BSc Theoretical Physics
About this course
BSc in Theoretical Physics BSc, a physics degree centred on mathematical and computational approaches to physical theory. Core topics include Programming, Microelectronics, Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. The course is accredited by the relevant professional body. The first year covers core topics through Fundamental Physics and Mathematics I: Mechanics, Oscillations, Waves and Thermal Physics, Fundamental Physics and Mathematics II: Electricity, Magnetism and Quantum Physics, Investigating Nature: the Physicist's Toolbox, and Mathematical modelling. The second year progresses through Fundamental Physics and Mathematics III, Fundamental Physics and Mathematics IV, Differential equations, and Scientific Data Processing and Python. The final year involves advanced core study in Mathematical and Physical Sciences Projects and Professional Skills and Mathematical Physics and Analytical Dynamics. Students can choose from optional modules spanning Atomic and Particle Physics, Semiconductor Photonics and Quantum Technologies, Experimental Nuclear and Particle Physics, Dark Matter and Cosmology, Solid State and Statistical Physics, Biological and Soft Matter Physics, Machine Learning, Planets and Astrobiology, and Quantum Theory and Electrodynamics, alongside undertaking extended project work.
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: AAB IB: 34, with 6, 5 (in any order) in Higher Level Maths and Physics; 33, with 5 in Higher Level Maths and Physics, and B in a physics-based extended essay
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What students say
Based on about 39 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 89%
- Learning opportunities: 85%
- Assessment and feedback: 82%
- Academic support: 95%
- Organisation and management: 74%
- Learning resources: 96%
- Student voice: 86%
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 20 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 50%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 30%
- Unemployed: 15%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 25%
- Teaching Professionals: 25%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Information Technology Professionals: 10%
- Process, plant and machine operatives: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 65%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 55%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 105 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 15%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 32%
- East Midlands: 7%
- West Midlands: 8%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 13%
- South East: 7%
- South West: 5%
- Wales: 4%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 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): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Fundamental Physics and Mathematics I: Mechanics, Oscillations, Waves and Thermal Physics
- Fundamental Physics and Mathematics II: Electricity, Magnetism and Quantum Physics
- Investigating Nature: the Physicist's Toolbox
- Mathematical modelling
- Fundamental Physics and Mathematics III
- Fundamental Physics and Mathematics IV
- Differential equations
- Scientific Data Processing and Python
- Mathematical and Physical Sciences Projects and Professional Skills
- Mathematical Physics and Analytical Dynamics
- Atomic and Particle Physics
- Semiconductor Photonics and Quantum Technologies
- Experimental Nuclear and Particle Physics
- Dark Matter and Cosmology
- Solid State and Statistical Physics
- Biological and Soft Matter Physics
- Machine Learning
- Planets and Astrobiology
- Quantum Theory and Electrodynamics
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Theoretical Physics at University of Sheffield earn?
The median salary is £29,000 after 15 months, £29,500 after 3 years, £38,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £29,000 and £53,000. The £38,500 median after five years is the same as the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of BSc Theoretical Physics at University of Sheffield 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 Theoretical Physics at University of Sheffield?
89% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Theoretical Physics at University of Sheffield?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 162 UCAS points.
Is BSc Theoretical Physics at University of Sheffield accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
Does BSc Theoretical Physics at University of Sheffield include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Theoretical Physics at University of Sheffield?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.