron Collider at CERN and the gravitational wave observatory LIGO
• The school has two active societies,  PhySoc and AstroSoc,  run by students, for students

Programme structure

You will gain a basic understanding of the core topics in theoretical physics and the methods of experimental physics, and obtain a solid foundation for further study of the subject. Topics include dynamics, wave motion, properties of matter, thermal physics, optics, electricity and magnetism, and quantum physics.

You will train in more specialised experimental techniques and study the latest developments in modern physics research. Topics include physics of waves, dynamics, physics of solids, thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, nuclear and particle physics, physics of optics and mathematical techniques.

You will also study mathematics and other optional subjects in years 1 and 2 : see Flexible degrees .

Years 3, 4 and 5

If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4) you will continue to study in greater depth core topics spanning all areas of physics and explore a range of specialist topics of your choice. In the final year, you will work on an independent research project embedded in one of the school’s active research groups.

The Physics degree programmes emphasise technological applications such as laser physics, semiconductor physics and devices, modern signal processing technology, and magnetic and superconducting materials.

The Theoretical Physics degree focuses on more advanced theoretical topics, and will involve specialised computational project work.

There is an opportunity to take an MSci degree, which explores physics topics in greater depth and includes a more extensive individually supervised project working at the cutting edge of international research.

Course details

Core courses:

• MATHEMATICS 1

You will gain a basic understanding of the core topics in theoretical physics, receive an introduction to the methods of experimental physics and obtain a solid foundation for further study of the subject. Topics will include dynamics, wave motion, properties of matter, thermal physics, optics, electricity and magnetism, and quantum physics.

• PHYSICS 2T: PROGRAMMING UNDER LINUX
• MATHEMATICS 2A: MULTIVARIABLE CALCULUS
• MATHEMATICS 2B: LINEAR ALGEBRA
• MATHEMATICS 2D: MATHEMATICAL METHODS AND MODELLING

You will undergo training in more specialised experimental techniques and expand your awareness of the latest developments in modern physics research. Topics will include physics of waves, dynamics, physics of solids, thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, nuclear and particle physics, physics of optics, and mathematical techniques.

You will also study mathematics and other optional subjects in years 1 and 2 : see Flexible degree s .

• MATHEMATICAL METHODS 1
• WAVES & DIFFRACTION
• QUANTUM MECHANICS
• THERMAL PHYSICS
• ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY 1
• HONOURS COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS LABORATORY
• THEORETICAL PHYSICS GROUP PROJECT
• SOLID STATE PHYSICS
• NUCLEAR & PARTICLE PHYSICS
• ATOMIC SYSTEMS
• MATHEMATICAL METHODS 2
• QUANTUM THEORY
• GENERAL PHYSICS WORKSHOP

If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4) you will continue to study in greater depth core topics spanning all areas of physics, explore a range of specialist topics of your choice, and undertake project work, often within a world-leading research group.

The Theoretical Physics degree focuses on more advanced theoretical topics, and will involve specialised computational project work. In the final year, all students work on an independent research project embedded in one of the school’s active research groups.

Programme alteration or discontinuation The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract .

Our international links

You will have the opportunity to study abroad at one of our partner universities as part of your degree. This won’t add any extra time to your studies: see Study abroad .

Entry requirements

For entry in 2025.

You should refer to the entry requirements for both subjects and the degree award when applying for a joint honours degree programme . The higher entry requirement (where applicable) and additional requirements must be met for both subjects.

Summary of entry requirements for Physics/Theoretical 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 Mathematics and Physics at AA. (AB may be considered.

SQA Higher adjusted entry requirements* (by end of S5 or S6)

• MD20 : BBBB (also other target groups*)
• MD40 : AABB*
• Additional requirements: Higher Mathematics and Physics. Successful completion of Top-Up or one of our Summer Schools.

* See Access Glasgow for eligibility .

A-level standard entry requirements

• Additional requirements: A-level Mathematics and Physics.

IB standard entry requirements

• Additional requirements: HL Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches) and Physics.

Advanced Entry Requirements for Physics/Theoretical Physics

SQA Higher advanced entry requirements

• Advanced Highers – AAA including Mathematics and Physics attained in one exam year and at the first attempt.

A-level advanced entry requirements

• Three A-levels at grades A*AA in Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics attained in one exam year and at the first attempt.

IB advanced entry requirements

• 38 points with three Higher Level subjects at 6,6,6 in Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches), and Physics attained in one exam year and at the first attempt.

Choose point of entry 2nd year on your UCAS application to indicate you wish to be considered for advanced entry.

Advanced entry is not permitted for the following programmes:

• Physics/Astronomy (FF53/FF5H)
• Physics/Computing Science (FG34/IF13)

2nd year entrants to Physics programmes cannot change degree to study Mathematics at honours level.

Admissions guidance

• Find out more about entry requirements and alternative qualifications

Glasgow International College

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College , who offer a range of foundation certificates.

English language

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

English language requirements

International english language testing system (ielts) academic module (not general training).

• 6.5 with no sub-test under 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.

Common equivalent English language qualifications

All stated English tests are acceptable for admission to this programme:

TOEFL (ib, my best or athome)

• 90 with minimum R 20, L 19, S 19, W 23.
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Combined scores from two tests taken within 6 months of each other can be considered.

PTE (Academic)

• 60 with minimum 59 in all sub-tests.

Glasgow International College English Language (and other foundation providers)

• Tests are accepted for academic year following sitting.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

Cambridge english qualifications.

• Cambridge Advanced English (CAE): 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
• Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE): 176 overall, no subtest less than 169

School Qualifications

• iGCSE English or ESOL 0522/0500, grade C
• International Baccalaureate English A SL5 or HL5
• International Baccalaureate English B SL6 or HL5
• SQA National 5 English or ESOL, grade B
• SQA Higher English or ESOL, grade C
• Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
• West African Examination Council, Senior Secondary School Certificate, English grade C6

Alternatives to English Language qualification

• Undergraduate degree from English speaking country (including Canada if taught in English)
• Undergraduate 2+2 degree from English speaking country
• Undergraduate 2+2 TNE degree taught in English in non-English speaking country
• Masters degree from English speaking country
• Masters degree (equivalent on NARIC to UK masters degree) taught in English in non-English speaking country.

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept an IELTS test (Academic module) from any of the 1000 IELTS test centres from around the world and we do not require a specific UKVI IELTS test for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

Pre-sessional courses

The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• School of Modern Languages & Cultures: English for Academic Study
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses

What do I do if...

my language qualifications are below the requirements?

The University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures offers a range of Pre-sessional courses  to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching.

my language qualifications are not listed here?

Please contact  External Relations

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:

• UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
• UKBA list of approved English language tests  [pdf]

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old . A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website . If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

Further information about English language:  School of Modern Languages & Cultures: English for Academic Study

Career prospects

The scientific knowledge and mathematical and analytical skills you acquire will equip you to work across a wide range of industries including aerospace, electronics, semiconductors, petroleum, communications, computing, medical physics, education, commerce and the Civil Service.

Accreditation

Our Physics single and joint honours programmes are accredited by the Institute of Physics. Graduating from the MSci programme sets you on the path to becoming a Chartered Physicist.

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:

Fees and funding

• Tuition fees

How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.

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.

• STEM in Scotland Scholarship