Subject area: Physics and Astronomy
Why choose Physics and Astronomy at the University of Edinburgh?
We are ranked in the top 20 universities in the UK by subject in the Times Good University Guide 2024.
All of our single honours programmes are accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP).
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.
Our teaching laboratories cover all disciplines of experimental physics.
Studying at Edinburgh for me is a unique experience, as it is a combination of being in a great community of students and staff, following an excellent approach to learning Physics, and living in such a beautiful city.
Introducing Physics and Astronomy
Physics is the study of matter and motion, what the world is made of and how it works.
Physicists study:
- quarks and leptons and the smallest fragments of the universe
- the material world we perceive directly with our senses
- stars, galaxies, and the origins and fate of the universe itself
Our programmes will guide you through this territory and equip you with a range of thinking and practical skills. You will learn the fundamental principles of physics and start to specialise as you progress through your programme.
Our programmes are flexible, so you can tailor your study to your interests and chosen career. You will also be able to choose a range of subjects from other academic areas.
You will learn new skills, such as how to:
- assemble data by experiment, study or calculation
- draw conclusions from your observations
These skills will prepare you for a range of careers or for further study and research.
Take a 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.
Find your degree
13 degrees in Physics and Astronomy
- Astrophysics (BSc) F510
- Astrophysics (MPhys) F361
- Computational Physics (BSc) F343
- Computational Physics (MPhys) F355
- Mathematical Physics (MPhys) F325
- Mathematical Physics (BSc) F326
- Physics (BSc) F300
- Physics (MPhys) F303
- Physics with a Year Abroad (MPhys) W2S4
- Physics with Meteorology (BSc) F304
- Physics with Meteorology (MPhys) 9W23
- Theoretical Physics (BSc) F302
- Theoretical Physics (MPhys) F306
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Search the degree finder
Find your degree
13 degrees in Physics and Astronomy
- Astrophysics (BSc) F510
- Astrophysics (MPhys) F361
- Computational Physics (BSc) F343
- Computational Physics (MPhys) F355
- Mathematical Physics (MPhys) F325
- Mathematical Physics (BSc) F326
- Physics (BSc) F300
- Physics (MPhys) F303
- Physics with a Year Abroad (MPhys) W2S4
- Physics with Meteorology (BSc) F304
- Physics with Meteorology (MPhys) 9W23
- Theoretical Physics (BSc) F302
- Theoretical Physics (MPhys) F306
You may also be interested in
- Acoustics and Music Technology (BSc) W380
- Chemical Physics (MChemPhys) F333
- Chemical Physics (BSc) F334
- Computer Science and Physics (BSc) GF43
- Geophysics (MEarthPhys) M7G6
- Geophysics (BSc) F660
- Geophysics and Geology (MEarthPhys) L3R7
- Geophysics and Geology (BSc) F690
- Geophysics and Geology with Professional Placement (MEarthPhys) L5T6
- Geophysics and Meteorology (MEarthPhys) K7T8
- Geophysics and Meteorology (BSc) FFP8
- Geophysics and Meteorology with Professional Placement (MEarthPhys) K8T9
- Geophysics with Professional Placement (MEarthPhys) U9H6
- Mathematics and Physics (BSc) GF13