MPhys Theoretical Physics
About this course
MPhys in Theoretical Physics, a physics degree centred on mathematical and computational approaches to physical theory. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Laboratory Techniques, and Research Methods. Students share core modules with general physics programmes during the first two years before concentrating on theoretical specialisms, and complete an extended research project in the final year. The first year establishes foundational principles through modules such as waves, classical mechanics, electricity, introductory quantum mechanics, and nuclear and particle physics. The second year advances mathematical and practical abilities via algebra, calculus, dynamics and vector calculus, programming, data analysis, and experimental techniques. The third year builds advanced competence with thermodynamics, electromagnetism, Fourier analysis and statistics, quantum mechanics, numerical algorithms, and research methods. The final year explores specialist theories including relativity, nuclear and particle physics, condensed matter physics, Lagrangian dynamics, statistical physics, general relativity, electrodynamics, and quantum theory, alongside an independent research project.
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: from AAA to ABB in one set of exams (required: Mathematics at A, Physics at B) IB: from 37 points with 666 at HL to 32 points with 655 at HL
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What students say
Based on about 61 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 82%
- Learning opportunities: 78%
- Assessment and feedback: 64%
- Academic support: 81%
- Organisation and management: 56%
- Learning resources: 90%
- Student voice: 63%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 25 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 50%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 20%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 30%
- Natural and social science professionals: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Engineering professionals: 10%
- Finance Professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 55%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 70 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 3%
- North West: 8%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 6%
- West Midlands: 1%
- London: 6%
- South East: 7%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 60%
- Northern Ireland: 4%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 75%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- Access course: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
- Other qualifications: 5%
- No formal qualifications: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
Modules
- waves
- classical mechanics
- electricity
- introductory quantum mechanics
- nuclear and particle physics
- algebra
- calculus
- dynamics and vector calculus
- programming
- data analysis
- experimental techniques
- thermodynamics
- electromagnetism
- Fourier analysis and statistics
- quantum mechanics
- numerical algorithms
- research methods
- relativity
- nuclear and particle physics
- condensed matter physics
- Lagrangian dynamics
- research a physics-based topic
- collate and analyse existing information from a wide variety of sources
- present your findings in oral and written forms
- statistical physics
- general relativity
- electrodynamics
- quantum theory
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MPhys Theoretical Physics at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £31,000 after 15 months, £29,000 after 3 years, £37,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £30,500 and £45,500. The £37,500 median after five years is £1,000 less than the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of MPhys Theoretical Physics at University of Edinburgh do next?
80% 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 University of Edinburgh?
82% 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 University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 37 points in the IB. The average entrant had 177 UCAS points.
Is MPhys Theoretical Physics at University of Edinburgh accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
Does MPhys Theoretical Physics at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MPhys Theoretical Physics at University of Edinburgh?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.