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Physics with Theoretical Physics

  • Msci (Hon)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
University Park Campus
More about University of Nottingham

Course options

2026-2027
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Course summary

This course builds a strong foundation in core physics and mathematical methods for modelling physical systems. In the first two years, you’ll develop experimental, mathematical, computational, and data analysis skills, alongside professional and collaborative abilities. Year two includes a specialist theoretical module on analytical methods and symmetry in physical systems.

In year three, you’ll study advanced theoretical methods, choose specialist options, and complete both an individual research project and a group project. Year four focuses on a major theoretical physics research project, showcasing your skills as an independent researcher. Projects are linked to cutting-edge research or emerging technologies, supported by advanced theoretical study in modern physics.

The course draws on the school’s research strengths in areas such as astrophysics, cosmology, quantum and classical gravity, condensed matter, nanoscience, and quantum technology, with a growing emphasis on AI in scientific discovery.

Why choose this course?

  • Specialise in a range of options reflecting our expertise, from nanoscience to cosmology

  • Paid research project available, where you can work directly with our researchers

  • 98% of our research is classed as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ as stated by Research Excellence Framework 2021

  • Accredited by the Institute of Physics

  • Paid summer research internship opportunity available

About Physics at the University of Nottingham
We have a proud history of learning and innovation. Research undertaken within the School of Physics and Astronomy, by Professor Sir Peter Mansfield, was recognised with a 2003 Nobel Prize for the invention of Magnetic Resonance Imaging body scanners. This technology has already helped more than half a billion people worldwide. More recently, our use of quantum technologies to understand how the brain works is changing the way that neurological conditions are detected and treated.

Our courses offer a wide range of optional modules, so you can explore new areas of physics and specialise in the ones that interest you the most. You can study topics as diverse as cosmology, nanoscience, and medical imaging and learn from experts in those fields. What’s more, there is flexibility to transfer between most physics courses after the first year.

Some of our teaching staff share their love of physics with budding scientists worldwide through the popular Sixty Symbols YouTube channel. Our unique, student centred MSci course offers innovative teaching methods, with few to no exams in the final year.

We encourage students to share their fascination with physics with the wider community through our outreach programme. This programme can help you further develop skills such as organisation, communication and team working. We also have an active student society, PhysSoc, which organises social events throughout the year. Our mentoring scheme gives new starters the opportunity to connect with more experienced physics students, helping you settle into university life.

Modules

For detailed information about the modules you will study, please visit the course page: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/ugstudy/courses/UG/physics-with-theoretical-physics-msci-U7UPHYTH.html

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • University Park Campus

Study options

  • Msci (Hon) • Full-time • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 21/09/2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
F340
Institution code:
N84
Campus name:
University Park Campus
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Nottingham has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

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:
F340
Institution code:
N84
Campus name:
University Park Campus
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - AAA

Including Mathematics and Physics plus one other academic subject at A level, or equivalent, excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking and Citizenship Studies. A pass in the practical element is required for this qualification if assessed separately.

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

Contact the school directly – considered on an individual basis.

Access to HE Diploma

Contact the school directly – considered on an individual basis, when combined with A Level Mathematics

Scottish Higher - AAABB

This qualification is only acceptable when combined with Advanced Higher grades AA including Maths and Physics.

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

This qualification is only acceptable when combined with A level grades AA including Maths and Physics. A pass in the practical element is required for this qualification if assessed separately.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D

This qualification is only acceptable when combined with A level grades AA in Maths and Physics in any order. A pass in the practical element is required for this qualification if assessed separately.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 34 points

including Higher Level 6 in Physics and Higher Level 6 in Mathematics Analysis and Approaches. Alternatively, 6,6,6 from 3 Higher Level certificates including Higher Level Physics and Mathematics Analysis and Approaches.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales - A

This qualification is only acceptable when combined with A level grades AA including Maths and Physics. A pass in the practical element is required for this qualification if assessed separately.

Extended Project - Not accepted

GCSE requirements - English grade C (numeric grade 4).

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.

We consider applicants solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential – we use exam grades to prioritise applicants but look at a range of factors and aim to give everyone an equal opportunity to show their achievements.

We understand that background and personal circumstances can have an impact on academic performance at school or college. Applicants who are eligible under our contextual admissions policies may be considered for a reduced contextual offer.

Learn more on the University of Nottingham 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.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
Republic of Ireland£9790*Year 1
EU£33000*Year 1
England£9790*Year 1
Northern Ireland£9790*Year 1
Scotland£9790*Year 1
Wales£9790*Year 1
International£33000*Year 1
Channel Islands£9790*Year 1

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

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

View undergraduate tuition fees for UK and international students: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/fees/tuitionfees/202627/undergraduate.aspx

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