MPhys Theoretical Physics

This course is for students who want to explore the fundamental mathematics that has brought physicists ever closer to a ‘theory of everything’. You’ll develop the skills for a career in research, whether you want to help answer complex questions raised by topics such as relativity and quantum mechanics, or apply your scientific knowledge to solve problems in industry.

In your first two years, you’ll do the essential physics that all of our students cover, including quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, special relativity and classical physics. You can study more advanced maths topics in the university’s School of Mathematics and Statistics including: calculus, geometry, differential equations, linear algebra, and mechanics and fluids. These modules give you a much more detailed understanding of mathematical concepts than our standard physics degrees.

In practical classes, you’ll run experiments using the equipment in our modern laboratories to help you understand how important theories apply to the real world. In programming classes you can learn skills that are key to theoretical physics and valuable in many graduate careers, from data science to computer game design. There are also optional modules on topics such as particle physics and the physics of music.

In the third year, you can branch out into lots of different areas and complete your own research project in theoretical physics. Your core modules will cover topics like quantum mechanics and statistical physics. Optional modules include dark matter and mathematical biology.

A variety of optional modules are also available in your fourth year when you’ll also be working on a major research project. You’ll choose a research topic in theoretical physics and work closely with a member of academic staff who is an expert in the area you want to explore. The project takes up around half of your final year and can lead to a publication in a scientific journal.

Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.