⚠️

High Drop-out Rate Alert

20% of students drop out or transfer from this specific course. Consider asking why on an open day.

BSc Physics

Heriot-Watt University
Full-time4 YearsPlacement YearYear AbroadSubject: Physical Sciences
Course Score
A /84
Graduate Salary
£33,500
Satisfaction
92%
Degree Completion
80%
Professional Jobs
80%
Meaningful Work
100%

AI & Your Career

Based on real AI use at work (Anthropic research, 2026)

37%
Moderate AI impact

Average across where this course's graduates actually work

AI does some of the simpler tasks in these jobs, but most of the work still needs human judgement and skill.

AI impact by graduate destination

Information Technology72%
Finance52%
Business and public service associate48%
Natural and social science40%
Engineering28%

🧭 Career Trajectories

This degree creates some of the most lucrative direct pathways in its field. Explore the full career profiles and AI projections on our sister hub, WhatCareer.

Expected Starting Salary

top quartile nationally

Typical starting salary for Physical Sciences graduates

Start
Sep 2027
Graduate
2031
First job
~2032
£33,500
typical starting salary
£28,000
£38,000
Brightest = where most graduates land · fades where fewer earn that amount
· Physical Sciences graduates nationally earn £24,000-£52,000 (396 courses)

HESA Graduate Outcomes survey · includes all graduates regardless of career path chosen

Where Graduates Work

Top job roles graduates enter after this course

01
Information Technology Professionals
★ Professional
20%
02
Engineering professionals
★ Professional
20%
03
Elementary occupations
10%
04
Natural and social science professionals
★ Professional
10%
05
Teaching Professionals
★ Professional
10%
06
Finance Professionals
★ Professional
10%
07
Business and public service associate professionals
★ Professional
10%
08
Skilled trades occupations
10%

Outcomes

80%
Continuation
80%
Professional Work
100%
Meaningful Role
80%
Career On Track

What comes next? 🎓

Choosing the right university starts with choosing the right school. Explore transparent, data-driven school profiles powered by official DfE statistics.

Explore Schools on WhatSchool.ai →