What did our Students say about us?

Physics is a well respected subject in all professional industries and is an amazing choice if you don’t know exactly what you want to do. You develop such broad skills such as analytical and abstract thinking, coding, practical lab work and group communication. I was always interested in how things work and thinking about big, complex topics and questions,so it was a perfect fit for me.

Because of the fantastic flexibility Aberdeen allow in degree credits, I was able to take business economics modules which helped to shape my degree from a pure science background, to applied technology in business.

With a Physics degree, you develop such a huge range of skills in mathematical analysis and statistics (great for financial modelling in business!) as well as practical lab skills and experiment design, which help you apply theory to the real world. It was both of these key skills that gave me the foundation to excel through business consultancy and product design and management.

Scarlet Jeffers
BSc Physics 2014

For me, the study of Physics is looking at the natural world in a very precise, systematic way and trying to understand it. I have always been curious about the world and how it works, and studying Physics made me appreciate even more how beautiful and complicated everything around us is.

Wouter Grünewald
BSc Physics 2021

Physics has been an interest of mine since I was at school; I’ve always had a fascination for how and why things work the way they do and so it was the natural choice for my degree subject. On top of this, I like to learn in different ways, and the mix of hands-on lab work, research, and taught courses is fantastic. I chose Aberdeen in particular because of the renowned Physics department, the extracurricular opportunities and the location - right between the mountains and the sea!

I’ve really enjoyed Advanced Practical Physics - spending long days in the lab is tiring yet rewarding and the feeling of success after getting good results is a great feeling indeed. Not to mention there’s no exam at the end!

Another thing I’ve really enjoyed about the degree has been the top notch lecturers. The two who stand out the most for me have been Dr Ross Macpherson and Dr Ekkehard Ullner, who are interesting and engaging in completely different ways and are always willing and able to answer questions and help students who need it.

Nathan Fletcher
BSc Physics 2025

I always knew that I wanted a career in the sciences but never really had a clear career path in my mind. I enrolled at the University of Aberdeen in 2006 to study Mathematics due to the reputable degree offered. However, at my supervisor meeting during Freshers week I was advised to take some physics courses to compliment the necessary maths courses for my chosen degree. It was the best decision ever.

The University of Aberdeen had a fantastic programme combining the best of maths and the best of physics in one degree providing a breadth of courses detailing many theoretical concepts and experimental techniques. I gained my BSc (Hons) in Mathematics-Physics in 2010 and have never looked back.

After graduating I had a chat with my soon to be PhD supervisor where we discussed a research project about investigating bone replacement materials and bone degenerative diseases. I jumped at the chance to continue my academic career; it combined experimental physics, lab work, analytical techniques and had an industrial link, it ticked all my areas of interest. This project really cemented my passion for scientific investigation and for experimental physics, always feeling at home in the lab.

Throughout my PhD I was also given the opportunity to travel the world for conferences and for experimental research at different user facilities. Being involved in research isn’t just about sitting behind a desk reading papers, it is a fantastic world of collaboration, discussion and new ideas.

Dr Fiona Harden
BSc Mathematics and Physics 2010
PhD Physics 2014

I was born and lived all of my life in Aberdeen prior to studying at the University. I was also aware that it was a great University, particularly strong in the sciences, so it seemed like the right choice. 

I enjoyed sciences at school, and not really knowing what I wanted to do, [Physics] seemed like a good choice.

To know I had a degree behind me, should my sport fail, was helpful in giving me the confidence to risk full-time sport on very little funding.

Try to discover the thing that really drives you. Motivation tends to ebb and flow, but if you are working towards something that truly inspires you, that drive will last a lifetime.

Neil Fachie OBE
BSc Physics 2006

I chose to study in Aberdeen because of its excellent academic credentials, the extremely picturesque Old Aberdeen campus, and fond memories of childhood holidays on the Moray Firth.

When I first arrived at the University of Aberdeen it was to study for a degree in mathematics. Being free to take a combination of courses in my first and second year allowed me to study additional subjects, one of which was physics. Whilst I was enjoying my maths degree, I ultimately found the applications of maths to physical systems and statistical data analysis the most interesting. So, I chose to switch to a physics degree and later continued into a PhD to learn more about data science and pursue an interesting project in this area.

I have been lucky enough to make many long-lasting friendships while studying for both my BSc and PhD in Aberdeen. My BSc course was small, so it allowed us to foster good connections. During my PhD I studied alongside students from all over the world - and even met my now-husband! Additionally, I travelled a lot during my PhD, to conferences and study opportunities, in North America, Europe and Asia. These provided opportunities to discuss with other researchers and travel to places I may never have seen otherwise.

I would encourage prospective students to make the most of the opportunities which interest them. Talk to your lecturers and tutors and try to really indulge in the areas that captivate you, be open in your approach to your study.

Dr Helen Shiells
PhD Physics 2017