MPhys Theoretical Physics
About this course
MPhys in Theoretical Physics MPhys, a physics degree centred on mathematical and computational approaches to physical theory. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Laboratory Techniques, and Research Methods. Students complete a substantial final-year research project. The first year covers core foundations through modules such as 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 builds further mathematical and computational grounding through Differential equations, Scientific Data Processing and Python, Fundamental Physics and Mathematics III, and Fundamental Physics and Mathematics IV. The third year continues with Mathematical and Physical Sciences Projects and Professional Skills and Mathematical Physics and Analytical Dynamics, alongside optional topics such as 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. The fourth year centres on a major Research Project, alongside optional advanced modules including Fundamental Physics from Symmetries, Photonics and Nonlinear Optics, The Standard Model of Particle Physics, Scientific Computing, Nuclear Astrophysics, Quantum Field Theory, General Relativity, Quantum Computing, and Enterprise and Innovation.
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 IB: 36, with 6 in Higher Level Maths and Physics; 34, with 6 in Higher Level Maths and Physics, and A 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 95 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 93%
- Left higher education: 7%
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 105 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 95%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
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
- Research Project
- Fundamental Physics from Symmetries
- Photonics and Nonlinear Optics
- The Standard Model of Particle Physics
- Scientific Computing
- Nuclear Astrophysics
- Quantum Field Theory
- General Relativity
- Quantum Computing
- Enterprise and Innovation
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MPhys 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 MPhys 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 MPhys 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 MPhys Theoretical Physics at University of Sheffield?
The typical offer is AAA at A level. The average entrant had 162 UCAS points.
Is MPhys 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 MPhys 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 MPhys Theoretical Physics at University of Sheffield?
93% of students continued into their second year, and 7% left higher education.