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, Research Methods, and Global & Comparative Perspective. The course includes a project and dissertation linked to existing research groups in the department. The first year covers foundational concepts through Physics of Everyday Life, Mathematics Skills, Computational Data Analysis, and Experimental Physics. The second year progresses through modules such as Analytical and Chaotic Dynamics, From Fields to Quanta, Mathematics for Physicists, and Experimental Physics II, alongside optional choices like Observing the Universe or Physics of Climate Change. The third year builds advanced competence via Nuclear and High Energy Particle Physics, Methods of Theoretical Physics, Principles of Theoretical Physics, and States of Matter. Optional modules allow students to explore areas such as electromagnetism, biophysics, nanostructures, astrophysics, soft matter, quantum technology, fluid dynamics, and energy materials, culminating in a major research project and dissertation.
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: AAA-ABB. Required subjects: A in Mathematics and B in Physics, or B in Mathematics and A in Physics. IB: 36/666-32/655.
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What students say
Based on about 47 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 91%
- Learning opportunities: 89%
- Assessment and feedback: 79%
- Academic support: 93%
- Organisation and management: 83%
- Learning resources: 92%
- Student voice: 74%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 105 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- 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: 60%
- Working and studying: 25%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Business and public service associate professionals: 20%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Engineering professionals: 10%
- Finance Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 50%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 130 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 6%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 22%
- South East: 19%
- South West: 36%
- Wales: 7%
Who gets in
Based on about 115 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 95%
- Baccalaureate: 3%
- A degree: 1%
- Other HE qualification: 2%
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): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Physics of Everyday Life
- Mathematics Skills
- Computational Data Analysis
- Experimental Physics
- Employability and Professional Skills Development
- Analytical and Chaotic Dynamics
- From Fields to Quanta
- Mathematics for Physicists
- Experimental Physics II
- Employability and Skills Development II
- Observing the Universe
- From Atoms to Images with Nonlinear Optics
- Physics of Climate Change
- Nuclear and High Energy Particle Physics
- Methods of Theoretical Physics
- Principles of Theoretical Physics
- States of Matter
- Employability and Professional Skills Development III
- Project and Dissertation
- Electromagnetism II
- The Biophysics of Cells and Tissues
- Nanostructures and Graphene Science
- Galaxies and High Energy Astrophysics
- Stars from Birth to Death
- Soft Matter
- Introduction to Quantum Technology
- Fluid Dynamics in Physics and Astronomy
- Energy, Materials and Sustainability
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MPhys Theoretical Physics at University of Exeter earn?
The median salary is £31,000 after 15 months, £31,000 after 3 years, £40,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £32,000 and £49,000. The £40,000 median after five years is £1,500 more than the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of MPhys Theoretical Physics at University of Exeter 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 University of Exeter?
91% 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 Exeter?
The typical offer is AAA at A level. The average entrant had 155 UCAS points.
Is MPhys Theoretical Physics at University of Exeter 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 Exeter include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MPhys Theoretical Physics at University of Exeter?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.