Theoretical Physics MPhys, BSc

Physics is the most fundamental of all sciences. It observes and explores the physical laws and principles that govern the nature of the universe and is stimulating and inspiring.

On this course, you’ll develop thorough knowledge and understanding of the theoretical basis of modern physics, with a particular focus on the mathematical aspects. You can explore advanced topics in physics that relate to our research strengths – from cosmology to quantum information. You’ll develop a solid grounding in how mathematical methods are applied to physics topics.

Course highlights

• Our courses are shaped by our world-leading research in areas such as soft matter physics, astrophysics, molecular physics and theoretical physics.

• During your project work you will access specialist facilities and laboratories.

• You will have the opportunity to apply for a funded summer research placement at the end of year two, which will provide eight weeks’ paid employment actively pursuing research in physics.

Enhancing your degree

During your time at Leeds, you can decide to study abroad or undertake an industrial placement.

Accreditation

This course is professionally accredited by the Institute of Physics, meaning the topics you’ll study reflect the latest developments in physics. By studying an accredited course, you'll gain the skills you’ll need to succeed in industry upon graduation.

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Discovery modules are available during the first three years of your degree, as long as you are taking enough credits of your own subject for that year.

Years one and two

Throughout the first two years of your degree, you’ll study core physics topics, including quantum physics, relativity, and solid state physics. Alongside this, you will explore mathematics topics such as differentiation and integration, vector calculus, and matrices.

You’ll also have the option to take modules offered by our research groups, such as astrophysics or nanophysics, or even discovery modules from other departments. We expect you to gain an understanding of basic laboratory skills in year one so that you can gain a better sense of how experimentation and theory work together in physics.

At the end of year two, you will have the opportunity to complete an industrial placement or study abroad, which will extend your degree by 12 months.

Years three and four

You can choose advanced options from a wide range of modules in both physics and mathematics. In your final year, you will choose either to extend your understanding of current theoretical physics by carrying out a critical literature review or to gain experience of actual research by undertaking a project. The literature review can deal with cutting-edge topics such as string theory or quantum computing. The research project could be related to the School’s research interests in theoretical physics, such as liquid state physics, gauge fields, knots and polymers, biological membranes and quantum information.

You will develop a comprehesive knowledge and understanding of the core observations, concepts and quantitative theoretical structures that constitute our contemporary understanding of the physical world, as well as an enhanced interpersonal skillset of problem solving, independent learning, verbal and written communication and presentation skills, all of which will help you to progress into your desired career path.

Project work

Every year of your course gives you hands-on experience of project work. This gives you the opportunity to explore your subject further as well as developing valuable skills in problem solving, communication and teamwork.

Find out more about Project work.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Theoretical Physics MPhys, BSc in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

You will be taught through several different teaching methods, including lectures, workshops, small-group tutorials, laboratory work, project work and computer-aided learning.

In the first two years, the material you learn in lectures is supported by a mixture of small group tutorials and larger weekly workshops, where lecturers work with a team to improve your practical problem-solving skills. In later years, the lecturer will usually support their own specialist material through bi-weekly workshops.

Laboratory classes are an integral part of our teaching throughout your time at Leeds. They provide you with the opportunity to develop your verbal and written communication skills through performing experiments individually, or as part of a group. You may also have the opportunity to undertake a short course on data analysis and statistics and learn how to conduct practical experiments in preparation for your final year research project.

All students are assigned a personal tutor. Your personal tutor is there to offer advice, monitor your progress, and be your first point of contact during your undergraduate years.

There are many facilities that will support your studies including extensive computer clusters. The School itself provides additional computing and study areas.

The Edward Boyle Science and Engineering Library is only a short walk from the School of Physics and Astronomy and has multiple copies of the recommended books. It also has a variety of different studying environments, such as personal and flexible group work areas.

Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.

You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.

Watch our taster lectures to get a flavour of what it’s like to study at Leeds:

• It from qubit: quantum information meets quantum matter

• Hierarchical biomechanics: approaches for understanding materials and mechanics across lengthscales

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You are assessed primarily through formal exams. Other methods include practical work, oral presentations, written reports and tutorial work. The variety of assessment allows you to develop a broad range of skills and demonstrate a variety of talents.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAA including Physics and Mathematics.

Excludes A Level General Studies or Critical Thinking.

Where an A Level science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A Level at the stated grade.

GCSE: C in English Language, or an equivalent English qualification. We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English.

Other course specific tests:

Extended Project Qualification and International Project Qualification: Whilst we recognise the value of these qualifications and the effort and enthusiasm that applicants put into them, we do not currently include them as part of our offer-making. We do, however, encourage you to provide further information on your project in your personal statement.

• Access to HE Diploma

  Overall pass of the Access to HE, with 45 credits at level 3. Of these 45 credits, 30 level 3 credits must be in Physics and Mathematics and must be passed with Distinction.

• BTEC

  BTEC qualifications in relevant disciplines are considered in combination with A Level Physics and Mathematics. Applicants should contact the School to discuss.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  D3, D3, M2 or D2, M1, M1 including Physics and Mathematics

• International Baccalaureate

  35 overall with 17 points at HL, which must include 6 in both Physics and Mathematics.

• Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)

  H2, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 including Physics and Mathematics at H2

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  AA at Advanced Higher in Physics and Mathematics with AABBB at Higher

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds A Level offer: ABB including Physics and Mathematics. Excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking.

If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year. We offer a Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc for students without a science background at A-level and an Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc for applicants who meet specific widening participation criteria.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any one component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

We may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed on UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.

Read our guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

The UK Government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) operates a scheme called the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS). If you are an international (non-EU/EEA or Swiss citizen) applicant and require a student visa to study in the UK then you will need an ATAS certificate to study this course at the University of Leeds.

To apply for an ATAS certificate online, you will need your programme details and the relevant Common Aggregation Hierarchy (CAH) code and descriptor. For this course, the CAH code is: CAH07-01-01 and the descriptor is: Physics.

More information and details on how to apply for your ATAS certificate can be found at GOV.UK.

Applicant days

If you receive an offer to study with us, we’ll invite you to attend one of our applicant days. You’ll have the opportunity to meet our academic staff and students, explore the School and University and find out more about your course and what it’s like to be a student at Leeds.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2022

Fees

UK: See fees section below

International: £25,250 (per year)

UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2021 entry 
For UK full-time students starting in 2021, the fee for 2021/22 will be £9,250.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the UK government and may vary if policy changes.

EU students starting in 2021/22 
EU students starting their course in the 2021/22 academic year or later will now be classed as international students and so will need to pay the international student tuition fee.

UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2022 entry
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. In other years, the government has confirmed fee levels in the summer. When the fee is confirmed we will publish an update on all course pages.

Tuition fees for new international students for 2022 entry
Tuition fees for international students are published on each individual course page. These are usually published a year in advance, so 2022 course fees should be available from September 2021.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Brexit 
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

A degree from Leeds and the experience you'll gain here will give you the edge to find the career you want. Your course will give you the experience and knowledge that employers are looking for to help you secure a graduate job.

University of Leeds students are among the top five most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2021, High Fliers Research.

Physics graduates are in demand for some of the highest paid and most satisfying roles in employment.

The numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills you will develop and your specialist subject knowledge are highly valued across sectors including aerospace, electronics, energy, environment, and transport. This course also allows you to develop the transferable skills that employers seek.

This course offers you the opportunity to spend a year working in industry or studying at a university abroad, both of which provide valuable experience and help your personal development. Both of these schemes add an additional year to your course, taking the total course length to 4 years.

One of the key features of this course is the final year research project, which is an opportunity to work with one of our internationally recognised research groups. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your independent research skills and teamwork abilities; it will prepare you for a career in research in both academia and industry.

Examples of recent graduate destinations include:

• Alscient

• BAE Systems

• IBM

• KPMG

• King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

• Reckitt Benckiser

• Schroders Investment Management Ltd

• Unilever

Read profiles of our alumni to find out more about where some of our graduates are working.

Careers support

At Leeds we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our Leeds for Life initiative is designed to help you develop and demonstrate the skills and experience you need for when you graduate. We will help you to access opportunities across the University and record your key achievements so you are able to articulate them clearly and confidently.

You will be supported throughout your studies by our dedicated Employability team, who will provide you with specialist support and advice to help you find relevant work experience, internships and industrial placements, as well as graduate positions. You’ll benefit from timetabled employability sessions, support during internships and placements, and presentations and workshops delivered by employers.

You will also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.

Visit our Careers and employability page to find out more.

There are also plenty of exciting ways you can volunteer during your time at Leeds. Find out more at the Leeds University Union website.

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

The optional study abroad year takes place between years two and three and will extend your studies by 12 months. You will return to Leeds to complete your final year of study.

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

An industrial placement year is a great way to help you decide what kind of career you might like when you graduate. As well as giving you the opportunity to develop your skills, you’ll gain a real insight into working life in a particular company or sector.

With the help and support of our dedicated Employability team, you can choose to undertake a salaried industrial placement year at one of the 100+ companies that we work with. If you decide to undertake a placement year this will extend your period of study by 12 months and, on successful completion, you will be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.

Below are examples of placements our students have recently completed:

• IBM

• KPMG

• Q8

• Unilever

• Siemens

• GSK (medical imaging)

• Virgin Media

• Analox

During your industrial placement you will have an industrial supervisor from within the company, plus an academic supervisor who will keep in touch throughout your placement.

Find out more about Industrial placements.