BSc Theoretical Physics
About this course
BSc in Theoretical Physics, a physics degree focused on the mathematical formulation of physical theory. Core topics include Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. This three-year programme provides a variant of the advanced study available in standard physics pathways. The first year covers fundamental principles through modules such as Atoms, Stars and the Universe, Classical Mechanics, and Waves, Optics and Acoustics. The second year advances core knowledge with Mathematics for Physics and Astronomy, Quantum Physics, and Computational Physics. The final year involves compulsory study in Quantum Mechanics and Nuclear and Particle Physics alongside a Physics Group Project. Students can select optional modules in areas such as Fluid Mechanics, Physical Cosmology, and Practical Machine Learning for Physicists.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: A*AA (A*A in Mathematics and Physics required (in any order).) IB: 39 points (A total of 19 points in three higher level subjects including grade 7, 6 in Mathematics and Physics, in any order, with no higher level score below 5. The course will accept either ‘Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation’ at higher level.)
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What students say
Based on about 11 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 84%
- Learning opportunities: 79%
- Assessment and feedback: 80%
- Academic support: 86%
- Organisation and management: 68%
- Learning resources: 98%
- Student voice: 79%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 65 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 50%
- Working and studying: 11%
- Further study: 18%
- Unemployed: 9%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 26%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 20%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 11%
- Finance Professionals: 9%
- Natural and social science professionals: 7%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 55%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 140 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 11%
- London: 61%
- South East: 15%
- South West: 3%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- A degree: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Atoms, Stars and the Universe
- Waves, Optics and Acoustics
- Thermal Physics and the Properties of Matter
- Classical Mechanics
- Introductory Practical and Computational Skills for Theoretical Physicists
- Mathematics for Physicists
- Mathematics for Physics and Astronomy
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Quantum Physics
- Atomic and Molecular Physics
- Statistical Physics of Matter
- Mathematical Methods III
- Mathematical Methods for Theoretical Physics
- Computational Physics
- Physics Group Project
- Electromagnetic Theory
- Nuclear and Particle Physics
- Solid State Physics
- Quantum Mechanics
- Ocean Physics and Climate Change
- Fluid Mechanics
- Mathematics For General Relativity
- Physical Cosmology
- Physics Education
- Theory of Dynamical Systems
- Climate and Energy
- Lasers and Modern Optics
- Practical Machine Learning for Physicists
- Molecular Biophysics
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Theoretical Physics at University College London earn?
The median salary is £34,000 after 15 months, £42,000 after 3 years, £49,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £37,000 and £66,000. The £49,500 median after five years is £11,000 more than the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of BSc Theoretical Physics at University College London do next?
79% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2022-23).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Theoretical Physics at University College London?
84% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2024-25.
What grades do I need for BSc Theoretical Physics at University College London?
The typical offer is A*AA at A level, or 39 points in the IB. The average entrant had 193 UCAS points.
Is BSc Theoretical Physics at University College London accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
How many students continue on BSc Theoretical Physics at University College London?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.