MPhys Theoretical Physics
About this course
MPhys (Hons) in Theoretical Physics, a physics degree focused on the mathematical and computational principles underlying physical phenomena. Core topics include Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, and Research Methods. This four-year program includes a compulsory year abroad. The first year introduces fundamental principles through modules such as Thermal Physics and Properties of Matter, Electricity, Magnetism and Waves, and Foundations of Quantum Physics. The second year builds mathematical and physical foundations with Vector Calculus with Applications in Fluid Mechanics, Complex Functions, Differential Equations, and Classical Mechanics. The third year covers advanced topics including Further Methods of Applied Mathematics, Relativity, and Physics Data Analysis with Statistics, while allowing study in areas such as Quantum Mechanics, Introduction to String Theory, and Relativity and Cosmology. The final year centers on independent research through the Dissertation for Theoretical Physics and Advanced Quantum Physics, with optional modules available in Quantum Field Theory, Accelerator Physics, and Numerical Methods in Physics.
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: ABB IB: 32 points overall with no score less than 4 including 6 in HL Mathematics and 5 in HL Physics, or pass the IB Diploma plus 6,5,5 in three HL subjects (including 6 in HL Mathematics and 5 in HL Physics). BTEC: D*DD in relevant diploma, when combined with A Level Mathematics grade A.
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Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 92%: 23 offers from 25 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 23 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 87%
- Learning opportunities: 88%
- Assessment and feedback: 81%
- Academic support: 91%
- Organisation and management: 83%
- Learning resources: 90%
- Student voice: 87%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 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 24 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 40%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Further study: 30%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 30%
- Engineering professionals: 25%
- Information Technology Professionals: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 80 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 50%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 9%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 8%
- East of England: 6%
- London: 6%
- South East: 7%
- South West: 5%
- Wales: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 70 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 99%
- Access course: 1%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
- This course is accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) and meets the educational requirements for the Chartered Mathematician (CMath) designation. It is also recognised as meeting the educational requirements for IMA membership at the appropriate level, from Student Member to Fellow.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- THERMAL PHYSICS AND PROPERTIES OF MATTER
- ELECTRICITY, MAGNETISM AND WAVES
- FOUNDATIONS OF QUANTUM PHYSICS
- VECTOR CALCULUS WITH APPLICATIONS IN FLUID MECHANICS
- COMPLEX FUNCTIONS
- DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
- CLASSICAL MECHANICS
- NUCLEAR AND PARTICLE PHYSICS
- CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
- ELECTROMAGNETISM I
- QUANTUM AND ATOMIC PHYSICS I
- FURTHER METHODS OF APPLIED MATHEMATICS
- RELATIVITY
- PHYSICS DATA ANALYSIS WITH STATISTICS
- QUANTUM AND ATOMIC PHYSICS II
- QUANTUM MECHANICS
- PHYSICS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES
- NUCLEAR PHYSICS
- NETWORKS IN THEORY AND PRACTICE
- INTRODUCTION TO STRING THEORY
- INTRODUCTION TO MODERN PARTICLE THEORY
- THE MAGIC OF COMPLEX NUMBERS: COMPLEX DYNAMICS, CHAOS AND THE MANDELBROT SET
- NUMERICAL METHODS FOR ORDINARY AND PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
- ELECTROMAGNETISM II
- MORE IS DIFFERENT: STATISTICAL MECHANICS, THERMODYNAMICS, AND ALL THAT
- MEDICAL APPLICATIONS
- RELATIVITY AND COSMOLOGY
- MATHEMATICS INTERNSHIP
- DISSERTATION FOR THEORETICAL PHYSICS
- ADVANCED QUANTUM PHYSICS
- QUANTUM FIELD THEORY
- NUMERICAL METHODS IN PHYSICS
- ACCELERATOR PHYSICS
- ADVANCED NUCLEAR PHYSICS
- PHYSICS OF THE RADIATIVE UNIVERSE
- FRONTIERS OF PARTICLE PHYSICS
- THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS OF PARTICLE PHYSICS
- LINEAR DIFFERENTIAL OPERATORS IN MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS
- ASYMPTOTIC METHODS FOR DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
- INTRODUCTION TO MODERN PARTICLE THEORY
- WAVES, MATHEMATICAL MODELLING
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MPhys Theoretical Physics at University of Liverpool earn?
The median salary is £33,000 after 15 months, £28,000 after 3 years, £36,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £29,000 and £44,000. The £36,000 median after five years is £2,500 less than the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of MPhys Theoretical Physics at University of Liverpool 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 Liverpool?
87% 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 Liverpool?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 143 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for MPhys Theoretical Physics at University of Liverpool?
92% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 23 offers from 25 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Is MPhys Theoretical Physics at University of Liverpool accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist. This course is accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) and meets the educational requirements for the Chartered Mathematician (CMath) designation. It is also recognised as meeting the educational requirements for IMA membership at the appropriate level, from Student Member to Fellow.
Does MPhys Theoretical Physics at University of Liverpool include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MPhys Theoretical Physics at University of Liverpool?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.