Chemical Physics with work placement

Chemical physics occupies the boundary between two of the most fundamental scientific disciplines, asking questions about the physical behaviour of matter at the molecular and atomic level that neither chemistry nor physics can fully address on its own. Chemistry brings a concern with the composition, structure, and reactivity of matter, while physics provides the mathematical and conceptual tools to understand those properties in terms of electrons, nuclei, and the quantum mechanical principles that govern their behaviour. Together, they produce a rigorous science concerned with how atoms and molecules interact with each other and with their environment in all states of matter.

At the University of Glasgow, this five-year, full-time degree includes a year abroad, which gives you the opportunity to study at a partner institution in another country, broadening your scientific perspective and developing your ability to work in different research environments. The work placement is embedded within the programme's five-year structure. You will develop strong foundations in both chemistry and physics, studying quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and the techniques used to probe molecular structure and dynamics experimentally.

The degree develops the kind of quantitative reasoning and experimental skill that is highly valued in research-intensive careers.

Graduates from chemical physics programmes find careers in research and development across the pharmaceutical, materials, semiconductor, energy, and chemical industries. The combination of deep physical understanding with chemical knowledge is particularly prized in roles at the frontiers of materials science, nanotechnology, and molecular electronics. Many graduates also go on to postgraduate study in chemistry, physics, chemical physics, or related fields, pursuing research at universities or in industrial laboratories.

The strong mathematical and analytical foundations also support careers in data science, finance, and technology where quantitative skills are central.