Entry Route
The main differences between year 1 and 2 entry
For most of our Degree Programmes, you can start in year 1 (also referred to as 'Broad-based' entry) or year 2 (sometimes called 'Direct Entry' or 'Point of Entry 2').
The main differences between year 1 and 2 entry are:
- Length of degree – the BSc degree programmes have a duration of 4 years if starting in year 1, and 3 years if starting in year 2. The MPhys degree programmes have a duration of 5 years if starting in year 1, and 4 years if starting in year 2.
- Optional courses – there is considerable scope to take optional courses during pre-honours years (years 1 & 2) for students who start in year 1. In most degrees one-third of the courses can be taken from a wide range available across the University. Students starting in year 2 have to take some additional maths and physics material, so less credits are available for optional courses.
- Academic life – year 1 entry offers a more gentle introduction to academic life: first semester physics and mathematics courses build on the Scottish Higher qualifications so review the more advanced content of Advanced Higher / A-Level qualifications. Year 2 entry starts with new material from day one and builds on the full Advanced Higher / A-Level syllabus.
- Student life – year 1 entry may give you more time to adapt to University life and undertake extra-curricular activities. Year 2 entry is a viable route for well qualified students; typically 18% of the annual intake opt for this route.
- Scope to change degree – there is some scope to hold open options for degree transfer for students who start in year 1 (transfer is up to the discretion of the host School). As students starting in year 2 have to dedicate credits to some maths and physics material, less credits may be available to take other sufficient science courses to permit any change in degree programme.
The entrance requirements for year 2 are higher than those for year 1, so if you are considering changing to year 2 you first need to check if you meet these requirements. If you wish to change your entry year, speak to your Personal Tutor at your meeting during Welcome Week. The results of your Maths Diagnostic Test may help inform you and your Personal Tutor with regards to entry year.