BSc Theoretical Physics
About this course
Bachelor of Science in Theoretical Physics BSc, a physics degree exploring advanced physical theory. Core topics include Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. The programme builds from foundational mechanics and laboratory work in the first year towards specialized third-year topics. The first year introduces fundamental principles through modules such as Mathematics for Physicists 1, Physics Laboratory 1, and Classical Mechanics and Relativity. The second year advances mathematical and quantum frameworks with modules including Mathematics for Physicists 2, Statistical Physics and Optics, and Modern Physics. The final year focuses on advanced concepts and independent research, featuring core study in Quantum Mechanics and Statistical Physics alongside the Year 3 Theoretical Physics Project. Students can also select from diverse options such as Particle Physics, Stars and Exoplanets, and Machine Learning and Inference from Data.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A Level: A*AA /AAAA to include A-level Mathematics and A-level Physics grades A*A (or AA as part of the four A level offer).. IB: 7,6,6 at HL, to include Mathematics and Physics, with a minimum of 32 points overall. 7 must be in Mathematics, 6 in Physics.. BTEC: options considered when combined with other Maths and Physics qualifications.
See the highest paying Physics & Chemistry degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 10 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 91%
- Assessment and feedback: 86%
- Academic support: 95%
- Organisation and management: 95%
- Learning resources: 97%
- Student voice: 87%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 11 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 40%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 40%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 16%
- Natural and social science professionals: 14%
- Engineering professionals: 13%
- Teaching Professionals: 9%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 9%
- Find their work meaningful: 74%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 74%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 67%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 155 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 6%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 10%
- West Midlands: 25%
- East of England: 8%
- London: 14%
- South East: 16%
- South West: 14%
- Wales: 2%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Bronze for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Statistics, Thermodynamics, and Electronics
- Quantum Mechanics, Optics, Waves, and Electromagnetism
- Classical Mechanics and Relativity
- Mathematics for Physicists 1
- Physics Laboratory 1
- Discover: Skills, Computing and Data Science
- Discover: Skills, Computing and Astrophysics
- Discover: Skills, Computing and Particle Physics and Cosmology
- Discover: Skills, Computing and Medical Physics
- Mathematics for Physicists 2
- Statistical Physics and Optics
- Quantum Mechanics and Electromagnetism 2
- Modern Physics
- Mathematics for Quantum and Information Sciences
- Challenge: Skills, Computing and Observational Astronomy
- Challenge: Skills, Computing and Medical Physics
- Quantum Mechanics and Statistical Physics
- Year 3 Theoretical Physics Project
- Advanced Dynamics, and Relativistic Fields
- Chaos Dynamical Systems and Complex Variables
- Particle Physics
- Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Power
- Stars and Exoplanets
- Medical Physics
- Atomic, Condensed Matter and Photonic Physics
- Gravitation, Cosmology and Galaxies
- Professional Science Communication and Teaching
- Machine Learning and Inference from Data
- Partial Differential Equations and Applications
- Continuum Mechanics
- Mathematics in Biology and Medicine
- Mathematics of Finance Derivatives
- Metric Spaces and Geometry
- Real and Complex Analysis
- Year 3 Physics Project
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Theoretical Physics at University of Birmingham earn?
The median salary is £34,000 after 15 months, £32,500 after 3 years, £43,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £33,500 and £53,500. The £43,500 median after five years is £5,000 more than the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of BSc Theoretical Physics at University of Birmingham do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Theoretical Physics at University of Birmingham?
93% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Theoretical Physics at University of Birmingham?
The typical offer is A*AA at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 183 UCAS points.
Is BSc Theoretical Physics at University of Birmingham accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
How many students continue on BSc Theoretical Physics at University of Birmingham?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.