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Theoretical Physics

  • Msci (Hon)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • 28 September 2026
  • Undergraduate
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Course options

2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

Explore the evolution of our universe with MSci Theoretical Physics. From classical and quantum mechanics to the theory of relativity, you'll study advanced theoretical physics in a friendly and supportive environment.

Learn how to use the language of maths to help understand natural phenomena. Join us and build your mathematical knowledge alongside research, problem-solving, programming, teamwork and experimental skills to open the door to a range of careers.

Develop your knowledge of modern physics and the mathematical frameworks used to understand the physical world. Our theoretical physicists will help you step up to university-level physics, building your theoretical and practical skills with a firm mathematical focus.

Choose whether you want to include experimental lab work and you’ll have options for specialist topics such as nuclear physics and exoplanets. During your final year you’ll apply your knowledge to an individual project, developing high-level research skills. You’ll also deepen your understanding with advanced modules including nanophotonics and renewable energy.

Our research spaces include our own particle accelerators, the MC40 cyclotron for charged particles and HF-ADNeF, the most intense accelerator driven neutron source worldwide, as well as labs used for the construction of the detectors and electronics in experiments at the Large Hadron Collider, CERN.

As a Birmingham Physics graduate, you'll have a broad range of options for the future either working directly in a scientific environment or using transferable skills in different roles.

Modules

View https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/subjects/physics-and-astronomy-courses/theoretical-physics-msci and scroll to the module section.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • Msci (Hon) • Full-time • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 28 September 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:
F343
Institution code:
B32
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Birmingham 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:
F343
Institution code:
B32
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

A level
A*A*A

Required subjects and grades: A level Mathematics A*, A level Physics A* or A level Mathematics A*, Further Mathematics A*, Physics A.
General Studies not accepted.

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

BTEC only considered when combined with other qualifications.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
32 points

7,6,6 at Higher Level, including Mathematics and Physics, with a minimum of 32 points overall. 7 must be in Mathematics or Physics.

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

Accepted in place of a non-required A level with the equivalent grade.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal

Accepted in place of A levels with the following grade equivalencies: D2 = A*; D3 = A; M2 = B. Combinations of A levels and Principle subjects are accepted. NB required subjects must be offered (see A level Section)

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.

The most common grades on entry for this course are above our standard offer. This does not mean that you need to achieve higher grades than our offer to be admitted.
We make alternative offers through our contextual admissions schemes which are typically 1 or 2 grades lower. You can find information on these schemes using the link below.
You can check your eligibility to receive an offer for this course using our Offer Calculator using the same link.

Learn more on the University of Birmingham website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course 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

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear

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 details of the annual tuition fee for International Students please see the course web page listed in the 'course details' section above.
If you are made an offer to study by the University, the yearly tuition fee will be stated in your offer letter.

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