Physical Sciences

Physical sciences encompass physics and chemistry and the ways they combine to explain the material world, from the behaviour of subatomic particles to the properties of complex molecules, from the forces that govern planetary motion to the chemistry of living systems. Studying physical sciences broadly, rather than specialising immediately in a single discipline, gives you a command of both the conceptual frameworks and the mathematical tools that underpin all of the natural sciences, and it develops the flexibility to work across disciplinary boundaries in ways that are increasingly valuable in research and industry.

At the University of Aberdeen this four-year full-time programme is designed for those who want a profound understanding of physical concepts and the ability to apply them to real-world scientific challenges. You will develop strong critical thinking, technical problem-solving and empirical observation skills across both physics and chemistry, building the capacity to design experiments, interpret data and evaluate evidence with precision. The programme includes a year abroad, giving you the opportunity to study in an international scientific environment and broaden your perspective on the discipline.

The breadth of this degree is one of its strengths. You will graduate with a versatile scientific education that supports entry into a wider range of careers and further study pathways than a single-discipline degree, and with quantitative and analytical skills that are highly transferable.

Graduates from physical sciences programmes move into careers in scientific research, instrumentation, energy, materials science, pharmaceuticals, engineering, data science, science journalism, and science communication. Many go on to postgraduate study in physics, chemistry, materials, environmental science or related fields, where the breadth of their undergraduate training is an asset. The combination of rigorous scientific reasoning and broad disciplinary knowledge is valued across both academic and professional science environments.