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Direct entry to second year Physics BSc (Hons) 2021 entry

It is possible for students applying for the single Honours Physics BSc to enter directly into the second year of study, meaning it is possible to complete the degree in only three years instead of four.

This option is offered to students with excellent Advanced Higher, A-Level or International Baccalaureate qualifications.

Students who enter directly to second year will take modules required by the Physics BSc programme from second year on, bypassing first-year modules entirely.

Direct entry students will have the opportunity to study abroad during their second year of study.

To find out more information, or to discuss the possibility of direct entry to second year, please contact the School of Physics and Astronomy.

Joint degree options

Direct entry into second year is also possible for the following joint Honours degree:

In taking a joint degree, you are required to take core modules in all of your subjects. Find out more about joint degrees.

The course information below is for single Honours direct entry only. For more information about direct entry to joint degrees, please contact Admissions at admissions@st-andrews.ac.uk.

Physics BSc (Hons)

Contact

School of Physics and Astronomy
University of St Andrews
North Haugh
St Andrews
KY16 9SS

Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3111
Email: physugadmiss@st-andrews.ac.uk

School of Physics and Astronomy

Key information

UCAS code

F301

Course type

Bachelor of Science (single Honours degree)

Course duration

Three years full time

  • Start date: 6 September 2021
  • End date: 30 June 2024

Entry requirements

These grades are the overall standards required to consider you for entry.

    • Advanced Highers: AA, including Physics and Mathematics
    • Highers: AAAA

    • AAA, including Physics and Mathematics

    • 38 (HL 6,6,6), including HL6 in Physics and Mathematics

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry on to our programmes, please see our entry requirements for more information.

For degrees combining more than one subject, the subject with the higher entry requirements determines the grades you need. You will also need to meet any further subject-specific entrance requirements as outlined on their pages.

International applicants

If English is not your first language, you will need an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum score of 6.0 in each component (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking), or an equivalent English language qualification.

How to apply

Do I need to have studied this subject before?

Students must have studied Physics and Mathematics at SQA Highers and Advanced Highers, GCE A-Levels, or equivalent. Preference will be given to candidate offering strong science qualifications over and above the stated requirements.

General entry requirements

All applicants must have attained the following qualifications, or equivalent, in addition to the specific entry requirements for individual programmes.

  • SQA National 5 (B) in English and one SQA National 5 (B) from the following:

    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Computing science
    • Geography
    • Lifeskills Mathematics (A grade)
    • Mathematics
    • Physics
    • Psychology.

  • GCSE (5) in English language or English literature, and one GCSE (5) from the following:

    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Computing Science
    • Geography
    • Mathematics
    • Physics
    • Psychology.

Other qualifications

More information on how to apply via other entry routes or accreditation of prior learning and experience can be found on the University’s entry requirements web page.