BSc (Hons) Physics with Teaching at University of Strathclyde

Programme overview

Four-year BSc Physics with Teaching degree that combines core physics content with a teaching qualification, delivered by the Department of Physics with the Strathclyde Institute of Education. It covers the curriculum and classroom experience required for General Teaching Council for Scotland recognition in Year 4 and makes graduates eligible for the paid probationary year in teaching.

What you will study

Year 1 builds foundations in mechanics, waves, electromagnetism and quantum physics supported by a bespoke mathematics course, with Python and laboratory skills. Year 2 extends these topics with computational physics models in Python and further experimental work. Year 3 relates the same areas to the quantum realm, thermodynamics and solid-state physics. In Year 4 students move to the Strathclyde Institute of Education for classes on teaching and learning and school placements, beginning with solo teaching, team teaching and observation.

Career pathways

Graduates are eligible to join the Teacher Induction Scheme, which gives eligible students from Scotland, the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland a guaranteed one-year training post in a local authority. The starting annual salary for a probationer teacher in Scotland is GBP 32,217, rising to GBP 38,655 after the probationary year.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Highers: standard AABB or ABBBB (Physics B, Mathematics B, English C); minimum BBBB. Advanced Highers (Year 2 entry): AB (Physics and Mathematics) and Higher English C. A-levels: Year 1 entry BBB (Physics B, Mathematics B, GCSE English Language 4/C and Literature 4/C); Year 2 entry ABB (Physics, Mathematics, GCSE English Language and Literature 4/C). IB: Year 1 entry 30 (Physics HL5, Mathematics HL5, English SL6); Year 2 entry 32 (Physics and Mathematics, at least one at HL5 and one at HL6, and English SL6). HNC/HND considered individually. All offer holders must join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme (or update membership) before the Year 4 placement. Lower contextual offers may be made to eligible widening-access applicants.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,790 a year (2026/27). Rest of UK (England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland) rate for full-time undergraduate programmes; Scotland-domiciled fee to be confirmed by the Scottish Funding Council Source

International applicants: GBP 29,350 a year (2026/27) Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 4 years

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