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Theoretical Physics (with a year abroad)

MPhys · 5 Years · Full-time with time abroad · 10/2026 · UndergraduateMain Site

Course summary

Theoretical physics provides the tools for constructing the mathematical framework of the physical world.

On a foundation of advanced physics, you'll build your understanding of theoretical techniques. You'll use mathematical analysis and an array of computational methods to address complex problems. You'll learn key skills of analysis and research, write scientific reports to industry standards, and simulate huge physical systems using our supercomputers. Work with world-renowned physicists using sophisticated equipment to probe the nature of existence and push the boundaries of research. You will learn to utilise supercomputers like York's own Viking cluster, developing parallel code to model complex physical systems. Gain unique global experiences spending a year at one of our partner universities. Boost your confidence by immersing yourself in a different culture and gain valuable language skills for your CV.

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
F348
Institution code:
Y50
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - AAA

Essential Subjects: Physics and Mathematics (or equivalent) at grade A are essential. Information: Applicants taking Science A Levels that include a practical component will be required to pass.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

DDM + A at A Level Mathematics. We consider a range of BTEC qualifications equivalent to 3 A Levels, or in combination with A Levels or other qualifications. A Level in Mathematics (or equivalent qualification) at grade A is essential. A Level in Physics (or equivalent qualification) at grade A is also essential, but we may consider relevant units in your BTEC as A Level Physics equivalent.

Access to HE Diploma - D: 39 credits M: 6 credits

We will consider the Access to Higher Education Diploma. The syllabus must contain a significant portion of Mathematics and Physics that is considered equivalent to A Level standard. Applications will be considered on an individual basis - please contact the Department before you apply.

Scottish Higher

Please use the course link below for more details on Scottish entry requirements.

Scottish Advanced Higher

Please use the course link below for more details on Scottish entry requirements.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 36 points

With 6 in Higher Level Physics plus either 6 in Higher Level Mathematics - Applications and Interpretation or 6 in Higher Level or Standard Level Mathematics - Analysis and Approaches.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales - A

We will consider this qualification alongside or in combination with A Levels or other qualifications, as equivalent to one A Level.

Extended Project - C

If you achieve C or higher at EPQ, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A Level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma

DDM + A at A Level Mathematics. We consider a range of OCR qualifications equivalent to 3 A Levels, or in combination with A Levels or other qualifications. A Level in Mathematics (or equivalent qualification) at grade A is essential. A Level in Physics (or equivalent qualification) at grade A is also essential, but we may consider relevant units in your OCR as A Level Physics equivalent.

T Level - Not accepted

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

English language requirements

Undergraduate English Language requirements https://www.york.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/applying/entry/english-language/

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

Contextual offers take social and economic factors that may have prevented you from reaching your true academic potential into account.

We know that some students face significant barriers during their journey to university. Contextual offers promote fairness and diversity in our community of talented students.

With a contextual offer, UK students can receive a reduced offer of up to two grades below our typical entry requirements.

Learn more on the University of York website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Data from:
This course and 14 other physics courses
Date range:
2022-2024

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

89% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

58 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

90 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England£9535Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535Year 1
Scotland£9535Year 1
Wales£9535Year 1
Channel Islands£9535Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9535Year 1
EU£32350Year 1
International£32350Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

For additional information please see our web pages at: https://www.york.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/fees-funding/

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