School of Physics and Astronomy and our community

Read our School blog and find out more about studying physics and astronomy at the University of Edinburgh.

Chat to current postgraduate students about their experience of studying at the University of Edinburgh using our Unibuddy platform. You can use the filters to find students currently studying your chosen subject, or to find students from your home country.

Our students can't wait to chat with you and answer your questions about student life in Edinburgh.

The School of Physics and Astronomy is based in the James Clerk Maxwell Building in the King's Buildings campus and at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh (ROE), on Blackford Hill. The King's Buildings campus and ROE are around 15 minutes from central Edinburgh by bus.

As an MSc student you will have access to a number of teaching spaces James Clerk Maxwell Building, including lecture theatres, physics and astrobiology labs, and computer labs. MSc students also have access to the Physics and Astronomy MSc Common Room, a space to study and socialise. 

The School of Physics and Astronomy is also home to the Higgs Centre for Theoretical Physics. Postgraduate students are welcome to attend colloquia and seminars organised by the Centre as well as the Particle Experiment & Nuclear Physics groups.

Every year we welcome around 65 masters students, who become part of a vibrant community of postgraduate students.

When you arrive at the University you will be assigned a Student Adviser who will be your main point of contact in the School of Physics and Astronomy. They will support you if any complications or difficulties arise, providing advice and guidance, referring you to other University Services if required, such as Disability and Learning Support Service, Wellbeing Service or Institute for Academic Development, as examples.

You will also be assigned an Academic Adviser who is a member of the School’s academic teaching staff. They will be your primary contact for any academic issues or queries you may have. You will be able to discuss with them your course choices, dissertation projects, and career plans.

Both advisers are there to help you get the most out of your postgraduate studies and are always happy to hear how you are doing.

We want all of our students to discover and fulfil their potential, while having a great experience studying in Edinburgh. We organise regular social events to promote wellbeing, and to make you feel part of a supportive and inclusive University community.

Explore the School of Physics and Astronomy and its teaching facilities. 

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