BSc Theoretical Physics
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Physics, combining theoretical physics with applied mathematics. Core topics include Microelectronics, Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. The course places less emphasis on experimental techniques compared to other physics programmes. A final-year research project is completed individually with a research-active academic, and options for a placement or study-abroad year are available.
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
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What students say
Based on about 28 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 90%
- Learning opportunities: 80%
- Assessment and feedback: 76%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 73%
- Learning resources: 92%
- Student voice: 68%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 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 11 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 20%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 20%
- Teaching Professionals: 15%
- Information Technology Professionals: 15%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 15%
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 75%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 105 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 1%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 3%
- East of England: 8%
- London: 31%
- South East: 49%
- South West: 5%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 60 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 94%
- Baccalaureate: 2%
- Foundation course: 1%
- A degree: 2%
- Other qualifications: 2%
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, Bronze for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Analysis 1
- Foundations of Data Analysis
- Mathematical Methods for Physics 1
- Mechanics
- Physics Study Success
- Analysis 2
- Heat and Modern Physics
- Mathematical Methods for Physics 2
- Waves and Fields
- Applying Physics Skills
- Electrodynamics
- Mathematical Methods for Physics 3
- Quantum Mechanics 1
- Theoretical Physics
- Thermal and Statistical Physics
- Calculus of Several Variables
- Ordinary Differential Equations
- Applied Machine Learning
- Differential Equations with Modelling
- Galaxies and the Cosmos
- Scientific Computing
- Atomic Physics
- Condensed State Physics
- Nuclear and Particle Physics
- BSc Final Year Project
- Communicating STEM
- Complex Analysis (L6)
- Dynamical Systems (L6)
- Financial Derivatives
- Lasers and Photonics
- Monte Carlo Simulations (L6)
- Numerical Solution of Partial Differential Equations (L.6)
- Particle Physics
- Quantum Mechanics 2
- Researching STEM
- Semiconductors and Nanomaterial Devices (L6)
- Stellar and Planetary Physics
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Theoretical Physics at University of Sussex earn?
The median salary is £33,500 after 15 months, £31,000 after 3 years, £42,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £33,000 and £54,500. The £42,500 median after five years is £4,000 more than the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of BSc Theoretical Physics at University of Sussex 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 Sussex?
90% 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 Sussex?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 116 UCAS points.
Is BSc Theoretical Physics at University of Sussex 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 Sussex 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 Sussex?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.