Q: What is the difference between a BSc honours degree and an MPhys degree?
A: The MPhys degree includes an extra year of study, providing a broader and deeper exposure to the concepts, methods and phenomena of physics and is designed primarily for the aspiring professional physicist. The BSc and MPhys programmes coincide until the end of the Junior Honours level of the degree so a decision as to which route you want to follow can be deferred until then. For more information, see our page on BSc and MPhys.
Q: What is the difference between ‘Broad Based’ and ‘Fast Track’?
A: Our Fast Track programme is designed for those with excellent qualifications (Advanced Higher or A level) in Physics and Mathematics. This programme is broadly similar to those found at comparable English universities; it leads to a BSc Honours in three years and an MPhys in four. However, the fast track programme offers slightly less scope for pursuing outside courses in the first year. For more information on the differences between the two programmes, see our Broad Based or Fast Track page.
Q: Can I switch between ‘Broad Based’ and ‘Fast Track’ after I get here?
A: Yes, during Fresher's week. If you indicated on your UCAS form that you would like to be considered for Fast Track entry but later change your mind, you can discuss this with your Director of Studies when you meet him/her and change to broad based. Likewise, if you start the Broad Based programme but have the necessary qualifications for Fast Track then you can discuss this with your DoS and switch to Fast Track if you would prefer.
Q: Who is my Director of Studies?
A: Your Directors of Studies (DoS) is a member of our academic teaching staff who will guide you through your time at Edinburgh. You will be allocated a DoS and meet him/her during Freshers Week to discuss the courses you will take and your programme of study. You will be informed of who your DoS is during our Freshers Welcome during Freshers Week.
Q: Where will I live?
A: All first year students from outside Edinburgh are guaranteed a place in university accommodation, provided they meet certain other criteria such as holding an unconditional firm offer on 1st September. This is either full-board in Pollock Halls of residence or self-catering flats or student houses. Our brand new Chancellor's Court boasts some of the best undergraduate rooms in the country, with en suite bathrooms, TV, internet access etc. You can also opt for fewer facilities at a lower rent.
Q: Is it raining?
A: Probably not. Edinburgh is in the shadow of the Pentland Hills, and has rainfall similar to most other eastern UK cities like London — western cities like Manchester and Glasgow get about 50% more rain.
Q: Is it sunny?
A: Quite likely. The sunniest place in the country, Dunbar, is only 20 miles away.
A: Almost all our graduates who look for a job find one within six months. Of course, many of our graduates also go on to further study. Many companies now restrict their recruitment to a limited number of subjects (typically sciences) from a limited number of universities, such as Edinburgh.
Q: Will I get a REAL job?
A: For those leaving higher education, physics graduate salaries are far higher than the average of degree subjects, and Edinburgh graduate salaries are the highest in Scotland.
Q: Is Edinburgh posh? (We'll take that to mean "Will most of my fellow students be from private schools?")
A: Not in science. While the College of Humanities and Social Sciences has a high intake from private schools, in the College of Science and Engineering (which we are part of) our intake's background matches the general population with sufficiently high qualifications.
Q: What fees must I pay?
A: This is complicated, constantly changing, and depends where you are from. It's best to look at the University's Undergraduate Prospectus for the most up-to-date details.
Q: Why is there so much Maths in the course?
A: Modern physics is expressed in the language of mathematics, and to be able to do physics you must be comfortable with maths.
Q: What if I dont reach the offer standard?
A: Contact us. We know the examination system is not perfect and if you have an excellent school record and something went wrong in the exams let us know (it helps if you can get support from your school teachers). We can't promise anything, but we sometimes have spare places available.
Q: Where can I get some more information?
A: If you need any more information about our Degrees, the University or student life in general, please feel free to contact us directly. An excellent way to get an even better feel for us is to come to one of our UCAS Visiting Days and the University's annual Open day (normally each June). You can also look at the University of Edinburgh Undergraduate Prospectus for a more general look at studying in Edinburgh
Still can't find what you're looking for? Then contact us directly to find out. All enquiries — even silly ones — are most welcome!
