BSc Chemical Physics (F320)

2025 entry

Course summary

Join a University ranked #1 in the UK for Chemistry research and in the UK top five for Physics research (THE analysis of REF 2021) with an excellent reputation for teaching and learning.

The first year gives you a comprehensive grounding in chemistry, physics and mathematics. Later years focus on atomic and molecular science and its interdisciplinary applications.

You will focus on areas at the interface between chemistry and physics, with less organic and synthetic chemistry and more physical and non-synthetic inorganic chemistry. Similarly, there is very little nuclear and particle physics after your first year but an emphasis on materials science and nanoscience.

As well as lectures and practical classes, small-group tutorials and workshops help develop your understanding of challenging and exciting concepts. You will undertake a project or scientific dissertation, working in a research group with an academic supervisor.

The course is accredited by both the Institute of Physics and the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Accreditations

Our Chemical Physics BSc is approved by major professional bodies in the UK (IOP, RSC) so as a graduate you can gain exemptions from a number of their examinations or credits for prior learning.

Course structure

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

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Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

AAA including Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics
ABB including Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics in any order

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DDD in either BTEC Engineering with Distinctions in four Physics units plus A at A-level in Mathematics and Chemistry or BTEC Applied Science Extended Diploma with Distinctions in five specified Chemistry units plus A at A-level in Mathematics and Physics

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36 points overall with 18 points at Higher Level, including 6, 6, 6 at Higher Level in Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations)
32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 6, 5, 5 (in any order) at Higher Level in Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations)

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85% overall, with 8.5 in Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics
Advanced Higher: AA in two of Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics, and Standard Higher: AAAAB including A in the science not taken for Advanced Higher
Access to HE Diploma in Science (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: at least 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or above; and at least 30 credits at Distinction from specified units in Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics (including algebra, calculus and trigonometry) plus successful completion of a University of Bristol test and interview (or ABB at A-Level or equivalent in any order in Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics)

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Not included in offer
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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