Explore UCD

UCD Home >

Science: Physics (includes Theoretical/Astronomy & Space Science)

BSc (NFQ Level 8)
I am an

This course is available through the following application route(s)

Contact UsContact Us
Science Common Entry: Physics Stream

Science is a common entry course, leading to a BSc degree in one of 26 degree subjects. All degree subjects are organised into thematic streams. The Physics stream includes the following degree subjects:

Degree Subjects:

Students interested in Physics and Mathematics can study both streams in First Year.

Choosing your Degree Major

In general, students have to decide on one stream to pursue in second year and will study two or more degree subjects from that stream. Limited degree subjects between different streams can be studied in second year. They must be compatible from a content and timetable perspective, such as Mathematics and Physics and a list is not available as it can change each year. At the end of second year, students choose their degree major. Assuming students meet all the academic requirements in first and second year, students are guaranteed a degree subject from the stream they are studying in second year. We do our best to ensure that students go on to study their top degree subject choice. As we offer plenty of degree subjects in each stream, students have a number of similar degree subjects to choose from as their degree major.

About This Course

Graduates work in a number of areas, depending on their degree subject. Each degree equips students with a particular skillset that may be applied to one or more industries.

If a Physics degree interests you, depending on the degree subject, graduates have worked in the Semiconductor, Nanotechnology & Space Industry.

Many of our Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science graduates also work in Computing, Risk, Finance & Analytics.

UCD Science Office

You can contact the UCD Science Office in the following ways:




  • Submit your query using our dedicated Contact Form.

  • Drop into the office in the UCD O'Brien Centre for Science, Science East, Room E1.09. Our office opening hours are 10am to 4pm (during term time).


Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
SCI10010 Principles of Scientific Enquiry Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
MATH10340 Linear Algebra in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
PHYC10080 Frontiers of Physics Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Students who did not achieve a H5 or better (or equivalent) in Leaving Certificate Physics must take PHYC 10070 Foundations of Physics. Student that did not receive an O1 or H5 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics must take MATH00010 and achieve A-. Students who wish to pursue a degree in Theoretical Physics, Physics or Physics with Astronomy & Space Science, and who did not achieve a H5 or above in Higher Level Leaving Certificate Applied Mathematics must take ACM10080 in Stage 1. Any student who did not obtain a H5 or higher in Higher Level Leaving Certificate Computer Science, or equlivaent, must take COMP10290 in Stage 1.
ACM10080 Introduction to Applied and Computational Mathematics Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Students who did not achieve a H5 or better (or equivalent) in Leaving Certificate Physics must take PHYC 10070 Foundations of Physics. Student that did not receive an O1 or H5 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics must take MATH00010 and achieve A-. Students who wish to pursue a degree in Theoretical Physics, Physics or Physics with Astronomy & Space Science, and who did not achieve a H5 or above in Higher Level Leaving Certificate Applied Mathematics must take ACM10080 in Stage 1. Any student who did not obtain a H5 or higher in Higher Level Leaving Certificate Computer Science, or equlivaent, must take COMP10290 in Stage 1.
COMP10290 Computation for Scientists Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Students who did not achieve a H5 or better (or equivalent) in Leaving Certificate Physics must take PHYC 10070 Foundations of Physics. Student that did not receive an O1 or H5 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics must take MATH00010 and achieve A-. Students who wish to pursue a degree in Theoretical Physics, Physics or Physics with Astronomy & Space Science, and who did not achieve a H5 or above in Higher Level Leaving Certificate Applied Mathematics must take ACM10080 in Stage 1. Any student who did not obtain a H5 or higher in Higher Level Leaving Certificate Computer Science, or equlivaent, must take COMP10290 in Stage 1.
MATH00010 Introduction to Mathematics Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Students who did not achieve a H5 or better (or equivalent) in Leaving Certificate Physics must take PHYC 10070 Foundations of Physics. Student that did not receive an O1 or H5 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics must take MATH00010 and achieve A-. Students who wish to pursue a degree in Theoretical Physics, Physics or Physics with Astronomy & Space Science, and who did not achieve a H5 or above in Higher Level Leaving Certificate Applied Mathematics must take ACM10080 in Stage 1. Any student who did not obtain a H5 or higher in Higher Level Leaving Certificate Computer Science, or equlivaent, must take COMP10290 in Stage 1.
PHYC10070 Foundations of Physics Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 1 of:
Students must take one Mathematics module in the Autumn Trimester of Stage 1. Any student who did not achieve at least an O1 or H5 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics must take MATH00010 and achieve A-. In addition, students who wish pursue Physical Sciences and who are required to take MATH00010 MUST take MATH10400 in the Summer Trimester as a substitute for MATH10350.
MATH10350 Calculus in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 1 of:
Students must take one Mathematics module in the Autumn Trimester of Stage 1. Any student who did not achieve at least an O1 or H5 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics must take MATH00010 and achieve A-. In addition, students who wish pursue Physical Sciences and who are required to take MATH00010 MUST take MATH10400 in the Summer Trimester as a substitute for MATH10350.
MATH10400 Calculus (Online) Summer  5
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:
To complete a degree in Physics, Theoretical Physics or Physics with Astronomy & Space Science, students must take these modules in either Stage 1 or Stage 2 of their programme. Students who wish to continue with Physics, Astronomy and SpaceScience must take PHYC10050 in Stage 1. Students who wish to continue with Theoretical Physics must take ACM 10060 in Stage 1. PHYC 20080 should only be taken by students in Stage 1 if they have achieved H5 in both Mathematics and Physics at Leaving Certificate.
PHYC10050 Astronomy & Space Science Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:
To complete a degree in Physics, Theoretical Physics or Physics with Astronomy & Space Science, students must take these modules in either Stage 1 or Stage 2 of their programme. Students who wish to continue with Physics, Astronomy and SpaceScience must take PHYC10050 in Stage 1. Students who wish to continue with Theoretical Physics must take ACM 10060 in Stage 1. PHYC 20080 should only be taken by students in Stage 1 if they have achieved H5 in both Mathematics and Physics at Leaving Certificate.
PHYC10250 Thermal Physics and Materials Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:
To complete a degree in Physics, Theoretical Physics or Physics with Astronomy & Space Science, students must take these modules in either Stage 1 or Stage 2 of their programme. Students who wish to continue with Physics, Astronomy and SpaceScience must take PHYC10050 in Stage 1. Students who wish to continue with Theoretical Physics must take ACM 10060 in Stage 1. PHYC 20080 should only be taken by students in Stage 1 if they have achieved H5 in both Mathematics and Physics at Leaving Certificate.
ACM10060 Applications of Differential Equations Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:
To complete a degree in Physics, Theoretical Physics or Physics with Astronomy & Space Science, students must take these modules in either Stage 1 or Stage 2 of their programme. Students who wish to continue with Physics, Astronomy and SpaceScience must take PHYC10050 in Stage 1. Students who wish to continue with Theoretical Physics must take ACM 10060 in Stage 1. PHYC 20080 should only be taken by students in Stage 1 if they have achieved H5 in both Mathematics and Physics at Leaving Certificate.
PHYC20080 Fields, Waves and Light Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1.
BIOL00010 Fundamentals of Biology Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1.
BIOL10130 Biology in Action Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1.
BIOL10140 Life on Earth Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1.
CHEM00010 Introductory Chemistry Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1.
CHEM10040 The Molecular World Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1.
CHEM20100 Basis of Inorganic Chemistry Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1.
COMP10010 Introduction to Programming I Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1.
MATH10040 Numbers & Functions Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1.
PHIL10160 Critical Thinking Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1.
PHYC10210 Quanta, Particles & Relativity Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1.
STAT10010 Research Methods Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1.
GEOL10050 Earth and Humanity Autumn and Spring (separate)  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1.
GEOL10060 Introduction to Earth Sciences Autumn and Spring (separate)  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1.
STAT10050 Practical Statistics Autumn and Spring (separate)  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1.
ACM10090 Climate Change:Causes & Consequences Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1.
BIOL10110 Cell Biology & Genetics Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1.
BMOL10030 Biomedical Sciences: Understanding Human Disease. Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1.
CHEM10050 Basis of Organic and Biological Chemistry Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1.
CHEM20140 Introductory Transition Metal Chemistry Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1.
COMP10020 Introduction to Programming II Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1.
COMP10060 Computer Science for Engineers I Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1.
ECON10720 Microeconomics for Business Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1.
GEOL10030 Field Geology, Level 1 Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1.
GEOL10040 Earth, Environment and Society Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1.
GEOL10070 Understanding Earth Systems Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1.
MATH10320 Mathematical Analysis Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1.
MATH10410 Mathematics & Science Education & Communication Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1.
STAT10060 Statistical Modelling Spring  5

General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Science: Physics (includes Theoretical/Astronomy & Space Science):

ROWCLASS Apply to
showAudience-audienceInt
PYS2
Science: Physics (includes Theoretical/Astronomy & Space Science)
Bachelor of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates
showAudience-audienceInt
SCU1
Science
Bachelor of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates
showAudience-audienceEU
DN200
Science: Physics (includes Theoretical/Astronomy & Space Science)
Bachelor of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Application through CAO
showAudience-audienceEU
DN200
Science
Bachelor of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Application through CAO
* you can change options at the top of the page

Additional special entry route(s) to Science: Physics (includes Theoretical/Astronomy & Space Science):

These options have additional eligibility requirements to cater for specific applicant cohorts. You should not apply via these routes before consulting the requirements or contacting the responsible UCD office.

ROWCLASS Apply to
showAudience-audienceInt
SCU1
Science
Bachelor of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Access Progression Pathway
Access Progression Pathway
Application to this Non-EU Access Progression Pathway is by invitation only. If you are not currently enrolled on an Access programme at UCD, your application will be marked as invalid.
If you are not a current Access student, but you are a non-EU applicant seeking admission to an undergraduate degree, please submit an application via the "Undergraduate Degree (Non-EU)" course type.