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Entry requirements
Here's what you will need to get a place on the Natural Philosophy course at University of Aberdeen.
Select a qualification to see required grades
A level
B,B,C
A minimum of 3 A Levels at BBC - 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.
Tuition fees
| Location | Fees |
|---|---|
| England | £9,535 per year |
| Scotland | £1,820 per year |
| Wales | £9,535 per year |
| Northern Ireland | £9,535 per year |
| Channel Islands | £9,535 per year |
| Republic of Ireland | £9,535 per year |
| EU | £20,800 per year |
| International | £20,800 per year |
Course summary
What this course is about
UCAS code: F301
Here's what University of Aberdeen says about its Natural Philosophy course.
Natural Philosophy explores the big questions of "life, the universe and everything" and involves understanding how the universe works, but also thinking about the philosophical ramifications of these great theories. The programme combines courses from Physics, Mathematics and Philosophy to provide a deep understanding of the natural world and its fundamental principles.
In addition to gaining a deeper understanding of the natural world, and in particular concepts such as quantum mechanics, optics, motion, gravity, electricity, and magnetism, this interdisciplinary programme also allows you to explore how our philosophical understanding of the natural world has evolved over time and led us to modern advances in science and technology.
Physics is the major component of the degree, and you will acquire a knowledge of its theory and practice, sufficient to equip you for a physics career, if you choose.
If you would like to focus on the philosophical side of the subject, you can tailor your syllabus at year 1 and 2 to give yourself the choice before year 3 of Philosophy-Physics or Single Honours Philosophy.
We are ranked 6th in the UK for Physics - The Guardian University Guide 2024 2nd in Scotland for Overall Satisfaction - NSS 2023
Course details
Qualification
Master of Arts (with Honours) - MA (Hons)
Department
School of Natural and Computing Sciences
Location
Main Site | Aberdeen
Duration
4 Years
Study mode
Full-time
Subjects
• Physics
Start date
September 15, 2025
Application deadline
January 29, 2025
The modules you will study
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.
How you will be assessed
The use of various forms of assessment and learning environments facilitates the development of generic transferable skills enhancing student employability.
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; and 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.
University of Aberdeen reviews
2 years ago
The University is brilliant, the teaching and support available is excellent. However, the communication isn’t always great. For the most part it work...
1st year student
Showing 50 reviews
5th or higher year student
The student union caters mostly to the undergraduates so as a postgraduate you donu2019t get to hear about anything or be involved in it.
1 year ago
5th or higher year student
As a postgraduate student you basically have no Uni life. It basically just classes and some career fairs.
1 year ago
5th or higher year student
Two stars: Could be better
1 year ago
5th or higher year student
The library facilities are superb and accessible to everyone. University accommodation is basic and so expensive so one would rather get student an accommodation outside of university accommodation. Other campus based facilities are made accessible for students like the facility for loan of laptops ...
1 year ago
5th or higher year student
Some of my lecturers seem to just read from the slides. Some donu2019t tend to reply emails regarding questions to the course at all. While some do their best to explain during lectures and answer questions when asked. Time table changes eve week so itu2019s never constant and one can only pick your...
1 year ago
5th or higher year student
Facilities at the school are good and accessible. But the school mainly focuses on providing support for the undergraduates and tend to leave behind the postgraduates. So most new postgraduates students tend to find difficulties in settling down at school. The student life as well just focuses on ju...
1 year ago
National Student Survey (NSS) scores
The NSS is an annual survey where final-year students are asked to rate different aspects of their course and university experience.
Here you can see ratings from University of Aberdeen students who took the Natural Philosophy course - or another course in the same subject area.
Select an option to see a detailed breakdown
Teaching on my course
81%
low
Teaching on my course
81%
low
How often does your course challenge you to achieve your best work?
89%
med
How good are teaching staff at explaining things?
78%
low
How often do teaching staff make the subject engaging?
67%
low
How often is the course intellectually stimulating?
89%
low
Learning opportunities
80%
low
Learning opportunities
80%
low
To what extent have you had the chance to bring together information and ideas from different topics?
89%
med
How well does your course introduce subjects and skills in a way that builds on what you have already learned?
73%
low
How well has your course developed your knowledge and skills that you think you will need for your future?
71%
low
To what extent have you had the chance to explore ideas and concepts in depth?
73%
low
To what extent does your course have the right balance of directed and independent study?
95%
high
Assessment and feedback
77%
med
Assessment and feedback
77%
med
How well have assessments allowed you to demonstrate what you have learned?
78%
med
How fair has the marking and assessment been on your course?
84%
med
How often does feedback help you to improve your work?
67%
med
How often have you received assessment feedback on time?
62%
low
How clear were the marking criteria used to assess your work?
95%
high
Academic support
97%
high
Academic support
97%
high
How easy was it to contact teaching staff when you needed to?
95%
med
How well have teaching staff supported your learning?
100%
high
Organisation and management
76%
med
Organisation and management
76%
med
How well were any changes to teaching on your course communicated?
84%
med
How well organised is your course?
67%
low
Learning resources
96%
high
Learning resources
96%
high
How well have the IT resources and facilities supported your learning?
88%
med
How well have the library resources (e.g., books, online services and learning spaces) supported your learning?
100%
high
How easy is it to access subject specific resources (e.g., equipment, facilities, software) when you need them?
100%
high
Student voice
82%
med
Student voice
82%
med
How clear is it that students' feedback on the course is acted on?
56%
med
To what extent do you get the right opportunities to give feedback on your course?
100%
high
To what extent are students' opinions about the course valued by staff?
89%
high
How well does the students' union (association or guild) represent students' academic interests?
90%
high
Other NSS questions
Other NSS questions
Overall, I am satisfied with the quality of the course.
73%
low
How well communicated was information about your university/college's mental wellbeing support services?
89%
high
Student information
See who's studying at University of Aberdeen. These students are taking Natural Philosophy or another course from the same subject area.
| Most popular A-levels studied | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Grade | |||||
| Mathematics | B | |||||
| Physics | C | |||||
| Chemistry | A | |||||
| Further Mathematics | A | |||||
| History | B | |||||
Graduate prospects
What graduates do next
Facts and figures about University of Aberdeen graduates who took Natural Philosophy - or another course in the same subject area.
Graduate statistics
60%
Say it fits with future plans
40%
Are utilising studies
Graduate statistics percentages are determined 15 months after a student graduates
Earnings after graduation
Earnings from University of Aberdeen graduates who took Natural Philosophy - or another course in the same subject area.
Earnings
£28.8k
Third year after graduation
£29.7k
Fifth year after graduation
Shown here are the median earnings of graduates at one, three and five years after they completed a course related to Natural Philosophy.
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree
Discussions
Discussions
Students are talking about University of Aberdeen on The Student Room.
University of Aberdeen open days
Are you thinking of applying to this university?
Before you do, it's a good idea to go to an open day. You can have a good look around campus, getting a better idea of what it's like to study there. You'll meet current students and staff and get the chance to ask them questions.
Universities will list upcoming open days on their websites. Most will also have virtual open days; these are a great alternative if you really can't get there in person. For tips on preparing for open days, check the advice section here on The Uni Guide.
