Chemical Physics BSc (Hons)

Level: Undergraduate

Subject: Chemistry

Year of entry: 2026

Key facts

UCAS Code

F334

Award

BSc (Hons)

Duration of study

3 years, 4 years

Delivery

Full-time

Study location

King's Buildings campus

Start date

September 2026

School

School of Chemistry

College

College of Science and Engineering

Accreditation

Available

Placement

No

Second year entry

Available

Open days and events

About the degree programme

Chemical physics is an interdisciplinary subject that cuts across two major fields of physical science:

  • from the fundamental physics of individual atoms and molecules to soft and hard condensed matter physics
  • from dealing with matter from the molecules of life to the latest technological materials

A modern chemical physicist is equipped with the tools to make significant contributions to a sustainable, secure and healthy future for the coming generations, through the development of: 

  • efficient renewable energy sources
  • smart materials and devices
  • targeted medicinal therapies

The BSc (Hons) Chemical Physics degree programme covers topics in all branches of the discipline, from the fundamentals to the most advanced understanding and application.

In the early years, we will provide a solid foundation in the core subjects of:

  • chemistry
  • mathematics
  • physics

In your final year, you will:

  • study advanced courses in chemistry and physics
  • carry out an in-depth individual research project and gain hands-on research experience

Studying chemistry at the University of Edinburgh

What do our students think?

How long it takes to complete this degree programme

This programme takes 4 years to complete.

If you are eligible for a direct entry into the second year, this programme takes 3 years to complete.

Programme rankings

  • 6th in the Complete University Guide 2025
  • 7th in The Times Good University Guide 2025
  • 12th in the UK in The Guardian Subject Rankings 2025

Programme benefits

  • Our chemical physics programmes are accredited by both the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Institute of Physics.
  • The School of Chemistry scored 75% in the National Student Survey 2024 for overall student satisfaction.

Find your entry requirements

Use the dropdowns to find out your entry requirements.

  1. Select the country where you are studying or where you studied your qualification.
  2. Select the qualification you are studying or studied.
United Kingdom,

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons) Chemical Physics

View the tuition fees for one academic year of BSc (Hons) Chemical Physics.

Tuition fees for this programme

Additional costs

You will need a white lab coat, which cost £15 in 2024.

You should also buy three core textbooks in Year 1, which cost around £160 in 2024.

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that a single student can potentially spend a maximum of £920 to £2,257 on living costs each month, depending on your accommodation.

This estimate covers the costs of:

  • accommodation
  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel within Edinburgh
  • health and wellbeing costs

See a breakdown of living costs

Scholarships and funding

Funding information

You can find detailed information on financial support available, based on where you are living, in our funding section.

Funding

Featured funding

Chemistry Tercentenary Access Bursary

Access bursaries have been available for UK students of outstanding potential who started their studies in 2023, 2024 and 2025 academic years at the School of Chemistry. Please check the website for the latest opportunities.

Value: £2,000 per year

What you will study

Second year entry

We have incorporated flexibility into our programme structures. This includes the option to change between Bachelors or Masters and potentially choosing entry into Year 1 or Year 2. You can discuss this with your student adviser and academic cohort lead early in Semester 1.

In Year 1, you will study chemistry, physics and mathematics by taking:

  • the same introductory chemistry course as those for the other chemistry degrees
  • physics and mathematics courses taught by the School of Physics and Astronomy

The chemistry and physics courses each include a weekly laboratory practical programme for both chemistry and physics.

Find Year 1 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

You will continue with your chemistry, physics and mathematics courses.

You will take the following courses:

  • Physics of Fields and Matter
  • Dynamics and Vector Calculus
  • Linear Algebra and Several Variable Calculus
  • Modern Physics
  • Chemistry for Chemical Physics 2
  • Programming and Data Analysis or Experimental Physics 2

In the Chemistry 2 and Practical Physics courses, you will continue to train in:

  • computer programming
  • data analysis
  • experimental laboratory techniques
Find Year 2 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

You will take a modified version of the Year 3 chemistry courses that cover the same material in physical and inorganic chemistry.

You will also take the following physics courses:

  • Fourier Analysis
  • Statistical Mechanics
  • Electromagnetism
  • Computer Modelling or Experimental Physics 3
  • Quantum Mechanics
Find Year 3 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

In your final year, you will take a mix of taught courses in chemistry and physics.

You will carry out a final year research project in the School of Chemistry or in the School of Physics and Astronomy.

You may also take a science education project instead, which provides ideal preparation for future study towards a teaching qualification.

Find Year 4 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

You will be taught through a combination of:

  • lectures
  • laboratory classes
  • problem-solving workshops
  • tutorials with a high staff-to-student ratio
How long should I study?

In your first two years, you will have 20 hours per week of timetabled study. 

You should also dedicate about 15 hours to prepare for:

  • tutorials
  • writing lab reports
  • private study

In later years, you will experience more practical learning and research project work.

What skills will I gain?

All our programmes include:

  • training, practice, and feedback in communication skills
  • teamwork and collaboration
  • exposure to the latest technology of scientific information retrieval and organisation

In addition to the lecture topics, you will develop skills in:

  • written communication
  • report writing
  • oral presentation skills from formal presentations

You will also develop practical skills and an awareness of the safety aspects of laboratory work and risk assessment throughout the programme.

You will build on these skills through a research project in your final year.

Assessment

You will be assessed through a combination of:

  • coursework
  • reports on laboratory practicals
  • presentations
  • exams
  • assessment of your final year research project

This is an example of what your timetable could look like in Semester 1 of Year 1 of a Chemical Physics degree programme.

Monday
  • 9am to 9:50am Chemistry 1A (lecture)
  • 10am to 10:50am Physics 1A: Foundations (lecture)
  • 12:10pm to 1pm Mathematics for Physics 1 (lecture)
  • 2pm to 4pm Physics 1A Foundations (lab)
Tuesday
  • 9am to 10:50am Mathematics for Physics 1 (tutorial)
  • 2pm to 5pm Chemistry 1A (lab)
Wednesday
  • 9am to 9:50am Chemistry 1A (lecture)
  • 10am to 10:50am Physics 1A: Foundations (lecture)
  • 12:10pm to 1pm Mathematics for Physics 1 (lecture)
Thursday
  • 2pm to 3:30pm Chemistry 1A (tutorial)
  • 4pm to 6pm Physics 1A Foundations (tutorial)
Friday
  • 9am to 9:50am Chemistry 1A (lecture)
  • 10am to 10:50am Physics 1A: Foundations (lecture)
  • 12:10pm to 1pm Mathematics for Physics 1 (lecture)

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.

Support for your studies

Where you will study

Study location

All teaching and labs are based at the King's Buildings campus with Year 1 chemistry labs taking place in the Nucleus building.

The King's Buildings campus is around 15 minutes from central Edinburgh by bus.

Academic facilities

You will have access to:

  • research laboratories
  • the University's libraries
  • computer facilities

Find out more about the Nucleus Building

Virtual tour

You can take a closer look at the School of Chemistry and explore our facilities and campus on the University's Virtual Visit site.

Take a virtual tour of the School of Chemistry

View panoramas of the School of Chemistry

Accreditation

This degree programme is accredited by both the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and the Institute of Physics. It partially fulfils the academic requirements for Chartered Chemist (CChem).

RSC development information for Chartered Chemists

Royal Society of Chemistry accredited degree

Career paths

A degree in chemistry is a wise choice for your future employability and earning potential.

Employability of chemistry graduates

Chemical Physics graduates find careers in a range of technology sectors and industries like:

  • petrochemical and renewables
  • aeronautical and space exploration
  • nuclear

They also use their numerical, problem-solving and analytical skills in sectors such as:

  • finance
  • marketing
  • advertising

Many of our graduates progress to a higher degree, typically a PhD.

Careers Service

The Careers Service works closely with students and staff within the school to help you to:

  • review what you have done
  • explore your options
  • plan next steps
  • chart progress along the way

Support, which you can access throughout your studies and for two years after graduation, includes:

  • tailored careers advice
  • one-to-one appointments and practice interviews
  • a comprehensive range of workshops and careers fairs
  • access to a range of online resources
  • help to find work while you study and after you graduate

Visit the Careers Service website

Further study

After you complete your programme, you may want to go onto further study at Edinburgh or a different university. You could progress to:

  • a masters degree
  • a postgraduate diploma or certificate
  • a PhD
  • a second undergraduate degree

Find out about options for further study

Graduate profiles

Nina Kinney

Degree: BSc Chemical Physics

Year of graduation: 2019

Current work: Cloud Scientist at the British Antarctic Survey

When it came to applying for University, the Chemical Physics programme at Edinburgh felt like the natural choice for me. I was particularly interested in the overlap between physics and chemistry and Edinburgh seemed a nice place to move to.

I am currently working as a Cloud Scientist at the British Antarctic Survey, studying the substances that induce ice nucleation in the atmosphere over the Southern Oceans. These ice nucleators represent a large source of uncertainty in climate models, which we aim to help reduce by better understanding their sources, properties and abundance. This involves making lots of aerosol and ice nucleation measurements, at the lab in Cambridge and on fieldwork visits to Antarctica.

Alumni profile Nina Kinney

Read our undergraduate alumni profiles to find out more about their student experience and their careers.

School of Chemistry graduate profiles

Our global alumni network

We have a diverse community of alumni spread across the world. In the School of Chemistry, we provide opportunities for you to connect with this global network during your studies through panel discussions, workshops and dedicated online communities.

From getting to know Edinburgh to transitioning to life after graduation, you will benefit from the valuable insights of our supportive School of Chemistry alumni.

How to apply

You must submit a full application through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) before the relevant deadline.

Guidance on applying through UCAS

What you need to apply

As part of your application, you will need:

  • your academic qualifications
  • a personal statement
  • evidence of your English language skills (with relevant qualifications)
  • a reference

How we select

If you have met, or are predicted to meet, all our entry requirements by the relevant deadline, then your application will go into our selection process.

As part of this selection process, we will review all the information you submit in your UCAS application when we decide who to select for this degree programme.

How we select applicants

When to apply

  • 2026 entry UCAS deadline: 14 January 2026 (6:00pm GMT)

This is the deadline for all UK, EU and international applicants to non-medicine and veterinary medicine programmes.

To find out if any degree programmes have spaces after 14 January 2026, search the University of Edinburgh on the UCAS website.

Search degrees that are open on the UCAS website

Key application dates and deadlines

After you apply

After you have applied for your degree programme, we suggest you have a look at the following information to help you prepare for university:

Applying as an international student

As an international student, you apply for this degree programme through UCAS.  

Find out more about applying through UCAS  

Visas and immigration 

If you do not have the right to live in the UK, you will need to apply for and secure a Student visa before the start date of your degree programme.  

Our Student Immigration Service can help you with the Student visa application process. 

Applying for a visa  

Agents  

An education agent is someone who can help you with the application process as an international student. 

We work with education agents around the world and have a list of local offices you can contact.  

Find contact details for an education agent

Academic Technology Approval Scheme

If you need to apply for a Student visa, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme clearance certificate in order to study this programme.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme

What our students say

I found the Chemical Physics course demanding but I am glad that I stuck with it. It set me up well for further interdisciplinary studies. I found the Chemistry staff at Edinburgh really supportive and enjoyed being part of the Chemical Physics community during my time there.

Nina Kinney BSc Chemical Physics, graduated 2019, Cloud Scientist at the British Antarctic Survey

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single undergraduate students from outside Edinburgh. To be eligible, you need to meet all criteria and apply for accommodation by 16 August in the year of your entry to the University.

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sports clubs

Chemistry Society (ChemSoc)

The Chemistry Society (ChemSoc) is here to catalyse the bond formation between chemists alike. The society organises both academic talks and social events, with an end of semester ceilidh and games night with professors being hits in previous years.

You will be able to meet like-minded peers in mixer events and be a part of the oldest chemistry society in the world. ChemSoc also organise the iconic end of year ChemBall.

ChemSoc

Chemistry Academic Families (CAcFams)

Chemistry Academic Families (CAcFams) is an inter-year group where you are sorted into families with 'parents' from Year 3 and Year 4.

It is a great opportunity for you to get involved in the chemistry community and meet chemistry students from both your year and other years who will be able to give advice on all aspects of university life.

CAcFams

Physics and Astronomy Society (PhysSoc)

The Physics and Astronomy Society is open to all students who are interested in physics and astronomy, whether you study physics or are just interested by it.

We host a wide variety of events from pub quizzes to academic talks by professors. We also have observing nights and observatory tours which run throughout the year.

We welcome all to our society and strive to create a space where people can share their love for the subject and get to know each other in a casual setting!

PhysSoc

The city of Edinburgh

Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life.

Find out more about living in Edinburgh

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include:

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustment

Health and wellbeing support services

Contact us

Contact us through our enquiry team if you have any questions about this programme.

Open days, events and visits

Find out when our next open days will be taking place

Open days, events and visits

Chat to our students on Unibuddy

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It is one of many sources of information which will enable you to make an informed decision on what and where to study.

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