THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2026/2027

Timetable information in the Course Catalogue may be subject to change.

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DRPS : DPTs :  School of Physics and Astronomy DPTs
Jump to: Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4

Year 1 Academic year: 2026/27, Starting in: September

Compulsory courses

You must take these courses

Course options

Group A

Select exactly 40 credits in this group.

Transition to University Mathematics for Physics

Select between 0 and 20 credits of the following courses
Notes:
Transition to University Mathematics for Physics is required for students with Higher Mathematics only, or Advanced Higher less than grade A, or A-level Mathematics less than grade A, or equivalent.

It is not recommended for students with A-level Mathematics at grade A, or SQA Advanced Higher at Grade A, or equivalent.
AND

Level 8 courses in Schedules A to T, W and Y

Select between 20 and 40 credits from Level 8 courses in Schedules A to T, W and Y

Year 2 Academic year: 2026/27, Starting in: August

Notes:
Progression to second year requires passes in all first year specified compulsory courses or, for Direct Entry, award of 120 credits by prior learning. This is in addition to the general progression requirement.

You should meet with your Academic Advisor in Welcome Week to confirm your selection of optional courses.

Compulsory courses

You must take these courses

Course options

Group A

Select exactly 20 credits in this group.

Physics with Meteorology, Yr2, Continuing student

Select exactly 20 credits of the following courses
Notes:
This course must be taken by continuing students. A pass in this courses is compulsory for progression to Year 3.
OR

Physics with Meteorology, Yr2, Direct Entry Students

Select exactly 20 credits of the following courses
Notes:
This course should be taken by Direct entry (POE2) students. A pass in this course is compulsory for progression to Year 3.

Year 3 Academic year: 2026/27, Starting in: August

Notes:
Progression to fourth year requires passes in the following compulsory 3rd-year courses: Electromagnetism OR Electromagnetism and Relativity, Quantum Mechanics OR Principles of Quantum Mechanics, Thermal Physics OR Statistical Mechanics. This is in addition to the general progression requirement.

Graduation with a BSc requires a pass in at least one of the following courses with a project component: Senior Honours Project (Semester 1 or 2), Geoscience Outreach and Engagement.

Compulsory courses

You must take these courses

Course options

Group A

Select exactly 20 credits in this group.

Physics & Astronomy: Experimental Physics

Select exactly 20 credits of the following courses
OR

Physics with Meteorology: JH field trip option

Select exactly 20 credits of the following courses
Notes:
Note that METE10006, Atmospheric Science Field Skills, runs during Week 0 of Semester 1.
AND

Group B

Select exactly 10 credits in this group.

Physics and Astronomy JH Computational Course Options

Select exactly 10 credits of the following courses

Year 4 Academic year: 2026/27, Starting in: August

Notes:
You should meet with your Academic Advisor in Welcome Week to confirm your selection of optional courses.

Compulsory courses

You must take these courses

Course options

Group A

Select exactly 40 credits in this group.

Physics and Astronomy Senior Honours Projects

Select exactly 20 credits of the following courses
AND

Physics & Astronomy SH/IM Options - Level 10

Select between 0 and 20 credits of the following courses
Notes:
This selection includes all available Level 10 course options for SH/IM students in Physics and Astronomy.
AND

Physics & Astronomy SH/IM Options - Level 11

Select between 0 and 20 credits of the following courses
Notes:
This selection includes all available Level 11 course options for SH/IM students in Physics and Astronomy.
AND

Level 10 and 11 external courses

Select between 0 and 20 credits of the following courses

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