University of Exeter Handbook (Physics) Questions/Comments Department (Physics)

Double Degree Programmes

Background to Double Degrees

University of Exeter regulations permit candidates, suitably qualified by study at another University, to receive a BSc or MPhys degree after a minimum of two years full-time study in Exeter. Many overseas universities will allow the work completed in Exeter to count (often within the ECTS framework) as credits towards their own degree programmes. This is a so-called double degree scheme.

It is also possible for students who have taken appropriate combinations of modules as part of a One-Year Physics programme to exploit the outstanding flexibility of the Exeter system and continue their studies for a second year in Exeter, and apply to transfer their registration to a degree programme.

The double degree is encouraged by the European Commission as a route to harmonisation of educational standards and mutual recognition of qualifications between member states. It is intended that a double degree should be understood as recognition of equivalent attainment under the educational systems of the two countries involved. The value of this to students seeking employment in the European single market is self-evident.

Transfer to the Double Degree from One-Year Programmes

One-Year Physics students who feel that they may want to register for a second year of study in Exeter should explore the possibilities with the member of staff responsible for Registration of International U/G Students and with their own university as early as possible. The transfer procedure is as follows:

Preliminary Discussion

The student should raise the matter with the member of staff responsible for Registration of International U/G students, preferably early in Semester-II. Transfers will normally be to final year of one of F300 BSc Physics.

Students whose initial year in Exeter was spent as a de facto Stage 2 student will subsequently be registered for the BSc and take PHY3138 in their final year. Students whose initial year in Exeter was spent taking mainly level 6 and/or level 7 modules will subsequently be registered for the MPhys and take PHYM010 in their final year.

Agreement of Programme

Preferably by the end of Week E1, the student should have discussed and agreed the modules comprising their proposed programme with the Department of Physics represented by the member of staff responsible for Registration of International U/G Students who will liaise with the following people:

If the student decides that they wish to proceed, the following people should also be informed:

Formal Application to University

The student should then complete a One-Year Programme application form stating that the proposed course is either MPhys Physics with European Study (Year 4), or BSc Physics (Year 3) as appropriate. This form is to be obtained from, and returned to, the University Admissions Office along with a transcripts of marks, and an academic reference. It can speed matters up if the Department Admissions Officer signs it before it is returned to the University Admissions Office.

Also, preferably in March or April, the student should send an accommodation form to the Accommodation Office and a University Smartcard application form to the Registry. As the information required is the same, the forms published for these purposes by the European Office for Socrates-Erasmus students can be used as long as a brief explanatory note is attached.

Fees and Grants

At the time of writing (Apr 2014) students from the European Union registered to take a degree have to pay the same tuition fees as UK home students. The Government Direct website is a useful starting point for information about eligibility for grants and loans.

Preparation for Project Work

Students will take either PHY3138 (BSc), or PHYM010 (MPhys) and should note that some preparatory work for these is required during the last few weeks of the Summer Term, at the end of their initial year.


University of Exeter Handbook (Physics) Questions/Comments Department (Physics)