Theoretical Physics

Theoretical Physics combines analytical reasoning and problem solving using the language of mathematics to understand the universe. Our degree schemes are for those with a deep desire to understand how everything works, from the subatomic quantum world to the vastness of the cosmos.

We are proud of our research at the frontiers of physics. We strive to inspire the next generation of physicists with an exciting environment for learning and research. Our curriculum is shaped by world-leading experts across a wide spectrum of research areas, ranging from semiconductors, nanophysics and lasers, to the physics of antimatter, quantum fields and the early universe. Our courses equip students with analytical and problem-solving skills, and have wide ranging applications which cut across disciplines.

A highlight of all degree schemes is the opportunity to work on advanced projects, often at the cutting edge of physics research, under the supervision of internationally recognised academics. Our extensive network of research collaborations, including at large-scale facilities such as CERN, gives exciting project and research opportunities for students and researchers alike.

This programme is also available as a 4-year MPhys, which is an advanced undergraduate degree, adding a further research-focused year to your degree. Our MPhys leads to a master’s level qualification, in addition to your undergraduate degree, giving you expert scientific training and a springboard towards a range of specialist careers.

In Year 1, you will typically study areas including: Classical Mechanics; Astronomy and Cosmology; Mathematics for Physicists; Quantum Mechanics I; Special Relativity; Mathematics for Physicists; and Practical Physics.

In Year 2, you will typically study areas including: Electromagnetism; Practical Physics; Mathematics for Physicists; Thermal and statistical physics; Quantum Mechanics; Theoretical physics and astrophysics; and Professional Development and Career Planning.

In Year 3, you will typically study areas including: Nuclear and Particle Physics; Condensed Matter Physics; Gravity and Cosmology; Theoretical Physics Project; Advanced Theoretical Physics; Science Communication with Placement; and Atomic Physics.

In Year 4, you will typically study areas including: Quantum Field Theory; Atomic and Quantum Optics III; Machine Learning for Physicists; Medical Imaging and Spectroscopy: From MRI to photonics; Advanced Particle Physics; Modern Laser Systems; Quantum Gravity; Quantum Information Processing; and a Research Project.

We are proud to provide an outstanding educational experience, using the most effective learning and teaching approaches, carefully tailored to suit the specific needs of your course. Our programme consists of in-person, on-campus teaching, enabling full engagement with your lecturers and fellow students.

We believe in fostering a learning environment where students actively engage with physics concepts through experimentation, data analysis, and problem-solving. We offer informal weekly Maths drop-in support sessions to assist with developing and enhancing problem solving skills. These are mentored by postgraduate students.

We use inquiry-based learning, labs and practical work and diverse assessment types throughout the programme. The labs and practical work promote active engagement, hands-on learning, diverse skills development and real-world experience. The research project modules gives you the opportunity to participate in real-life research, working on real-world problems/questions. Lectures take place in larger group sessions, in a lecture theatre setting. The course content is explored in further detail in workshops, allowing for further collaborative working with your peers.

Lecture recordings allow for more flexibility to revisit material, to revise for assessments and to enhance learning outside of the classroom. Some modules have extra resources in Canvas, our virtual learning environment, such as videos, slides and quizzes enabling further flexible study.

This course may offer some modules taught through the medium of Welsh or bilingually for students who consider themselves to be fluent Welsh speakers. For more details on the provision available see the Welsh Provision expander below.

This course may offer some modules taught through the medium of Welsh or bilingually for students who consider themselves to be fluent Welsh speakers. For more details on the provision available see the Welsh Provision expander below.

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

• Physics, Institute of