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Theoretical Physics

  • Msci (Hon)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Main Site
More about Royal Holloway, University of London

Course options

2026-2027
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Course summary

One of the best-known theories in science, Einstein’s theory of relativity, came from the ‘mere’ observation that Clerk-Maxwell’s theory of electromagnetism and the Galilean relativity were incompatible. Beyond this and since the development of quantum mechanics, theoretical physics has played an important part in constantly questioning what we know, by putting forward deeper and usually more mathematical expressions of understanding and explanation.

On our four-year Theoretical Physics MSci, you will cover all the core material that a graduate physicist would be expected to know, but there will be more emphasis on developing what you will have learned during A Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics, to allow a deeper conceptual understanding of classical and modern physics. This emphasis on theoretical concepts and foundations could help give you a deeper appreciation of the beauty and surprises of Physics.

Because of the theoretical nature of this course, you’ll spend less time in the laboratory in later years, with options from more theoretical areas, such as Quantum Theory, Further Mathematical Methods, Stellar Astrophysics, General Relativity & Cosmology and Non-Linear & Chaotic Systems to provide an emphasis on advanced theoretical topics in Physics.

Your fourth year is intercollegiate, which means you can pick choices from other University of London colleges – modules can include Quantum Computation, Nanoscale Physics and others. You’ll also develop experimental, conceptual and observational skills from your final year Major Project, which will make you an attractive candidate in a range of sectors, including management and finance, as well as scientific, technical, engineering and teaching careers.

Develop the underlying mathematical and theoretical skills required for physics.

Potential final projects in theoretical physics include topological quantum matter, super-conductivity and fluidity, quantum optics, quantum information processing, standard model phenomenology, particle cosmology and quantum field theory.

Take modules from the Department of Mathematics, such as Non-linear Phenomena and Chaos.

Modules

Please refer to our website for information https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studying-here/undergraduate/physics/theoretical-physics-msci/

Assessment method

Your course will be assessed by a combination of examinations and in-course assignments in the form of essays or presentations.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

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:
F321
Institution code:
R72
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1, 2

Royal Holloway, University of London 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:
F321
Institution code:
R72
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2

International applicants

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - AAA - AAB

Where an applicant is taking the EPQ alongside A-levels, the EPQ will be taken into consideration and result in lower A-level grades being required. Socio-economics factors which may have impacted an applicant's education will be taken into consideration and alternative offers may be made to these applicants. Required subjects: A in Mathematics and Physics, plus a Pass in the practical element of any Science A-levels being taken

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - Not accepted

Access to HE Diploma - D: 33 credits M: 12 credits

Pass with at least 33 Level 3 credits at Distinction, 9 of which must be in Maths units with the remaining distinction units in Physics and the remaining level 3 credits at Merit PLUS A Level Maths Grade A

Scottish Higher - AAAAA

Including A in Maths and Physics.

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

Plus A-level grades AA Maths and Physics, plus a Pass in the practical element of any Science A-levels taken.

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

Plus A-level grades AA Maths and Physics, plus a Pass in the practical element of any Science A-levels taken..

Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF) - DD

Plus A-level grades AA Maths and Physics, plus a Pass in the practical element of any Science A-levels taken.

Scottish Advanced Higher - AAA - AAB

Including A in Maths and Physics.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 36 points

6,6,6 at Higher Level OR 36 points overall including 6 in Maths at Higher Level and 6 in Physics at Higher Level

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)

Requirements are as for A-levels where one non-subject-specified A-level can be replaced by the same grade in the Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H2, H2, H2

Including H2 in Maths and Physics

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal

Applicants with the Cambridge Pre-U are strongly encouraged to apply to Royal Holloway. Offers will be made on the basis of equivalent A-Level grades as can be found on the Royal Holloway website.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

We require English and Mathematics at grade 4/C.

Combinations of qualifications will be considered on an individual basis, please contact us on admissions.enquiries@rhul.ac.uk to discuss your situation

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.

At Royal Holloway, we know every student approaches university with different experiences and backgrounds. We look at each application individually, and different factors can affect the exact offer a student receives. For instance, our contextual offer scheme means students from disadvantaged socio-economic background can receive a different offer. For full details please see our website.

Learn more on the Royal Holloway, University of London 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 7 other physics courses
Date range:
2022-2024

Grades held by accepted students

For Royal Holloway, University of London, the top and bottom 5% of student grades have been removed from these calculations. This change helps to remove any extraordinary circumstances that could impact the data. Learn more here .
BBB Most common
  1. A*A*A*
  2. Highest grades
  3. CCC
  4. Lowest grades

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

98% 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

50 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

80 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
International£29900Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9535*Year 1
England£9535*Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535*Year 1
Scotland£9535*Year 1
Wales£9535*Year 1
Channel Islands£9535*Year 1
EU£29900Year 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

Home (UK) students tuition fee per year*: £9,535

EU and international students tuition fee per year**: £29,900

Other essential costs***: There are no single associated costs greater than £50 per item on this course.

*The tuition fee for Home (UK) undergraduates is controlled by Government regulations. This figure is the fee for the academic year 2025/26 and is shown as a guide. The fee for the academic year 2026/27 has not yet been announced.

**This figure is the fee for EU and international students on this course in the academic year 2026/27.

Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually for all students. For further information see: https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studying-here/fees-and-funding/

*** These estimated costs relate to studying this particular degree at Royal Holloway during the 2026/27 academic year. Costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing, have not been included.

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