MPhys Theoretical Physics
About this course
MPhys (Hons) in Theoretical Physics, a physics degree centred on the mathematical and theoretical study of physical systems. Core topics include programming, data analysis, statistics, mathematical modelling and laboratory techniques. The course is accredited by the Institute of Physics and shares a common core curriculum in the first two years with the university's other physics degrees, with switching between them permitted until the end of the second year. An individual project on an advanced physics topic is completed in the final year. The first year covers classical and quantum physics in Foundations of Physics 1, practical and programming skills in Discovery Skills in Physics, and a compulsory mathematics route: either Single Mathematics A and Single Mathematics B, or Calculus I and Linear Algebra I. Year two develops quantum mechanics and electromagnetism in Foundations of Physics 2A, optics and thermodynamics in Foundations of Physics 2B, classical mechanics in Theoretical Physics 2, and mathematics in Mathematical Methods in Physics. The third year advances quantum and particle physics in Foundations of Physics 3A, condensed matter and thermodynamics in Foundations of Physics 3B, relativistic electrodynamics in Theoretical Physics 3, and computational physics in Computing Project. The final year covers advanced quantum mechanics in Advanced Theoretical Physics, quantum field theory in Particle Theory, and an individual Project. Optional modules span astronomy and cosmology (Introduction to Astronomy, Planets and Cosmology 3) and advanced theory (Atoms, Lasers and Qubits, Theoretical Astrophysics).
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*A*A including Physics and Mathematics. IB: 38 with 776 in higher level subjects, including Mathematics (maths analysis & approaches) and Physics.
See the highest paying Physics & Chemistry degrees in the UK →
Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 54%: 65 offers from 120 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 7 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 90%
- Assessment and feedback: 78%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 88%
- Learning resources: 86%
- Student voice: 81%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 6 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 15%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 35%
- Information Technology Professionals: 20%
- Process, plant and machine operatives: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Engineering professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 175 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 10%
- North West: 7%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 7%
- East Midlands: 6%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 6%
- London: 31%
- South East: 17%
- South West: 6%
- Wales: 2%
- Scotland: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- A degree: 5%
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, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Foundations of Physics 1
- Discovery Skills in Physics
- Mathematics Modules (40 credits) - Please choose one of the following two pathways:
- EITHER Pathway 1: Single Mathematics A and Single Mathematics B
- Pathway 1: Single Mathematics A
- Pathway 1: Single Mathematics B
- OR Pathway 2: Linear Algebra I and Calculus I
- Pathway 2: Calculus I
- Pathway 2: Linear Algebra I
- Example optional modules
- Foundations of Physics 2A
- Foundations of Physics 2B
- Theoretical Physics 2
- Mathematical Methods in Physics
- Laboratory Skills and Electronics
- Example optional modules
- Foundations of Physics 3A
- Foundations of Physics 3B
- Theoretical Physics 3
- Computing Project
- Mathematics Workshop
- Example optional modules
- Project
- Advanced Theoretical Physics
- Particle Theory
- Example optional modules
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MPhys Theoretical Physics at Durham University earn?
The median salary is £35,000 after 15 months, £36,000 after 3 years, £44,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £32,000 and £65,500. The £44,000 median after five years is £5,500 more than the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of MPhys Theoretical Physics at Durham University do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MPhys Theoretical Physics at Durham University?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MPhys Theoretical Physics at Durham University?
The typical offer is A*A*A at A level. The average entrant had 212 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for MPhys Theoretical Physics at Durham University?
54% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 65 offers from 120 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Is MPhys Theoretical Physics at Durham University 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 MPhys Theoretical Physics at Durham University?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.