← All courses at Loughborough University

BSc Physics with Theoretical Physics

Loughborough University

About this course

BSc (Hons) in Physics with Theoretical Physics, a physics degree centred on mathematical and computational approaches to physical theory. Core topics include Programming, Signal Processing, Microelectronics, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Laboratory Techniques, Project Management, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. The programme offers both a three-year full-time route and a four-year full-time option with a placement year. The first year covers foundational principles through modules such as Mathematics for Physics I, Fundamentals of Laboratory Physics, Computational Physics: Modelling, Simulation and Good Practice, Introductory Probability and Statistics, Core Physics I: Foundations of Physics, Core Physics II: Classical Physics of Particles and Fields, and Applications of the scientific method. The second year progresses into specialized areas with Core Physics III: Quantum Physics, Physics Laboratory: Design and analysis for science and industry, Advanced Computational Modelling and Simulation, Probability Theory, Mathematics for Physics II, Core Physics IV: Thermal and Statistical Physics, Complex Analysis, Core Physics V: Solid State Physics, and Mathematics for Physics III. The final year includes compulsory study in Group Project, Physics Final Year Project, Advanced Statistical Physics, and High Energy Particle Physics. Students can further tailor their studies through optional modules such as Introduction to Differential Geometry, Dynamical Systems, Condensed Matter Physics, Nuclear Physics, Studies in Science and Mathematics Education, Linear Differential Equations, Vibrations and Waves, Photonics, Physics of Nanodevices: from semiconductors to magnets, and the University-wide Language Programme.

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.

Institution
Loughborough University
Level
undergraduate
Subject
Physics
Duration
3-4 years
UCAS code
F342
Typical offer
A-level AAB
Median salary
£36,000 after 5 years

Entry requirements

A level: AAB including Maths and Physics Applicants without A level Physics may be considered on a case-by-case basis. IB: 35 (6,6,5 HL) including Maths and Physics at HL BTEC: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science or Engineering: DDD with Distinctions in units 1-5 (Applied Science) or in units 1, 7, 8, 19 - 21, 25, 29 or 31 or 35 (Engineering) plus A level Maths at Grade B. BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Applied Science or in Engineering: DD including Distinctions in units 1-5 (Applied Science) or in units 1, 7, 8, 19 - 21, 25, 29 or 31 or 35 (Engineering) plus A level Maths at Grade B. BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate: D plus two A levels at Grades AB including Maths and Physics. Preferred BTEC: Applied Science or Engineering (Engineering BTEC includes Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering).

See the highest paying Physics & Chemistry degrees in the UK →

What students say

Based on about 27 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)

  • Teaching on my course: 98%
  • Learning opportunities: 90%
  • Assessment and feedback: 88%
  • Academic support: 100%
  • Organisation and management: 93%
  • Learning resources: 85%
  • Student voice: 94%

Do students stay on the course?

Based on about 40 students who started, across similar courses at this university

  • Continued on course: 90%
  • Left higher education: 10%

What graduates do next

Based on about 20 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)

  • Working: 65%
  • Working and studying: 5%
  • Further study: 20%
  • Unemployed: 10%

Most common jobs

  • Information Technology Professionals: 20%
  • Managers, directors and senior officials: 15%
  • Engineering professionals: 15%
  • Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 15%
  • Teaching Professionals: 10%
  • Find their work meaningful: 90%
  • Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
  • Use what they learnt on the course: 50%

Where graduates work (5 years on)

Based on about 70 graduates, across similar courses at this university

  • North East: 1%
  • North West: 4%
  • Yorkshire and the Humber: 6%
  • East Midlands: 17%
  • West Midlands: 11%
  • East of England: 15%
  • London: 20%
  • South East: 16%
  • South West: 5%
  • Wales: 1%
  • Scotland: 1%
  • Northern Ireland: 1%

Who gets in

Based on about 50 students who started, across similar courses at this university

  • A levels: 100%

Accreditation & quality ratings

  • Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of partially meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.

TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.

Modules

  • Mathematics for Physics I
  • Fundamentals of Laboratory Physics
  • Computational Physics: Modelling, Simulation and Good Practice
  • Introductory Probability and Statistics
  • Core Physics I: Foundations of Physics
  • Core Physics II: Classical Physics of Particles and Fields
  • Applications of the scientific method
  • Core Physics III: Quantum Physics
  • Physics Laboratory: Design and analysis for science and industry
  • Advanced Computational Modelling and Simulation
  • Probability Theory
  • Mathematics for Physics II
  • Core Physics IV: Thermal and Statistical Physics
  • Complex Analysis
  • Core Physics V: Solid State Physics
  • Mathematics for Physics III
  • Group Project
  • Physics Final Year Project
  • Advanced Statistical Physics
  • High Energy Particle Physics
  • Introduction to Differential Geometry
  • Dynamical Systems
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Nuclear Physics
  • Studies in Science and Mathematics Education
  • Linear Differential Equations
  • Vibrations and Waves
  • Photonics
  • Physics of Nanodevices: from semiconductors to magnets
  • University-wide Language Programme

Questions about this course

How much do graduates of BSc Physics with Theoretical Physics at Loughborough University earn?

The median salary is £35,000 after 15 months, £30,500 after 3 years, £36,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £30,500 and £50,000. The £36,000 median after five years is £2,500 less than the UK median for Physics.

What do graduates of BSc Physics with Theoretical Physics at Loughborough University do next?

85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).

Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Physics with Theoretical Physics at Loughborough University?

98% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.

What grades do I need for BSc Physics with Theoretical Physics at Loughborough University?

The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 137 UCAS points.

Is BSc Physics with Theoretical Physics at Loughborough University accredited?

Yes. Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of partially meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.

Does BSc Physics with Theoretical Physics at Loughborough University include a placement year or year abroad?

The course has a compulsory placement year and an optional year abroad.

How many students continue on BSc Physics with Theoretical Physics at Loughborough University?

90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.