Physics with a Year Abroad MPhys

Level: Undergraduate

Subject: Physics and Astronomy

Year of entry: 2026

Key facts

UCAS Code

W2S4

Award

MPhys

Duration of study

4 years, 5 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

Mandatory

Accreditation

Available

Placement

No

Second year entry

Available

Open days and events

About the degree programme

Physics is the study of the fundamental processes of our Universe, and the laws of physics underpin the other natural sciences.

This degree programme covers all aspects of physics, from the very basics to the current frontiers of knowledge.

The early years of the programme are broad-based, providing a robust foundation for advanced physics and mathematics courses.

In Year 4, you will have the opportunity to complete an innovative research project at a partner institution overseas. 

In your final year back in Edinburgh, you can specialise by taking courses from different fields based on your:

  • interests
  • year abroad experience
  • career ambitions

Whatever field of physics interests you the most, you will find experts in:

  • particle physics
  • nuclear physics
  • condensed matter
  • fluids
  • optics
  • cosmology
  • astronomy

Compared to the BSc, our MPhys Physics with a Year Abroad programme provides a broader and deeper exposure to the concepts, methods and phenomena of physics. You will also gain experience of research work through an extended project. This provides a foundation for further research studies in physics.

How long it takes to complete this degree programme

This programme is usually studied over 5 years. However, some students may be eligible to enter in the second year and complete the programme in 4 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.
  • Complete an innovative research project abroad at a partner institution.
  • This programme is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) and fully meets the educational requirements for Chartered Physicist.
  • Take your knowledge further by completing a major research project in Year 5.

The MPhys Physics with Year Abroad gave me the opportunity to spend my fourth year at TRIUMF Vancouver, where I worked on a research project in the life sciences department. This was a complete flip to the day-to-day routines of lectures and workshops at university. I was able to step out of traditional teaching, learn on the job, and contribute to science that had real impact.

Viktoria Krol MPhys Physics with Year Abroad, graduated 2023

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 MPhys Physics with Year Abroad - 5 Years

View the tuition fees for one academic year of MPhys Physics with Year Abroad - 5 Years.

Tuition fees for this programme

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:

  • 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

What you will study

You will study compulsory courses in physics and mathematics.

Physics 1A

Physics 1A presents the pillars of physics upon which subsequent 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 1B

Physics 1B introduces you to a wide range of physics topics and how these impact our understanding of the universe, including:

  • waves
  • introductory quantum mechanics
  • nuclear and particle physics

This also includes an introduction to university laboratory work.

Mathematics for Physics 1 and 2

You 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.

Option courses

You will be able to choose further subjects from other academic areas.

Find Year 1 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

You will study modern physics and physics of fields and matter. 

Supporting mathematics courses will cover:

  • algebra
  • calculus
  • dynamics and vector calculus

You will also be introduced to practical physics, including:

  • programming
  • data analysis
  • experimental techniques

If you start in Year 2, you will also take additional introductory courses in classical physics and mathematics.

Option courses

You will have the freedom to choose one or two courses from other academic areas.

Find Year 2 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

You will study:

  • electromagnetism
  • thermal physics
  • quantum mechanics

We also offer:

  • a supporting mathematics course covering Fourier analysis, probability and statistics
  • a computing course on numerical algorithms
  • an introductory course to research methods
  • a course on experimental laboratory
Find Year 3 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

You will complete a year abroad at a partner institution. Current locations include:

  • The University of Sydney
  • The University of Melbourne
  • TRIUMF in Vancouver
  • Nagoya University
  • GSI Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research in Germany

During this period, you will carry out an extended research project on a topic agreed with your host supervisor.

Find Year 4 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

You will study compulsory courses covering:

  • relativity
  • nuclear and particle physics
  • condensed matter physics
  • statistical physics
Research project

In addition, you will complete a further short research project chosen from a wide range of topics.

This will allow you to consolidate and build upon the technical, personal, and presentation skills that you developed while on your year abroad and that are needed to work successfully in a physics-based research/development environment.

Advanced-level courses

You will also be able to choose a number of advanced-level courses from several available options.

Find Year 5 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

Study abroad

You will spend a year abroad at a partner institution during the senior honours year, Year 4, of your programme. 

A study abroad experience will allow you to immerse yourself in a different culture, enrich your learning and enhance your future job opportunities.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

You will be taught by specialists in the field through a combination of:

  • lectures
  • tutorials
  • practicals

We 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 assignments
  • in-class assessments
  • online tests
  • end of semester examinations

Practical and computing courses have laboratory write-ups and checkpoint assessments. 

Other courses are assessed by:

  • presentations
  • peer assessing each other’s work
  • writing critical reviews of scientific literature

In Year 4, your project will be assessed by:

  • a literature survey related to your project
  • a written project report
  • an oral presentation
  • aspects of performance throughout your project

Exams 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.

In the intermediate and advanced years, you will find you are a member of a relatively small and friendly group of students.

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 laboratories
  • the University's libraries and computer facilities

From Year 2, you will also have access to the Computational Physics Laboratory.

In Year 5, you will typically complete a project in physics, where you will be able to access the University's world-class research equipment and facilities.

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

Accreditation

Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP).

In addition, the programme fully meets the educational requirements for Chartered Physicist.

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 ability
  • IT proficiency
  • communication skills

Where our graduates work

Our recent graduates have gone on into employment with a wide variety of organisations, including:

  • Google
  • The European Space Agency
  • BBC
  • IBM

Physicists are sought after by many sectors, including:

  • engineering
  • manufacturing
  • energy
  • finance
  • medicine
  • the 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 strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions

Visit the Careers Service website

Further study

A number of our graduates go on to further study, for example:

  • PhD research
  • a masters degree in a science or engineering subject
  • a postgraduate diploma in education

Graduate profiles

Read the testimonials of our former students, and find out where their physics degree took them.

Graduate testimonials

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 degree

Apply 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 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

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

The 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

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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