The University of Edinburgh
speciality: Physics & Astronomy
What Is a Physics & Astronomy Degree?
Physics & Astronomy are two sciences with a big importance in the evolution of the world. The combination of the two creates a specialization through which students practice their logical, practical skills and explore the space of possibilities around them.
While physics is based on the analysis of energy, force, movement, and other elements that study the properties and structure of matter; astronomy, the subordinated of physics, aims at studying galaxies or constellations. More specifically, it refers to the study of the universe as a whole.
As a result of the specialisation presented, students often learn to develop scientific theories and models to explain the world’s properties, initiate scientific experiments and research, solve complex mathematical equations to analyze astronomical and physical data or develop computer softwares to analyze and model data.
Benefits of a Physics & Astronomy Degree
As a student of Physics & Astronomy, the skills developed include problem-solving, data analysis using modern technologies and software, creativity, critical thinking, logical thinking, the ability to present innovative ideas writing or speaking, teamwork.
At the same time, most students completing this specialisation continue their studies with graduate work in physics. Also, they can opt for another specialisation, such as computer science, medicine, radiation, law, meteorology, oceanography, teaching physics.
It is noticed that Physics & Astronomy does not limit students to work only in the field of physics. Moreover, it offers a large field of opportunities in jobs related to this science. The employment rate is very high among the graduates of Physics & Astronomy. They remain either in universities, research academies or in various scientific institutes for research and service development.
Physics & Astronomy Degree Structure
Most students who complete a degree in Physics & Astronomy have a Bachelor’s degree in Physics. They are highly appreciated on the labour market, as they have a much wider background in natural sciences and mathematics. Most courses include Classical and Quantum Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Optics and Linear Algebra or Statistics. It should be mentioned that the Bachelor studies last for 3 years. A Master’s programme is enough for those looking for research jobs for manufacturing or healthcare industries. These studies have a duration of 2 years.
It is important to know that a doctorate in Physics & Astronomy allows students to work in research, in academies or in various positions of industry researcher. At the same time, to be admitted to a Doctorate in Physics & Astronomy, students need to have math and computer science courses, as physicists and astronomers develop software for modelling and analyzing data. Often, these studies may take between 5 and 6 years. For those who do not want to continue their studies with a PhD, there are computer science courses, very useful for acquiring new knowledge.
During their undergraduate studies, students have the opportunity to attend internship programmes to work with skilled people in this profession and to better understand how they can apply the theoretical knowledge they learnt. There are various national or international astronomical societies, as well as physical societies that provide students with internship programmes.
2 Student Reviews
Filter reviews-
Applied Physics29 Nov, 2022
StudentNGDifficulties faced as an international studentThe University is fine itself in terms of teaching, which shows why it’s ranked so highly in the world, but I haven’t fully been able to settle down because I didn’t receive my CAS in time so I had many problems with my visa. This lead onto other things like bank problems, and disbursement issues
View moreProgramme: Applied PhysicsDegree: Master'sGraduation: 2027Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Edinburgh -
Physics25 Feb, 2022
IslaGreat Course in Perfect LocationI applied for Physics and Mathematics (Bsc) and although waiting 8 months for a reply, once I did hear back, the University was very responsive and made me feel very prepared to start my course. I really enjoy the lectures but I feel the tutorials are really great in the Physics department. Similarly, I love the workshops in Maths; they are very useful and interactive. They have a good blend of individual and interactive learning. I got accommodation at Fraser Court, which was alright, but frankly, I don’t feel was worth the money. Accommodation is expensive, especially Pollock/catered, and not particularly appealing. However, the location of the accommodation (very central) makes up for it, being in the centre of a vibrant, young and buzzing city. Edinburgh is a great student city, if a little expensive, with something for everyone; university societies are hugely varied.
View more
I would recommend you to consider the University of Edinburgh for Physical Science and Mathematics courses, if you like independent learning and living in a big city.Programme: PhysicsDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2025Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Edinburgh
