Philosophy and Physics at Aberdeen is a great subject combination, taking you on a fascinating exploration of the ‘life, the Universe, and everything…’ , seeking to understand the world around us and how we might answer the Big Questions that humans have wrestled with throughout the ages. You will gain the strong intellectual skills sought by employers in many fields and transferable to a wide range of careers.
Philosophy attempts to answer questions such as: What is knowledge? What is the nature of truth? Why should we act morally? Philosophy is just as much the study of reasoning and argument as it is the application of thought to specific problems. What makes Philosophy at Aberdeen especially attractive is the breadth of courses, the user-friendly materials you will use and the experts who will teach you. In your first year alone, you can study topics such as How Should One Live? Controversial Questions, and Experience, Knowledge and Reality.
In Physics, you will look at the most fundamental of the sciences and how it explains the world around us and the Universe beyond, challenging our imaginations with concepts like relativity and string theory. You will explore its relevance to our lives championed and explained by leading scientists including Professor Stephen Hawking and broadcaster and author Professor Brian Cox.
Discoveries in physics make possible technological innovations like the transistors and the microchip, computers and lasers, which have changed our lives. You will study the universe, the history and philosophy of science and gain useful skills in mathematics to add value to any career. As a graduate, you will have great skills in thinking logically, critically analysing and solving problems – all skills which are greatly valued by employers and open career options in business and all sectors.
Course Details - Modules
View all modules on the programme page to find out more about what you will be studying and when. University of Aberdeen modules are designed to give you breadth and depth to your degree. The range of modules you study will allow you to become proficient in all subjects which are directly relevant to your degree giving you greater career options.
Course Details – Assessment Method
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods: Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course; Practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; Written examinations at the end of each course. The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Course Details – Professional Bodies
Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.
How to Apply
26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application Codes
Course code:
VF53
Institution code:
A20
Campus Name:
Main Site
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
A minimum of 3 A Levels at BBB - to include Mathematics and Physics.
To be considered for entry into Second Year, a minimum of 3 A Levels at ABB, with AB from Mathematics and Physics (including the subject(s) nominated for Honours - an A in the subject for Single Honours or AB in the subjects for Joint Honours).
Also required: GCSE at C or above in English or English Language, Mathematics and in either Chemistry, or Physics or Dual Award Science.
A minimum of 4 H at AABB (C at AH may substitute for B at H) obtained at a single sitting or a minimum of 5H at AAABB obtained over 2 sittings. Must achieve at least BB from Mathematics and Physics.
Standard Grades 1, 2 or 3 or Int 2, or National 5 at grades A, B or C in English, Mathematics and in either Chemistry or Physics.
For Second Year entry a minimum of 3 AH at ABB, to include Mathematics and Physics (including the subject(s) nominated for Honours).
Standard Grades 1, 2 or 3 or Int 2, or National 5 at grades A, B or C in English, Mathematics and in either Chemistry or Physics.
A minimum of 32 points, with a minimum of 5 points at HL required from 2 Mathematics and Physics.
For Second Year entry: a minimum of 34 points with a minimum of 6 at HL in the subject(s) nominated for Honours.
A minimum of Standard Level English and Maths also required.
A minimum of 5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 OR AABB including a minimum of BB from Mathematics and Physics. The grading within band B must be at B2 or above.
O in English, Mathematics and in either Chemistry or Physics.
A minimum of DDM with the main subjects being Mathematics and Physics.
Also required: GCSE at C or above in English or English Language, Mathematics and in either Chemistry, or Physics or Dual Award Science.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Minimum Further Information are not listed for this Course.
English language requirements
Test
Grade
AdditionalDetails
IELTS (Academic)
6.0
Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 5.5 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above.
TOEFL (iBT)
78.0
TOEFL DI code is 0818: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 18 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above.
PTE Academic
59.0
Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above.
Trinity ISE
Pass overall at ISE II with a distinction in writing and merit in the other three skills.
Institution's Own Test
Academic English Pre-sessional Programmes - Pass (valid for one year) OR Academic English Preparation Programme - Pass at Level Four (valid for one year)
To study for an undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations.
We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, or through a recognised English language test. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your degree programme, unless otherwise stated.
Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements:
