BSc Physics with Teaching

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Strathclyde

Program Overview

Strathclyde’s BSc (Hons) Physics with Teaching is ideal for students who want to combine a passion for physics with a commitment to inspiring the next generation.
You’ll study core physics topics alongside education theory and school-based placements, preparing for a career as a qualified physics teacher in Scotland.

Curriculum structure

Year 1: Foundations in Physics and Education
Students begin with Mechanics & Waves, Quantum Physics & Electromagnetism, and Mathematics tailored for physicists. You’ll also take Education Studies and Professional Values, which introduce key concepts in pedagogy and the Scottish education system.

Year 2: Expanding Scientific and Teaching Skills
You’ll study AC Theory, Wave Optics, and Special Relativity, while continuing with Mathematics and Computational Physics. Education modules focus on Learners and Learning and Professional Practice, preparing you for your first school placement.

Year 3: Advanced Physics and Classroom Experience
Topics include Solid-State Physics, Thermodynamics, and Advanced Quantum Mechanics. You’ll also complete a school placement and study Professional Learning Through Enquiry, which links classroom experience with reflective practice.

Year 4: Final School Placement and Professional Readiness
Students undertake a final school placement and complete modules in Professional Practice and Leadership and Professional Learning Through Enquiry 2. Physics modules include optional specialisms such as Photonics or Atomic & Molecular Physics.

Focus areas: quantum physics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, education theory, professional practice, school placements
Learning outcomes: apply physics knowledge in classroom settings; understand Scottish education policy; develop teaching strategies and leadership skills
Professional alignment (accreditation): accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS); leads to provisional registration as a physics teacher
Reputation (employability rankings):

University of the Year 2026 (Daily Mail University Awards)
Scottish University of the Year 2026 (Sunday Times Good University Guide)
96% of physics graduates in work or further study within 15 months (HESA Graduate Outcomes)

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Strathclyde’s BSc (Hons) Physics with Teaching blends rigorous scientific training with hands-on classroom experience, giving students the tools to become confident, inspiring physics educators.
From your first year, you’ll combine core physics modules with education theory and school placements—building both subject mastery and real-world teaching skills.

Here’s how Strathclyde delivers experiential learning for this program:

Computational & Physics Skills (Year 1): Students learn Python and complete a group project focused on scientific problem-solving and data analysis.
Experimental Physics (Years 1–3): Develops lab technique, uncertainty analysis, and reporting through structured and open-ended experiments.
School Placements (Years 2–4): Students complete multiple placements in Scottish secondary schools, gaining classroom experience and applying educational theory in real settings.
Education Modules: Include Professional Values, Learners and Learning, and Professional Learning Through Enquiry, which link directly to your placement experiences.
Digital Tools: Python is taught from first year; students also use simulation and modelling software across physics modules.
Access to Specialist Labs: Includes dedicated physics laboratories for optics, condensed matter, and computational physics.
Andersonian Library: Offers extensive physics and education resources, study zones, and access to scientific and pedagogical journals.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Strathclyde’s BSc (Hons) Physics with Teaching are uniquely qualified to teach physics in Scottish secondary schools, combining deep subject knowledge with real classroom experience.
Typical roles include secondary school physics teacher, STEM outreach coordinator, curriculum developer, and education officer. Here’s how Strathclyde supports your future:

Careers Service: Offers tailored support through one-to-one coaching, CV and interview workshops, and access to MyCareerHub for teaching vacancies and graduate roles.
Graduate Outcomes: 96% of physics graduates are in work or further study within 15 months (HESA Graduate Outcomes).
School Partnerships: Multiple placements are arranged through Strathclyde’s strong links with Scottish secondary schools, ensuring real-world teaching experience.
Accreditation Value: The degree is accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) and leads to provisional registration as a physics teacher.
Graduate Employers: Alumni go on to teach across Scotland and beyond, with many progressing into leadership or curriculum development roles.

Further Academic Progression:
After graduation, students can pursue a Master’s in Education, a PGDE in another subject, or a research-based MPhil or PhD in physics education or science communication—especially within Strathclyde’s Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences or School of Education.