Physics BSc (Hons)

Are you passionate about physics?

Physics involves the exploration of nature in the broadest possible sense. Physicists discover how the universe behaves and use that knowledge for the benefit of humanity. Our course covers pure and applied physics, mixing theory with practical experience.

Dundee is a friendly city, once home to Williamina Flemming and Joanna Stevens, who greatly contributed to our understanding of stars and their changes. The Physics department is located in the Geddes Quadrangle, at the heart of the campus. Famous physicists like J.J. Thompson and Ernest Rutherford opened our Carnegie and Peters buildings. Dundee is even recognised as a historic site by the European Physical Society (EPS). You will benefit from this rich history by working with active researchers on experimental or computational projects in areas ranging from advanced materials for solar cells to biophysics and photonics.

Our Physics BSc (Hons) degree is shaped by industry needs and cutting-edge research. We bring the core principles of physics to life through hands-on, real-world projects.

By Level 4, you'll undertake a substantial personal project in one of our research groups. You may work on new methods for detecting cancer or explore materials for solar cells using computer simulations. These projects give you hands-on research experience and help you solve real scientific problems.

Passionate teaching

We are passionate about physics and delivering inspiring learning experiences. You'll study in a friendly and supportive environment with an excellent staff-to-student ratio. Our lecturers are approachable and ready to help, so say our students.

From the outset you'll engage in practical lab work, gaining essential skills in experimental physics. As you advance, you will deepen your understanding of classical and modern physics. This includes topics such as astronomical phenomena and quantum mechanics. You will also learn to use data science methods to solve complex problems.

Increased employability

Throughout your course, you can apply for internships. Students have secured placements at CERN, Coherent, Leonardo, Lockheed Martin, as well as in many other sectors of the economy.

Studying physics gives you valuable skills that are in demand in many areas, including:

• high-tech
• space
• finance
• medical physics in the NHS.

Our research has had an outsized impact on the modern world. Dundee played a key role in the invention of the radar, X-ray crystallography and the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA. With the invention of the thin-film-transistor, we paved the way for the creation of today’s ubiquitous digital screens. More recently, our work contributed to the understanding of extra-solar planet formation and the development of optical diagnostic devices at CERN.

You will gain experience in:

• experimental design
• data science
• space physics and astronomy
• quantum matter and radiation
• nuclear and particle physics

A hands-on approach from Year 1 will help you develop essential problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Student community

Physics students find a supportive environment in Dundee with a high staff-to-student ratio. Here, you will receive individual attention from approachable lecturers.

You will connect with students from all year groups. They will help guide you through your course. Our Physics Society also plays an active role in student life, organising trips to places like CERN and running social events, including the annual Physics Ball.

View our full range of undergraduate Physics courses