Chemistry and Physics MSci (Hons) 2024 entry

The information on this page is for 2024 entry. If you are considering applying for 2025 entry or later, some of these details may differ and we advise you to check the page again before you apply. To receive a notification of when applications open for 2025 entry, please register your interest.

The MSci (Hons) in Chemistry and Physics allows you to explore the fundamentals of the central sciences of chemistry and physics. This Integrated Masters course allows you to study the subjects at great depth, with a significant emphasis on research, combined in a single five-year programme.

The first two years normally have modules in Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics. The third year includes the core Honours chemistry modules, and the fourth year the core Honours physics modules. The final (Integrated Masters) year contains a major project that can involve both or one of the Schools, and is often done with one or more of the research teams. The remaining content for the year is chosen from a selection of modules.

The course allows you opportunities to develop your knowledge and scientific skills and to build competencies that will be useful in a wide range of careers, including those at the interface between chemistry and physics. 

Various aspects of this joint degree course overlap with the Chemistry MChem and the Physics MPhys courses.

Those entering with relevant Advanced Highers and A-levels start their course with a mix of first- and second-level modules. Those entering straight from Highers have first-level modules in the first year, and 150 credits of second-level chemistry, physics, and maths modules in the second year. There is no entry route via a Gateway programme. 

For more information on joint honours degrees email admissions@st-andrews.ac.uk. For course-specific questions contact the School of Chemistry (chemug@st-andrews.ac.uk) or the School of Physics and Astronomy (physugadmiss@st-andrews.ac.uk).

UCAS code
FF13
Start date
September 2024
End date
September 2029
Duration
Five years full time
School
School of Chemistry

Entry requirements

The University offers different entry requirements, depending on your background. Find out more about Standard, Minimum and Gateway entry requirements using academic entry explained and see which entry requirements you need to look at using the entry requirements indicator.

  • Standard entry grades:
    AAAAB, including an A in Chemistry and A in both: Mathematics, Physics.
    Minimum entry grades:
    AAAB, including an A in Chemistry and A in both: Mathematics, Physics.
    Gateway entry grades:
    Applicants who have narrowly missed the minimum entry grades, but meet the University's contextual criteria, may be interested in one of the University’s Gateway programmes.

  • Standard entry grades:
    AAA, including an A in Chemistry and A in both: Mathematics, Physics.
    Minimum entry grades:
    AAA, including an A in Chemistry and A in both: Mathematics, Physics.

  • Standard entry grades:
    38 (HL 6,6,6), including an HL6 in Chemistry and HL6 in both: Mathematics, Physics.
    Minimum entry grades:
    36 (HL 6,5,5), including an HL6 in Chemistry and HL5 in both: Mathematics, Physics.

General entry requirements

All applicants must have attained the following qualifications, or equivalent, in addition to the specific entry requirements for individual programmes.

  • SQA National 5 (B) in English and one SQA National 5 (B) from the following:

    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Computing science
    • Geography
    • Applications of Mathematics
    • Mathematics
    • Physics
    • Psychology.

  • GCSE (5) in English language or English literature, and one GCSE (5) from the following:

    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Computing Science
    • Geography
    • Mathematics
    • Physics
    • Psychology.

Other qualifications

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry on to our programmes. Please see our entry requirements for more information.

More information on how to apply via other entry routes or accreditation of prior learning and experience can be found on the University’s entry requirements web page.

Do I need to have studied this subject before?

Yes, applicants are expected to have studied Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics at SQA Higher, GCE A-Level, or equivalent. Preference may be given to candidates offering strong science qualifications.

International applicants

If English is not your first language, you will need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability.

Course details

The University of St Andrews operates on a flexible modular degree system by which degrees are obtained through the accumulation of credits. More information on the structure of the modules system can be found on the flexible degree structure web page.

Modules

The compulsory modules listed here must be taken in order to graduate in this subject. However, most students at St Andrews take additional modules, either in their primary subject or from other subjects they are interested in. For Honours level, students choose from a range of Honours modules, some of which are listed above. A full list of all modules appropriate to the programme for the current academic year can be found in the programme requirements.

Teaching

Fees

Scotland
£1,820

England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
£9,250

Channel Islands, Isle of Man
£9,250

EU and overseas
£30,160

More information on tuition fees can be found on the undergraduate fees and funding page.

Accommodation fees

Find out about accommodation fees for University accommodation.

Funding and scholarships

The University of St Andrews offers a number of scholarships and support packages to undergraduate students each year.

Careers

The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.

What to do next

Online information events

Join us for one of our information events where you can find out about different levels of study and specific courses we run. There are also sessions available for parents and college counsellors.

Undergraduate visiting days

We encourage all students who are thinking of applying to the University to attend one of our online or in-person visiting days.

Contact us

Phone
+44 (0)1334 46 3800
Email
chemistry@st-andrews.ac.uk
Address
School of Chemistry
Purdie Building
North Haugh
St Andrews
KY16 9ST

School of Chemistry website

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