MSci Theoretical Physics with Mathematics
About this course
MSci Hons in Theoretical Physics with Mathematics, a degree in the Physics and Mathematics subject area. Core topics include Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Laboratory Techniques, Signal Processing, and Microelectronics. The course is taught jointly across two departments, laying down mathematical foundations early before shifting focus toward advanced applications of theoretical physics. The first year builds fundamental knowledge through core modules such as Fields, Matter and Quantum Physics, Logic and Discrete Mathematics, Matrices and Calculus, Multivariate Calculus, Symmetry and Sequences, and The Physical Universe. The second year continues with Electromagnetism, Waves and Optics, Experimental Physics, Mechanics and Symmetry, Linear Algebra, Properties of Matter, Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics, and Real Analysis. The third year introduces advanced study through Field Theory in Quantum Mechanics, Relativity, Nuclear and Particle Physics, and the Theoretical Physics Group Project, alongside optional choices such as Cosmology, General Relativity, and Graph Theory and Algorithms. The final fourth year centres on Master's-level study including Advanced Theoretical Physics and the Year 4 Physics Project, with further options available in areas like Galois Theory and Probability Theory.
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 9 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 95%
- Learning opportunities: 89%
- Assessment and feedback: 85%
- Academic support: 95%
- Organisation and management: 95%
- Learning resources: 97%
- Student voice: 91%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 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 40 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 63%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 17%
- Unemployed: 3%
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: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 55%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 185 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 41%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 10%
- East Midlands: 7%
- West Midlands: 10%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 13%
- South East: 5%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 4%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
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
- Fields, Matter and Quantum Physics
- Logic and Discrete Mathematics
- Matrices and Calculus
- Multivariate Calculus
- Symmetry and Sequences
- The Physical Universe
- Electromagnetism, Waves and Optics
- Experimental Physics, Mechanics and Symmetry
- Linear Algebra
- Properties of Matter
- Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics
- Real Analysis
- Field Theory in Quantum Mechanics
- Relativity, Nuclear and Particle Physics
- Theoretical Physics Group Project
- Commutative Algebra
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Cosmology
- Further Particle Physics
- Graph Theory and Algorithms
- Hilbert Spaces
- Knots and Geometry
- Mathematical Cryptography
- Metric Spaces and Topology
- Advanced Theoretical Physics
- Year 4 Physics Project
- Advanced Condensed Matter Physics
- Combinatorics
- Galois Theory
- General Relativity
- Groups, Symmetries and Gauge Theories
- Lie Groups and Lie Algebras
- Measure and Integration
- Number Theory
- Operators and Spectral Theory
- Probability Theory
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci Theoretical Physics with Mathematics at Lancaster University earn?
The median salary is £31,000 after 15 months, £29,500 after 3 years, £38,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £30,000 and £48,000. The £38,500 median after five years is the same as the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of MSci Theoretical Physics with Mathematics at Lancaster University do next?
94% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MSci Theoretical Physics with Mathematics at Lancaster University?
95% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MSci Theoretical Physics with Mathematics at Lancaster University?
The typical offer is AAA at A level, or 36 points in the IB. The average entrant had 170 UCAS points.
Is MSci Theoretical Physics with Mathematics 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 MSci Theoretical Physics with Mathematics at Lancaster University?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.