MPhys Theoretical Physics
Entry requirements
A level: A*A*A including Physics and Mathematics. IB: 38 with 776 in higher level subjects, including Mathematics (maths analysis & approaches) and Physics.
About this course
MPhys (Hons) in Theoretical Physics, a physics degree centred on the mathematical and theoretical study of physical systems. Core topics include programming, data analysis, statistics, mathematical modelling and laboratory techniques. The course is accredited by the Institute of Physics and shares a common core curriculum in the first two years with the university's other physics degrees, with switching between them permitted until the end of the second year. An individual project on an advanced physics topic is completed in the final year. The first year covers classical and quantum physics in Foundations of Physics 1, practical and programming skills in Discovery Skills in Physics, and a compulsory mathematics route: either Single Mathematics A and Single Mathematics B, or Calculus I and Linear Algebra I. Year two develops quantum mechanics and electromagnetism in Foundations of Physics 2A, optics and thermodynamics in Foundations of Physics 2B, classical mechanics in Theoretical Physics 2, and mathematics in Mathematical Methods in Physics. The third year advances quantum and particle physics in Foundations of Physics 3A, condensed matter and thermodynamics in Foundations of Physics 3B, relativistic electrodynamics in Theoretical Physics 3, and computational physics in Computing Project. The final year covers advanced quantum mechanics in Advanced Theoretical Physics, quantum field theory in Particle Theory, and an individual Project. Optional modules span astronomy and cosmology (Introduction to Astronomy, Planets and Cosmology 3) and advanced theory (Atoms, Lasers and Qubits, Theoretical Astrophysics).
Modules
- Foundations of Physics 1
- Discovery Skills in Physics
- Mathematics Modules (40 credits) - Please choose one of the following two pathways:
- EITHER Pathway 1: Single Mathematics A and Single Mathematics B
- Pathway 1: Single Mathematics A
- Pathway 1: Single Mathematics B
- OR Pathway 2: Linear Algebra I and Calculus I
- Pathway 2: Calculus I
- Pathway 2: Linear Algebra I
- Example optional modules
- Foundations of Physics 2A
- Foundations of Physics 2B
- Theoretical Physics 2
- Mathematical Methods in Physics
- Laboratory Skills and Electronics
- Example optional modules
- Foundations of Physics 3A
- Foundations of Physics 3B
- Theoretical Physics 3
- Computing Project
- Mathematics Workshop
- Example optional modules
- Project
- Advanced Theoretical Physics
- Particle Theory
- Example optional modules