BSc Theoretical Physics (with a year abroad)
About this course
BSc (Hons) Theoretical Physics (with a year abroad), a physics degree centred on mathematical and computational approaches to physical theory. Core topics include Statistics, Research Methods, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. Students spend the third year studying abroad at an international partner institution. The first year covers the foundations through Classical Mechanics and Laboratories, Classical and Quantum Waves, and Mathematical, Computational and Professional Skills 1. The second year progresses with Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism, Mathematical Techniques and Machine Learning, and Statistical and Solid State Physics. The final year involves the BSc Research Project and Skills and Advanced Theoretical Techniques and Modelling Matter. Optional modules allow specialisation in areas such as Plasma Physics and Fusion, Quantum Mechanics, and Relativity and Cosmology.
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 including Physics and Mathematics. IB: 35 points overall, including 5 in Higher Level Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) or 6 in Standard Level Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches), plus 5 in Higher Level Physics.
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What students say
Based on about 83 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 86%
- Learning opportunities: 85%
- Assessment and feedback: 71%
- Academic support: 92%
- Organisation and management: 75%
- Learning resources: 90%
- Student voice: 74%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 165 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 89%
- Left higher education: 7%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 37 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 45%
- Working and studying: 16%
- Further study: 25%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Engineering professionals: 25%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 15%
- Natural and social science professionals: 15%
- Information Technology Professionals: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 145 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 6%
- North West: 9%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 29%
- East Midlands: 7%
- West Midlands: 6%
- East of England: 10%
- London: 14%
- South East: 9%
- South West: 7%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 145 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 97%
- Other HE qualification: 1%
- No formal qualifications: 2%
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, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Classical Mechanics and Laboratories
- Classical and Quantum Waves
- Mathematical, Computational and Professional Skills 1
- Electromagnetism and Relativity
- Mathematical, Computational and Professional Skills 2
- Theoretical Skills and Laboratories
- Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism
- Mathematical Techniques and Machine Learning
- Mathematics, Professional Skills and Computational Laboratories
- Statistical and Solid State Physics
- Quantum, Atomic, Nuclear and Particle Physics
- Advanced Mechanics, Computational Laboratories and Skills
- BSc Research Project and Skills
- Advanced Theoretical Techniques and Modelling Matter
- Plasma Physics and Fusion
- Quantum Mechanics
- Condensed Matter Physics: Electrons in Solids
- Relativity and Cosmology
- Medical Physics
- Nuclear and Particle
- Quantum Science and Technologies
- Stars and Galaxies
- Astrobiology
- Advanced Sensors and Instrumentation
- Introduction to Clinical Engineering and Physiological Systems
- Scientific Supercomputing
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Theoretical Physics (with a year abroad) at University of York earn?
The median salary is £34,000 after 15 months, £30,000 after 3 years, £37,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £26,500 and £51,500. The £37,500 median after five years is £1,000 less than the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of BSc Theoretical Physics (with a year abroad) at University of York 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 (with a year abroad) at University of York?
86% 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 (with a year abroad) at University of York?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 35 points in the IB. The average entrant had 146 UCAS points.
Is BSc Theoretical Physics (with a year abroad) at University of York accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of partially meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
Does BSc Theoretical Physics (with a year abroad) at University of York include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Theoretical Physics (with a year abroad) at University of York?
89% of students continued into their second year, and 7% left higher education.