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.

Programme structure

Years 1 and 2

Initially you will study chemistry, physics and mathematics. In the following year you will study chemistry and physics.

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 and diffraction, electromagnetism, nuclear and particle physics, and atomic systems.
• in chemistry: various aspects of physical and inorganic chemistry including catalysis, solid state chemistry, coordination chemistry, quantum mechanics and 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 third year and the final year of the degree.

Our international links

Career prospects

Accreditation

Academic entry requirements
for entry in 2014

BSc, MSci

Highers: AAAA or AAABB (including two science subjects) in first sitting = unconditional offer.

Applicants who achieved AAAB or AABBB (including two science subjects) at their first sitting WILL receive an offer from the University. This offer may be conditional (on second sitting results) or unconditional, depending on how many applications are received from students who have attained these grades.

Additional offers, either conditional or unconditional, MAY be made to applicants who achieved between ABBB and AABB (including two science subjects) at their first sitting. A decision re these applications will be made in March 2014 once all applications have been reviewed. 

Applicants who receive an offer conditional on second sitting results will be required to study Advanced Highers in relevant subjects as an integral part of their conditional offer. 

A-levels: AAB, including two science subjects. Applicants are normally expected to have A-levels at B or above in Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics. 

IB: A minimum of 34 points is required to be considered for an offer. Actual offers will specify subjects and grades to be attained at Higher Level.

English language requirements

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

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 6.5
• no sub-test less than 6.0
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
• CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
• CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
• PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

FAQs

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.

For further information about English language, please contact the Language Centre.

Tuition fees

How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details. If you’re from outside the EU, please see International students for more information.

Scholarships

We offer a wide range of scholarships to our undergraduates, including both home/EU and international students. The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That’s why we’ve invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding over the last year.
 
For a full list of scholarships including eligibility criteria and how to apply, please see:

• Scholarships