# Physics and astronomy

**Source**: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/physics/
**Parent**: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/

Explore and understand the science behind our world and universe, from the atomic and subatomic scale all the way to stars and galaxies. Learn how this central science underpins ideas in fields such as electronics, lasers, music and semiconductors.

St Andrews is home to state-of-the-art research labs and its own observatory with the largest operational telescope in Scotland.

## Undergraduate

Open all

- ### Explore courses

## Postgraduate taught

Open all

- ### Explore courses

## Postgraduate research

The School of Physics and Astronomy offers PhD and MSc (res) research opportunities in the following areas:

- astrophysics
- condensed matter
- photonics

Read more on [postgraduate research opportunities](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/physics-astronomy/prospective/pgr/).

To apply, you should first identify and [contact a potential supervisor](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/physics-astronomy/people/) you would like to work with in your intended research area.

> “I wanted to study at a university with excellent teaching and lots of contact with the actual research in the field. I could not have made a better choice! Studying Physics is undeniably hard, however the supportive atmosphere in the School, the excitement about the subject and the great people who I do it with are worth it.”

**Veronika** \
- Kroměříž, Czechia

## Awards

> ### [First in the UK for physics and astronomy](https://www.thetimes.com/uk-university-rankings/league-table)
>
> The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

> ### [Third in the UK for physics](https://www.theguardian.com/education/ng-interactive/2025/sep/13/the-guardian-university-guide-2026-the-rankings)
>
> Guardian University Guide 2026

## [School of Physics and Astronomy](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/physics/)

The School of Physics and Astronomy provides teaching excellence through small class sizes and accessible staff who enjoy explaining the excitement of physics and astronomy to students. The School has research expertise in astrophysics, condensed matter, and photonics.

## Studying in St Andrews

[Entry requirements](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/entry/)

The University offers a variety of flexible entry options in order to allow all students, regardless of background or personal circumstances, to apply.

[Fees and funding](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/)

Scholarships and funding options are available at every level of study.

[Accommodation](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/accommodation/)

St Andrews has variety of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets.

## Visit St Andrews

If you’re interested in studying at St Andrews, join us at a visiting day or talk and tour to explore the town, find out about our courses and meet current students. You can also join us for one of our upcoming online events.  

[Book a place](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/meet-us/)