Physics with Theoretical Physics

Our degree in Physics with Theoretical Physics provides a robust foundation of all of the fundamental aspects of modern and theoretical physics. You’ll explore topics including relativity, quantum mechanics, fields and waves, electromagnetism, nuclear and particle physics, with the theoretical physics modules equipping you with the advanced mathematical tools for pursuing complex theoretical physics problems. You’ll gain key analytical and practical skills such as problem-solving, creative thinking, team work, and data analysis, preparing you for a wide-range of future-facing careers.

You'll join a friendly and supportive department, learning from internationally renowned scientists, including those with links to the Large Hadron Collider at CERN and the LIGO gravitational wave observatory. In your first two years, you'll sample core physics modules including theoretical physics fields and develop experimental techniques through integrated lab work. In your third year, you’ll apply your knowledge and skills to complex research or industry-inspired problems, enabling you to undertake novel research and develop crucial employability skills.

You can also choose to study for our integrated Master’s course (MSci), adding a fourth year to your degree during which you’ll get to choose from a huge array of modules, and undertake a substantial research project on a topic of your choice, enhancing key employability skills including project management, creative thinking, working as a team, and communication and presentation skills.

You also have the opportunity to transfer to the Study Abroad pathway and spend your third year at a partner institution before returning to King’s for your final year. This depends on you reaching a certain grade average and being accepted by a partner university.

Key benefits

• Award winning: six former staff and students in the department are Nobel Prize winners.

• Top 10 in the UK for Physics (QS World Rankings by subject 2025).

• Central location gives you easy access to major libraries and many leading societies, including the Institute of Physics, the Royal Society and the Royal Institution.

• Be part of a diverse student cohort - King’s is one of the leading Russell Group universities by proportion of female undergraduates on its Physics programmes.

• Study at the historic Strand Campus where Maxwell discovered electromagnetic radiation, Franklin took photo 51 confirming DNA’s structure and Wheatstone developed the electric telegraph.

• 6th in the UK for employability (Times Higher Education Graduate Employability rankings 2025).

Please see our online prospectus for further details on this programme: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/physics-with-theoretical-physics-bsc

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

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