MPhys Theoretical Physics (Study Abroad)
About this course
MPhys Hons in Theoretical Physics (Study Abroad), a physics degree centred on mathematical and computational approaches to physical theory. Core topics include Programming, Microelectronics, Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Laboratory Techniques, Communication & Writing, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. The five-year course features a common first year shared across single-honours physics degrees and includes a dedicated study abroad placement year at an approved international partner university. The first year covers core foundations through Experimental Physics, Fields, Matter and Quantum Physics, Mathematical Skills 1, Mathematical Skills 2, Physics Skills, and The Physical Universe. The second year progresses to Electromagnetism, Waves and Optics, Mathematical Techniques in Physics, Mechanics, Variations and Symmetry, Physics Modelling Project, Properties of Matter, and Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics. Year 3 consists of the Study Abroad placement. Year 4 involves modules such as Field Theory in Quantum Mechanics, Problem Solving and Sustainability, and Theoretical Physics Group Project, alongside optional choices like Condensed Matter Physics, Cosmology, Foundations of Quantum Technology, Further Particle Physics, Relativity, Nuclear and Particle Physics, Space Physics, or Teaching, Outreach and Public Engagement. The final year comprises Advanced Theoretical Physics and Year 4 Physics Project as core elements, alongside optional modules including Advanced Condensed Matter Physics, Advanced Quantum Technology, General Relativity, or Groups, Symmetries and Gauge Theories.
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
See the highest paying Physics & Chemistry degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 65 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 94%
- Learning opportunities: 93%
- Assessment and feedback: 89%
- Academic support: 95%
- Organisation and management: 90%
- Learning resources: 96%
- Student voice: 85%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 130 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 96%
- Left higher education: 4%
What graduates do next
Based on about 48 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 58%
- Working and studying: 9%
- Further study: 23%
- Unemployed: 2%
Most common jobs
- Engineering professionals: 20%
- Natural and social science professionals: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Information Technology Professionals: 10%
- Teaching 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 160 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 97%
- Baccalaureate: 1%
- Other HE qualification: 1%
Accreditation & quality ratings
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
- Study Abroad
- Field Theory in Quantum Mechanics
- Problem Solving and Sustainability
- Theoretical Physics Group Project
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Cosmology
- Foundations of Quantum Technology
- Further Particle Physics
- Relativity, Nuclear and 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 (Study Abroad) 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 (Study Abroad) at Lancaster University do next?
91% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MPhys Theoretical Physics (Study Abroad) at Lancaster University?
94% 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 (Study Abroad) at Lancaster University?
The typical offer is AAA at A level, or 36 points in the IB. The average entrant had 167 UCAS points.
Does MPhys Theoretical Physics (Study Abroad) at Lancaster University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on MPhys Theoretical Physics (Study Abroad) at Lancaster University?
96% of students continued into their second year, and 4% left higher education.