Computational Physics BSc (Hons) Level: Undergraduate Subject: Physics and Astronomy Year of entry: 2026 Key facts UCAS Code F343 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 Physics and Astronomy College College of Science and Engineering Study abroad Available Accreditation Available Placement No Second year entry Available Open days and events Overview About the degree programme The close relationship between physics and high performance computing worldwide is embodied in the Computational Physics degree programme.Most theoretical problems are now sufficiently complex that they cannot be solved by mathematics alone. As experimentation becomes more difficult and expensive, computer simulation has become the most practical way to understand complex phenomena such as:turbulencenuclear reactors and weaponsclimate changeThese are the areas where computational physicists already dominate. In the future, based on current recruitment patterns, the methods of Computational Physics will also come to dominate other areas such as:financial marketsgenomicsdisease controlThis physics-based programme is for students interested in computing, modelling and simulation. You will study:programmingalgorithmsproblem-solving methodologiesYou will receive a thorough education in physics and the associated mathematics, together with the ability to write computer programs to simulate natural systems. How long it takes to complete this degree programme This programme is usually studied over 4 years. However, some students may be eligible to enter in the second year and complete the programme in 3 years. Programme rankings Top 20 universities in the UK by subject in the Times Good University Guide 2024.20th for Physics in the Guardian University Guide 2025. Programme benefits The School of Physics and Astronomy has close links with the Royal Observatory, Edinburgh, one of the UK's major centres of astronomical research.The Institute for Astronomy (IfA), one of the School's research institutes, is based at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh.You will be taught by academic staff with links to major research facilities across the world, including CERN, TRIUMF, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory and a number of principal astronomy facilities.This programme is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP). Entry requirements Find your entry requirementsUse the dropdowns to find out your entry requirements.Select the country where you are studying or where you studied your qualification.Select the qualification you are studying or studied. Where you are studying or where you studied United KingdomAfghanistanAngolaArgentinaArmeniaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBelarusBelgiumBelizeBhutanBoliviaBotswanaBrazilBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaChileChinaColombiaCosta RicaCôte d'IvoireCroatiaCubaCyprusCzech RepublicDemocratic Republic of CongoDenmarkDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFinlandFranceGabonThe GambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGreeceGuatemalaGuineaHaitiHondurasHong Kong-SAR ChinaHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJordanKazakhstanKenyaKorea, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLithuaniaLuxembourgMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMauritiusMexicoMontenegroMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNepalNetherlands, TheNew ZealandNicaraguaNigeriaNorth MacedoniaNorwayOmanPakistanPalestinian TerritoriesPanamaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPolandPortugalQatarRomaniaRussiaRwandaSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSierra LeoneSingaporeSlovakiaSloveniaSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSwedenSwitzerlandSyriaTajikistanTaiwanTanzaniaThailandTrinidad and TobagoTurkeyTurkmenistanUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited States of AmericaUruguayUzbekistanVenezuelaVietnamWest Indies and CaribbeanYemenZambiaZimbabweMy country is not listed Qualification - Select a qualification -SQA Highers: standard requirementsSQA Highers: widening access requirementsA levels: standard requirementsA levels: widening access requirementsIB: standard requirementsIB: widening access requirementsOther UK qualificationsMature applicants (including adult returners)International qualifications by country United Kingdom, Fees and funding Tuition fees for BSc (Hons) Computational Physics View the tuition fees for one academic year of BSc (Hons) Computational Physics. Additional costs You should expect to buy the necessary textbooks for some compulsory and option components of your programme. 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:accommodationfoodutility billstravel within Edinburghhealth and wellbeing costsSee 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 Programme details What you will study Year 1 You will study compulsory courses in physics, mathematics and computing.Physics 1APhysics 1A presents the pillars of physics upon which later material is based. This will develop your problem-solving and study skills.The course is innovative in its use of technology and offers an interactive learning experience.Physics 1BPhysics 1B introduces you to a wide range of physics topics and how these impact our understanding of the universe, including:wavesintroductory quantum mechanicsnuclear and particle physicsThis also includes an introduction to university laboratory work.Mathematics for Physics 1 and 2You will study Mathematics for Physics 1 and 2. These courses include mathematical and problem-solving skills in the context of algebra and calculus, with an increasing emphasis on physical applications.Informatics coursesInformatics courses will cover:computation and logicfunctional programming Find Year 1 courses (2024-2025 academic year) Year 2 You will study modern physics and physics of fields and matter. Supporting mathematics courses will cover:algebracalculusdynamics and vector calculusYou will also be introduced to practical physics, including:programmingdata analysisexperimental techniquesYou will also study a course in computer simulation. If you start in Year 2, you will also take additional introductory courses in classical physics and mathematics. You can also choose one or two courses from other academic areas. Find Year 2 courses (2024-2025 academic year) Year 3 You will study:thermodynamicselectromagnetismquantum mechanicsWe also offer:a supporting mathematics course covering Fourier analysis, probability and statisticsa computing course on numerical algorithmsan introductory course to research methodsQuantum computing projectYou will also complete a quantum computing project.You will work in small groups to design, implement, and test a program to simulate a quantum computer. Find Year 3 courses (2024-2025 academic year) Year 4 In this year, there are a number of final compulsory courses covering:relativitynuclear and particle physicscondensed matter physicsmodelling and visualisation in physicsYou will have the opportunity to take a selection of specialist courses in computing and high-performance computing from the School of Informatics.You will also take part in project work. Find Year 4 courses (2024-2025 academic year) Study abroad You will have the opportunity to study abroad in Year 3 of this degree at one of our partner universities.If international travel restrictions allow, you may be able to choose where you study from our selection of international partners.A study abroad experience will allow you to immerse yourself in a different culture, enrich your learning and enhance your future job opportunities.Your study abroad options Teaching and assessment Teaching You will be taught by specialists in the field through a combination of:lecturestutorialspracticalsWe take advantage of the latest teaching technology and these methods help to develop your problem-solving skills.From Year 3, you will also complete group projects and research projects under the supervision of one of the School’s academic or research staff members. Assessment Assessment includes a combination of:regular assignmentsin-class assessmentsonline testsend of semester examinationsPractical and computing courses have laboratory write-ups and checkpoint assessments. Other courses are assessed by:presentationspeer assessing each other’s workwriting critical reviews of scientific literatureExams take place in December and May. Support for your studies You will be fully supported throughout your time in the School of Physics and Astronomy.All students in the School of Physics and Astronomy have a named Student Adviser offering advice on well-being and study support issues.You will also benefit from mentoring by a member of academic staff who will oversee your progress and advise on your academic options.The Maths Buddies Scheme is a peer support scheme that allows new students to get help from more experienced students. It runs weekly study sessions focusing on support for maths questions and problems.In addition, the School of Physics and Astronomy has year representatives for every year of each of our programmes, who act as a link between students and staff. The role of the representative is to ensure that students' views on academic matters are heard. Where you will study Study location Teaching is based at the University's King's Buildings campus.The King's Buildings campus is around 15 minutes from central Edinburgh by bus.The location of your optional courses will depend on what courses you choose. Academic facilities During your first three years, you will have access to:the School of Physics and Astronomy undergraduate laboratoriesthe University's libraries and computer facilitiesFrom Year 2, you will also have access to the Computational Physics Laboratory.Our teaching laboratories cover all disciplines of experimental physics. Virtual tour You can take a closer look at the School of Physics and Astronomy and explore our facilities and campus on the University's Virtual Visit site. Take a virtual tour of the School of Physics and Astronomy Career paths and further study Accreditation Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP). Career paths Many employers recognise that physics graduates have advanced problem-solving skills and the ability to think logically and critically about complex situations. Graduates have opportunities in a diverse range of careers using skills gained from this degree, such as:a high level of mathematical abilityIT proficiencycommunication skillsWhere our graduates workOur recent graduates have gone on into employment with a wide variety of organisations, including:GoogleThe European Space AgencyBBCIBMPhysicists are sought after by many sectors, including:engineeringmanufacturingenergyfinancemedicinethe space industries Careers Service Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals.The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies.With the Careers Service, you can:access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengthstry different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you developget help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobsattend careers events and practice interviewsget information and advice to help you make informed decisionsVisit the Careers Service website Further study A number of our graduates go on to further study, for example:PhD researcha masters degree in a science or engineering subjecta postgraduate diploma in education Graduate profiles Read the testimonials of our former students, and find out where their physics degree took them.Graduate testimonials Applying 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 Apply to one Physics degreeApply for only one Physics degree as we are only able to consider one application to this subject area. You will have the opportunity to switch between degrees in later years provided the required courses have been passed. What you need to apply As part of your application, you will need:your academic qualificationsa personal statementevidence 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 websiteKey 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:How to submit your qualificationsAttend an offer holder eventReceiving our decisionAccepting your offerAfter you’ve accepted your offerIf you have a disability and need more support at 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 Life at Edinburgh What our students say 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 websiteAccommodation guarantee criteriaIf 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.SocietiesSports clubsThe Physics and Astronomy Society is open to all students who are interested in physics and astronomy. They host a variety of events, from observing nights and observatory tours to academic talks. 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 Exercise, leisure and support facilities Outside of your studies, we offer a range of facilities to daily life, including: sport and exercise facilitiesUniversity cafes and cateringEdinburgh University Students' Association venues and shopsa multi-faith chaplaincy for all faiths and nonea University nursery (based at King’s Buildings campus) 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 servicea health centre (doctor's surgery)support if you're living in University accommodationdedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustmentHealth and wellbeing support services Contact and events
