As a result of the UK leaving the European Union the automatic recognition of UK teaching qualifications in the EEA will no longer apply for qualifications obtained after 31 December 2020. This means that UK nationals wishing to teach in the EEA and EEA citizens with a UK teaching qualifications will require to have their qualification recognised in the EEA country in which they intend to work. The rules and process for this recognition of third country qualifications/third-country nationals will vary and any student interested in working in the EEA after qualifying should check the relevant requirements in each member state.
UWS Clearing 2019
The BSc (Hons) Physics with Education will provide you with both the extensive theoretical knowledge and practical skills in physics and professional skills through work-based learning to ensure you are fully equipped to meet the demands of being a Physics teacher in secondary (high) school.
The overall aim of the course is to allow you to develop the knowledge and skills required to teach Physics at Secondary School level. You will study Physics to Honours level and your studies will contain all of the core material of the Physics degree, including quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, atomic, nuclear and particle physics. In additional, you will also develop your teaching skills in years 3 and 4 by taking modules in Education and practical school placements.
On successful completion of the course you will have met the Standard for Provisional Registration, and thus be eligible to apply for provisional registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) and entry to the Teacher Induction Scheme as a secondary school teacher of Physics with Science. Your depth of knowledge across a broad range of topics will support the teaching of senior phase courses up to SQA Advanced Higher (or GCSE A-level) level.
Our Programme Leaders have recorded Zoom sessions to help you discover all there is to know about our courses. From professional accreditation to programme modules and career opportunities, our Programme Leaders will help answer all your questions. You can find them on our YouTube Channel or by clicking the link below.
Physics with Education Programme LeaderThe BSc (Hons) Physics with Education is professionally recognised by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS). By successfully completing the course you will meet the Standard for Provisional Registration as a secondary school teacher of physics with science.
Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Physics with Education degree will have the same career prospects as graduates of the BSc (Hons) Physics degree. However, it is expected that graduates of this programme will follow a career path into teaching of Physics in high schools.
The BSc (Hons) Physics with Education was developed in response to the need for more Physics teachers in Scotland, so the career prospects are excellent. Following graduation from the BSc (Hons) Physics with Education degree, graduates are provisionally registered with the GTCS and are eligible for a one-year paid induction post in a Scottish high school.
Some graduates choose further study at MSc, MRes and PhD level.
student satisfaction in Physics - National Student Survey 2019
of all UWS graduates in work and/or study 6 months after graduating - HESA performance indicator 2016/17
We welcome Scottish, UK and international students and consider all applicants on an individual basis.
Don’t worry if your qualifications are not listed here, we take a range of factors into account when assessing your application and are happy to consider other alternative combinations of qualifications and experience.
If you are applying with an EU or non-EU qualification, please check our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page which gives more information about country-specific entry requirements.
Advanced entry is possible to Years 2 and 3 of this course for suitably qualified applicants (see below).
Applicants are strongly advised to visit the Teaching in Scotland website for full information on what is required to become a teacher in Scotland.
* for more information on standard and minimum entry requirements, see the drop-down section below
All applicants should be aware that before progressing to Year 3, students must meet the following requirements:
All applicants should be aware that before progressing to Year 3, students must meet the following requirements:
All applicants should be aware that before progressing to Year 3, students must meet the following requirements:
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. The qualifications below must have been gained within two years of the start of your course.
General English language requirements at UWS: International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)
Exceptions to this level of IELTS scoring exist for some accredited or professionally-recognised courses (see section below for more details).
SOCIAL WORK DEGREES
For our BA (Hons) Social Work and MSc Social Work programmes, applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
All stated English tests are acceptable for admission for both home/EU and international students for this programme:
For our research degrees (MRes, MPhil, PhD, DBA, DProf) applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
For Health, Nursing & Midwifery courses that lead to, or require professional registration with the Nursing & Midwifery Council, applicants are required to have an IELTS or Occupational English Test (OET)*.
For such courses, the IELTS score is as follows:
* Note that the Occupational English Test (OET) will now be accepted in addition to IELTS as proof of a Nurse's English Language Competence (Nursing & Midwifery Council, 2019).
For our BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science, BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science and MSc Advanced Biomedical Science programmes, applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
For our Certificate of Higher Education courses, applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
TOEFL IBT*: 78; no sub-test less than:
* Please note that TOEFL is still acceptable for admission to this programme for both home/EU and international students.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use TOEFL to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level courses. We therefore still accept TOEFL tests taken in the last two years for admission to this programme.
West African Senior School Certificate of Education (WASSCE) including acceptance of WAEC Scratchcard*
*UWS will accept a WAEC scratchcard confirming that an applicant has achieved C6 or above as evidence of meeting English language requirement from Nigeria if the student graduated within the last 5 years. After 5 years applicants would be required to provide the WAEC Certificate.
Applicants who do not meet the minimum English language requirements have the option to study one of our preparatory and pre-sessional English courses. The UWS courses available are:
On our course pages, you will find details of our entry criteria listed as Standard Entry Requirements and Minimum Entry Requirements. These are the academic qualifications that, depending on your personal circumstances, you will be required to meet to allow your application to be considered for a place at UWS.
Competition for places on many of our courses can be very high and even if you meet the standard or minimum qualifications stated, there is no guarantee that your application will progress to the next stage of the admissions process. We review individual applications very closely and place great importance on your personal statement and academic reference as well as your academic qualifications before making selection decisions.
Our Standard Entry Requirements are the grades that you will need to achieve to allow you to be considered for entry to a specific programme of study.
Our Minimum Entry Requirements are applicable to those applicants who have not had an equal opportunity to demonstrate their academic ability at school or college and are known as ‘widening access’ applicants. We also sometimes refer to this type of applicant as receiving a ‘contextual’ offer. We may be able to provide you with a contextual offer if you fall into one of the categories below:
If you fall into any of the first four categories above, please mention this on your UCAS application. We will automatically apply category 5 if it applies to you.
If you have already achieved the required grades for either our standard or minimum entry criteria, we may be able to offer you an unconditional offer for some course areas. If you have not yet achieved these grades, we may be able to make you a conditional offer, which will rely on you achieving further qualifications before you can be accepted on to a programme of study.
Further details of our Admissions processes can be found as follows:
UWS is a key member of Scottish Universities Physics Alliance (SUPA) which is a research alliance with the aim of placing Scotland at the forefront of international physics research. You can be assured that you will be taught by research-active academics who are specialists in their field.
The course will cover all of the core topics of a degree in physics, alongside modules in education, including school placements.
The degree is delivered in modern teaching facilities. The Physics teaching laboratories at the Paisley Campus are well equipped with apparatus to reinforce the theoretical principles learned in the Physics lectures.
Science courses at UWS have been developed in collaboration with industrial, professional and educational partners. Underpinned by research that is internationally leading, our degrees enable students to make a real-world impact.
Our students graduate ready for a successful career or further study in their chosen scientific field.
Five core modules include physics and mathematics. One optional module can be chosen from a range of science, engineering or computing-related modules. The physics modules are taught at the same level as the Scottish Advanced Higher (GCSE A Level) qualification.
Aspects of atomic physics and thermodynamics are also taught.
You will cover other areas including electronics, vibrations and waves, and mathematical modelling. Practical and professional scientfic skills are also developed.
You will take four core physics modules covering important aspects of physics such as quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics and statistical physics. You will also take a double-weighted module in education focusing on the policies and influences in education.
You will spend eighteen weeks on school experience placements in at least two high schools.
The five blocks of placement will enable students to connect theory and practice in relation to teaching and assessment of physics and general science, and develop an understanding of wider school issues.
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and workshops.
You will also have the opportunity to take part in group work and independent learning to develop your transferable skills such as research, presentation, communication and working as part of a team.
This degree is assessed using a variety of assessment methods including:
This course also gives you the option of taking a language module, which can count towards your degree. These modules cover multiple language.
Find out more about the structure, learning outcomes, compulsory and optional modules in this course.
£1,820 Cost of study per year (paid by the Scottish Government via SAAS*)
£9,250 Cost of study per year (for four years but you will not pay more than £27,750)
£9,250 Cost of study per year (for four years but you will not pay more than £27,750)
£17,250 Cost per year of study
£1,820 Cost of study per year (paid by the Scottish Government via SAAS*)
£9,250 Cost of study per year (for four years but you will not pay more than £27,750)
£9,250 Cost of study per year (for four years but you will not pay more than £27,750)
£18,000 Cost per year of study
The cost of attending university is an investment in your future career.
In addition to tuition fees and living expenses, some courses involve extra costs like study materials, field trips, equipment and uniforms.
Fortunately, there is a great deal of financial support available to help students meet the cost of their study. This ranges from:
The sections below provide details of additional costs that your course may involve along with any financial support that may be available.
You can also find additional information in our Undergraduate Money, Fees & Funding section.
Students on certain degrees will incur some additional costs not covered by their tuition fees. These could be for things like specialist equipment, study materials and textbooks, work placements, graduation, membership of relevant organisations or costs related to carrying out fieldwork.
For students on course with an element of fieldwork, there may also be extra costs for travel and accommodation.
Note: The library will hold some copies of the textbooks but not enough for every student. Students can purchase second hand copies when possible or use older versions if advised by the module coordinator. Students can also sell their copies after the course. This helps manage the cost.
Technology & equipment (Mandatory)
We recommend that you purchase:
Books & printed material (Optional)
You are encouraged to use the library for all reading materials (some will be available digitally also). You may choose to purchase some or all of the recommended textbooks. Given the availability of library and online resources and individual preferences, costs will be variable, but should cost no more than £200.
Laboratory Books (Mandatory)
You will be required to purchase laboratory notes and books for the practical element of this course. Estimated at £5.
Stationary (Optional)
We estimate that you will consume stationary materials (notepads/pens/highlighters etc.) to the value of £20 per year of study.
Photocopying (Optional)
It is estimated that over the course of the year, you may spend c.£40 on photocopying. This is not essential and you may choose to spend more, or less according to your needs.
Institute Membership (Optional)
You are encouraged to join the Institute Physics during your studies. This is £31 per annum for students.
Technology & equipment (Mandatory)
We recommend that you purchase:
Books & printed material (Optional)
You are encouraged to use the library for all reading materials (some will be available digitally also). You may choose to purchase some or all of the recommended textbooks. Given the availability of library and online resources and individual preferences, costs will be variable, but should cost no more than £200.
Laboratory Books (Mandatory)
You will be required to purchase laboratory notes and books for the practical element of this course. Estimated at £5.
Stationary (Optional)
We estimate that you will consume stationary materials (notepads/pens/highlighters etc.) to the value of £20 per year of study.
Photocopying (Optional)
It is estimated that over the course of the year, you may spend c.£40 on photocopying. This is not essential and you may choose to spend more, or less according to your needs.
Institute Membership (Optional)
You are encouraged to join the Institute Physics during your studies. This is £31 per annum for students.
Laboratory Books (Mandatory)
You will be required to purchase laboratory notes and books for the practical element of this course. Estimated at £5.
Stationary (Optional)
We estimate that you will consume stationary materials (notepads/pens/highlighters etc.) to the value of £20 per year of study.
Photocopying (Optional)
It is estimated that over the course of the year, you may spend c.£40 on photocopying. This is not essential and you may choose to spend more, or less according to your needs.
Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme Membership (Mandatory)
You must join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme. This helps ensure people whose behaviour makes them unsuitable to work with children and protected adults cannot do 'regulated work' with these vulnerable groups. If you are applying to become a member of the scheme for the first time, the fee is currently £59. If you are already a member of the scheme you will need to have a record update processed through an Existing PVG Scheme Member Application.
Institute Membership (Optional)
You are encouraged to join the Institute Physics during your studies. This is £31 per annum for students.
Graduation fees (Optional for those exiting with BSc award)
These fees are set annually by the University and are subject to review. For session 19/20 these were set at £10 Registration Fee. Academic dress and official photography (optional) for graduation ceremonies is hired and arranged respectively from external suppliers.
Laboratory Books (Mandatory)
You will be required to purchase laboratory notes and books for the practical element of this course. Estimated at £5.
Stationary (Optional)
We estimate that you will consume stationary materials (notepads/pens/highlighters etc.) to the value of £20 per year of study.
Photocopying (Optional)
It is estimated that over the course of the year, you may spend c.£40 on photocopying. This is not essential and you may choose to spend more, or less according to your needs.
Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme Membership (Mandatory)
You must join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme. This helps ensure people whose behaviour makes them unsuitable to work with children and protected adults cannot do 'regulated work' with these vulnerable groups. If you are applying to become a member of the scheme for the first time, the fee is currently £59. If you are already a member of the scheme you will need to have a record update processed through an Existing PVG Scheme Member Application.
Placement costs (Optional)
Practical placement opportunities are an integral part of year of the course; 10 days of school placement will take place this year. Placements may arranged with schools near your home/current accommodation and therefore, travel costs may be minimum. Alternatively, placements may be at locations that require you to travel to them either by public transport or by car. You may need to factor travel costs in to your studies; these costs are variable and depend entirely upon the location of the placement. However, please bear in mind that travel may be at peak times and this may therefore cost more on public transport.
Institute Membership (Optional)
You are encouraged to join the Institute Physics during your studies. This is £31 per annum for students.
Dissertation & poster presentation (Mandatory)
Your final year dissertation is a core and mandatory piece of research undertaken in your final year of studies. However, only electronic copies are required to be submitted for assessment. You may wish to print bound copies, but this is not mandatory. Depending upon the size of the dissertation and the content it can cost anything between £15-30. Creating a research poster is also in integral part of your final year assessment. This is estimated to cost c.£25.
Graduation fees (Mandatory)
These fees are set annually by the University and are subject to review. For session 19/20 these were set at £10 Registration Fee. Academic dress and official photography (optional) for graduation ceremonies is hired and arranged respectively from external suppliers.
Tuition fees are calculated based on where you are from and what you are studying. Some courses also involve additional costs, such as mandatory field trips, equipment or studying abroad.
Find out how much it will cost you to study at UWS as an undergraduate student.
Scottish students studying at undergraduate level at UWS are entitled to various funds and support towards tuition fees and living costs.
English, Welsh and Northern Irish students studying at undergraduate level at UWS are entitled to various funds and support towards tuition fees and living costs.
EU students studying at undergraduate level of UWS may be eligible for SAAS funding, as well as support to meet the costs of childcare and various sources of additional funding.
There are several scholarship and incentive schemes available to international students studying at undergraduate level at UWS, as well as support to meet the costs of childcare and various sources of additional funding.
UWS administer a range of discretionary and childcare funds. These are designed to support students who are experiencing financial difficulty or struggling to meet the costs of childcare.
Becoming a student can have an impact on your entitlement to certain benefits. It may mean you are no longer eligible to claim a benefit you have been receiving, or your new income from student funding may affect the amount you are able to receive.
If there isn’t a statutory source of funding for you or your course, or you are in need of additional financial support, you may wish to consider more alternative sources of funding such as trust funds and scholarships.
At UWS, we believe financial restrictions should never be a barrier to your education.
The WEST (Widening Education and Supporting Talent) Scholarship Programme aims to remove the financial barriers that stop talented students from progressing throughout their degree to graduation.
Choosing to become a student can have a big impact on your budget and you may need to reassess your spending to account for a reduced income. We’ve put together some guidance to help you manage your money and make the right financial choices for you and your family.
All UK and EU applicants for undergraduate study, not applying through an agent or partner, should apply through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)
The on-time application deadline for 2022/23 entry is 25 January 2023, 18:00 (UK time). For some courses it may still be possible to apply beyond this period, subject to suitable vacancies remaining. The final deadline for late applications via UCAS is 30 June 2022, 18:00 (UK time). Beyond this deadline, you may be able to apply via ‘UCAS Clearing’ if the course you are interested in has remaining places.
Please refer to our Undergraduate Application Guide to find more information on when and how to apply to study at UWS.
Students from non-EU/non-EEA countries can apply directly to UWS via our dedicated online application system. The latest we can process your application is 6 weeks before the course start date to allow for visa processing times. For more information on when and how to apply to study at UWS please refer to our International Undergraduate Application Guide.
For part-time & online study, you should apply directly to the University through our online application system, not through UCAS. Please select the part-time mode of study when submitting your application. Before you begin your application, it is important to read the part-time application step-by-step guide for a smooth process.
To come to UWS as a visiting student on a study abroad or exchange programme, you must apply entirely through our online system.
An ATAS certificate is not required for overseas students applying for this course.
Do you have a question about applying for this course? Get in touch. We are here to help!
Going to university is about much more than getting a qualification, it’s also the chance to enjoy an exciting social life, gain some independence and make the most of the new opportunities available.
Discover More About UWSWe will always try to make sure that we publish accurate course information but we do not accept responsibility for any mistakes or omissions. We will also try to make sure that we deliver our courses in line with our published information. However, we may not always be able to do so and you can find further information about this in our enrolment terms and conditions.