Physics / Theoretical Physics
About this course
MSci in Physics / Theoretical Physics, a physics degree exploring the study of matter and energy and their interactions. Core topics include Programming and Mathematical Modelling. This four to five year programme includes practical project work and laboratory sessions. The first year establishes fundamental concepts through Physics 1 and Mathematics 1. The second year builds mathematical and technical proficiency with Physics 2, Physics 2T: Programming Under Linux, Mathematics 2A: Multivariable Calculus, Mathematics 2B: Linear Algebra, and Mathematics 2D: Mathematical Methods and Modelling. The third year advances into specialized physical theory via Mathematical Methods 1, Waves & Diffraction, Quantum Mechanics, Thermal Physics, Electromagnetic Theory 1, Honours Computational Physics Laboratory, and Theoretical Physics Group Project. The final year concludes with advanced study in Solid State Physics, Nuclear & Particle Physics, Atomic Systems, Mathematical Methods 2, Quantum Theory, and General Physics Workshop.
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: AAB or BBB (Additional requirements: A-level Mathematics and Physics.) IB: 34 (6,5,5) (Additional requirements: HL Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches) and Physics.) Scottish Higher: BBBB is the minimum requirement from S5 to be reviewed for an S6 offer Offers are not guaranteed to applicants who meet the minimum from S5 Typically offers will be made at AAAAA by end of S6. B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher Additional requirements: Higher Mathematics and Physics at AA. (AB may be considered. Scottish Higher (widening access): MD20 : BBBB (also other target groups*) MD40 : AABB* Additional requirements: Higher Mathematics and Physics. Successful completion of Top-Up or one of our Summer Schools.
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Real offers for this course
Applicants have posted 2 UCAS decisions for Physics / Theoretical Physics (F300/F344/F301/F340) at the University of Glasgow for 2027 entry so far. The published offer is AAB at A level.
What students say
Based on about 9 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 88%
- Learning opportunities: 65%
- Assessment and feedback: 54%
- Academic support: 77%
- Organisation and management: 69%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 69%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 35 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 51%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 21%
- Unemployed: 6%
Most common jobs
- Engineering professionals: 30%
- Information Technology Professionals: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 90 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 4%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 4%
- East of England: 1%
- London: 5%
- South East: 5%
- South West: 1%
- Scotland: 72%
- Northern Ireland: 3%
Who gets in
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 85%
- Access course: 15%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
Modules
- Physics 1
- Mathematics 1
- Physics 2
- Physics 2T: Programming Under Linux
- Mathematics 2A: Multivariable Calculus
- Mathematics 2B: Linear Algebra
- Mathematics 2D: Mathematical Methods and Modelling
- Mathematical Methods 1
- Waves & Diffraction
- Quantum Mechanics
- Thermal Physics
- Electromagnetic Theory 1
- Honours Computational Physics Laboratory
- Theoretical Physics Group Project
- Solid State Physics
- Nuclear & Particle Physics
- Atomic Systems
- Mathematical Methods 2
- Quantum Theory
- General Physics Workshop
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of Physics / Theoretical Physics at University of Glasgow earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £30,000 after 3 years, £37,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £29,500 and £44,000. The £37,000 median after five years is £1,500 less than the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of Physics / Theoretical Physics at University of Glasgow do next?
86% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on Physics / Theoretical Physics at University of Glasgow?
88% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for Physics / Theoretical Physics at University of Glasgow?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 197 UCAS points.
Is Physics / Theoretical Physics at University of Glasgow accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
Does Physics / Theoretical Physics at University of Glasgow include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on Physics / Theoretical Physics at University of Glasgow?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.