MPhys Theoretical Physics
About this course
MPhys Hons 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 Critical & Analytical Thinking. The four-year course begins with a common first year shared across single-honours physics degrees, allowing students to switch schemes until the end of that year, and culminates in a major individual research project in the final year. The first year covers core foundations through Experimental Physics, Fields, Matter and Quantum Physics, and Mathematical Skills 1. The second year progresses to advanced methods with Electromagnetism, Waves and Optics, Mathematical Techniques in Physics, and Physics Modelling Project. Year 3 introduces specialized collaborative work via Theoretical Physics Group Project alongside optional modules spanning areas such as Cosmology, Space Physics, and Foundations of Quantum Technology. The final year centres on Advanced Theoretical Physics and Year 4 Physics Project, with further optional modules including General Relativity and Advanced Quantum Technology.
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. This should include Mathematics grade A and Physics grade A. IB: 36 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects including 6 in Mathematics HL (either analysis and approaches or applications and interpretations) and Physics HL
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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: 96%
- Assessment and feedback: 85%
- Academic support: 93%
- Organisation and management: 83%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 89%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 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: 55%
- Working and studying: 25%
- Further study: 20%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 40%
- Natural and social science professionals: 35%
- Other Health Professionals: 10%
- Legal professionals: 10%
- Finance Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 95 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 35%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 8%
- East Midlands: 10%
- West Midlands: 7%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 7%
- South East: 8%
- South West: 8%
- Wales: 6%
- Scotland: 3%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Other HE qualification: 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): Gold overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Experimental Physics
- Fields, Matter and Quantum Physics
- Mathematical Skills 1
- Mathematical Skills 2
- Physics Skills
- The Physical Universe
- Electromagnetism, Waves and Optics
- Mathematical Techniques in Physics
- Mechanics, Variations and Symmetry
- Physics Modelling Project
- Properties of Matter
- Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics
- Field Theory in Quantum Mechanics
- Problem Solving and Sustainability
- Relativity, Nuclear and Particle Physics
- Theoretical Physics Group Project
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Cosmology
- Foundations of Quantum Technology
- Further Particle Physics
- Space Physics
- Teaching, Outreach and Public Engagement
- Advanced Theoretical Physics
- Year 4 Physics Project
- Advanced Condensed Matter Physics
- Advanced Quantum Technology
- General Relativity
- Groups, Symmetries and Gauge Theories
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MPhys Theoretical Physics at Lancaster University earn?
The median salary is £31,500 after 15 months, £29,500 after 3 years, £37,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £29,000 and £45,500. The £37,000 median after five years is £1,500 less than the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of MPhys Theoretical Physics at Lancaster University do next?
100% 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 Lancaster University?
93% 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 Lancaster University?
The typical offer is AAA at A level, or 36 points in the IB. The average entrant had 166 UCAS points.
Is MPhys Theoretical Physics at Lancaster 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 Lancaster University?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.