Undergraduate study

Students socialising in the QMU

Explore undergraduate study with one of the UK's leading schools in Physics and Astronomy. Our degree programmes offer flexibility, depth, and the opportunity to learn from world-leading researchers in a supportive and inspiring environment.

The Glasgow Ethos

At Glasgow, choice and flexibility are at the heart of your learning journey.

  • Year 1: Choose three subjects, giving breadth and flexibility.
  • Year 2: Narrow to two subjects.
  • Years 3–5: Focus on your honours subject(s), with increasing depth and specialisation.

Students can pursue Single Honours or Joint Honours degrees. The BSc typically takes 4 years, while the MSci lasts 5 years and includes advanced coursework and an extended research project.

Throughout your studies, you will develop transferable skills in:

  • Problem solving
  • Teamwork
  • Communication
  • Technical writing

Your final year includes a supervised research project, working at the forefront of international physics or astronomy research. Opportunities for summer placements—often paid—are also available in both academic and industrial laboratories.

We offer a range of undergraduate programmes leading to BSc or MSci degrees, including accelerated (faster route) options. For a broad overview of the University's flexible degree structure, see our arrow brochure.

Check out our undergraduate programme options below.

Contact us

Email: phas-teachingsupport@glasgow.ac.uk

Quick links

Undergraduate degree programmes

Undergraduate degree programmes


Degree Options

We offer a variety of single and combined honours degree routes. 

Single Honours 

  • Physics
  • Theoretical Physics
  • Chemical Physics
  • Physics with Astrophysics

Combined Honours

  • Astronomy and Physics
  • Physics and Mathematics / Applied Mathematics 
  • Astronomy and Mathematics / Applied Mathematics 
  • Physics and Computing Science

Advanced entry

Applicants with exceptional qualifications may be eligible for direct entry into second year. See Advanced entry for more details.

Learn more

Find out more about these degrees and what you’ll study in the:

About the School of Physics & Astronomy

Located in the historic Kelvin Building, our School is home to a vibrant community of teachers, researchers, and students.

Staff are not only passionate educators but also leading researchers in fields from quantum technology to cosmology.

Our History

Physics has been taught at Glasgow since the early 18th century, with the Chair of Natural Philosophy established in 1727. The most famous professor was William Thomson, Lord Kelvin, who contributed to fields including thermodynamics, transatlantic communication, and education reform. His legacy lives on in the School’s ethos and the building that bears his name.

Visit The School for more information about our past and present.

Learning Environment & Facilities

Lectures and Labs

Most lectures are held within the School in state-of-the-art theatres. You'll also benefit from:

  • Small-group tutorials
  • Seminars
  • Laboratory-based learning in modern, fully equipped labs

Astronomy students have access to our Garscube observatory, while Theoretical Physics students undertake computational and theoretical assignments.

Computing Laboratory

With 120+ dedicated PCs, our computing facilities are among the best in the UK, supporting all aspects of undergraduate teaching.

Common Room

Our students' common room — an attic space repurposed from Kelvin’s original lecture theatre — is a bright, relaxed study and social space.

Student Life

Student Societies 

Our student-run societies, PhySoc and AstroSoc, organise:

  • Academic talks
  • Social events
  • Themed parties – including the much-loved Christmas party!

Visit Get Involved and Student life for more information about opportunities across the University.

Public Engagement

We take science outreach seriously. Many of our students volunteer in activities aimed at schools and the wider public — often leading these initiatives themselves.

Visit Colloquia and News for more information about School events and activities.

Admissions enquiries

For questions about UCAS applications, non-standard entry, transfers, deferred entry, or clearing places:

Visits & Open Days

We hold Open Days in June and September, and an Applicant Visit Day in March. Individual visits can also be arranged.

Visit Future Undergraduate Science Students for more information. 

Resources