The University of St Andrews and Durham University are two of the most respected universities in the UK and both offer excellent undergraduate degrees in physics. Each university has strong research departments and produces graduates who go on to careers in science, engineering, finance and technology. However, there are some important differences in course structure, teaching style and the overall student experience.

Official university websites
https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/
https://www.durham.ac.uk/

Admissions and entry requirements

Both universities are highly competitive for undergraduate physics.

At the University of St Andrews, typical entry requirements for physics are around A*AA at A-level, including mathematics and physics. The university also values strong mathematical ability and a clear interest in physics shown through the personal statement.

Durham University generally asks for similar grades for undergraduate physics courses, usually around A*AA or AAA depending on the course. Mathematics and physics are normally required subjects.

Because physics is mathematically demanding, both universities expect students to have strong problem-solving skills and confidence with mathematics.

Course length and structure

One of the main differences between the two universities is the structure of the undergraduate degree.

At St Andrews, undergraduate physics degrees normally follow the Scottish system and last four years. In the first two years students study physics alongside other subjects, which may include mathematics, computing or another science. This structure gives students some flexibility before specialising more fully in physics during the later years.

At Durham, most undergraduate physics degrees follow the English system. A standard BSc degree usually takes three years, while an integrated master’s degree such as the MPhys takes four years. Students focus on physics and mathematics from the beginning of the course.

Teaching and learning

Both universities combine lectures, tutorials and laboratory work as part of their undergraduate physics programmes.

St Andrews is known for relatively small class sizes and close contact between students and lecturers. Tutorials and small-group teaching are often used to help students develop their understanding of difficult concepts.

Durham also offers lectures and problem classes, and students often receive academic support through their college as well as through their department.

Laboratory work forms an important part of the undergraduate physics experience at both universities, allowing students to develop practical and experimental skills.

Research opportunities

Both universities have strong research departments in physics.

At St Andrews, important research areas include condensed matter physics, photonics, materials science and astronomy.

Durham is particularly well known for research in astrophysics, cosmology and particle physics, as well as condensed matter physics.

Undergraduate students at both universities typically complete a research project in their final year, often working with a research group in the department.

Student experience

The overall student experience can feel quite different between the two universities.

St Andrews is located in a small coastal town in Scotland. Because the town is relatively small and the student population forms a large part of the community, the atmosphere is often described as close-knit.

Durham is located in a historic cathedral city in north-east England and has a collegiate system. Each student belongs to a college, which provides accommodation, social activities and pastoral support.

Both universities have strong student societies, sports clubs and academic groups that physics students can join.

Career prospects

Graduates from both universities have excellent career prospects.

Many physics graduates continue into postgraduate study or research. Others move into careers in engineering, computing, finance, data science or teaching.

Both St Andrews and Durham have strong academic reputations, and their physics graduates are well regarded by employers.

Overall

Both the University of St Andrews and Durham University offer excellent undergraduate degrees in physics.

St Andrews may appeal to students who prefer a smaller university environment and the flexibility of a four-year Scottish degree structure with broader study in the early years.

Durham may appeal to students who prefer the collegiate system and a more focused physics course from the beginning of their degree.

For undergraduate physics students, both universities provide strong teaching, research opportunities and preparation for a wide range of careers in science and technology.