MPhys Theoretical Physics (with a year abroad)
About this course
MPhys (Hons) Theoretical Physics (with a year abroad) in Physics is a 5-year undergraduate degree centred on theoretical techniques and mathematical analysis. Core topics include Statistics, Research Methods, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. Students spend the fourth year studying abroad at a partner institution and complete an MPhys Research Project and Skills module in the final year. The course begins with foundational studies through modules such as Classical Mechanics and Laboratories, Classical and Quantum Waves, and Electromagnetism and Relativity. The second year progresses with Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism, Statistical and Solid State Physics, and Quantum, Atomic, Nuclear and Particle Physics. Third-year students engage with Advanced Theoretical Techniques and Modelling Matter and Advanced Computational Laboratory, alongside optional modules covering topics such as Plasma Physics and Fusion, Relativity and Cosmology, and Stars and Galaxies. The final year focuses on the compulsory MPhys Research Project and Skills, supported by optional modules like Scientific Supercomputing, Advanced Quantum Mechanics, and Medical Imaging And Physics.
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 including Physics and Mathematics. IB: 36 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.
See the highest paying Physics & Chemistry degrees in the UK →
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 fully 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
- Advanced Theoretical Techniques and Modelling Matter
- Advanced Computational Laboratory
- 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
- MPhys Research Project and Skills
- Scientific Supercomputing
- Biophysics
- Advanced Condensed Matter Physics
- From Subatomic to Nuclear Astrophysics
- Advanced Quantum Mechanics
- Advanced Plasma Physics for Fusion and Applications
- Cosmic Horizons
- Machine Learning and Computational Intelligence
- Research Topics in Nanotechnology: Advanced Data Storage and Spintronic
- Medical Imaging And Physics
- Future Healthcare And Computer Aided Diagnosis
- Practical Skills in Virtual Anatomy and Morphology
- Machine Vision and Human Machine Interaction
- Innovation Management
- Plasma Physics and Fusion
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MPhys 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 MPhys 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 MPhys 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 MPhys Theoretical Physics (with a year abroad) at University of York?
The typical offer is AAA at A level, or 36 points in the IB. The average entrant had 146 UCAS points.
Is MPhys Theoretical Physics (with a year abroad) at University of York 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 (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 MPhys Theoretical Physics (with a year abroad) at University of York?
89% of students continued into their second year, and 7% left higher education.