Theoretical Physics

MPhys
4 years full-time
Durham City
F344
Typical offers
A Level | A*A*A |
---|---|
BTEC | D*D*D |
International Baccalaureate | 38 |
Course details
This integrated Master’s degree is the first step towards Chartered Physicist status. It will suit those looking for an accredited course that focuses on the mathematical and theoretical aspects of physics. Many graduates progress to higher level education followed by careers in research or teaching. For others, the course has opened the door to a range of professions where advanced analytic, numeric or computational skills are in demand.
Undergraduate physics degrees at Durham offer a high level of flexibility. We offer four Institute of Physics accredited courses – MPhys qualifications in Physics, Physics and Astronomy, and Theoretical Physics and the three-year BSc in Physics – which follow the same core curriculum in Year 1.
Subject to the optional modules chosen, it is possible to switch to one of the other courses until the end of the second year. You can also apply for a one-year work placement or study abroad opportunity with one of our partner organisations, increasing the course from four years to five or substituting the existing Year 3.
The first year lays the foundation in physics theory, mathematical skills and laboratory skills that you will need to tackle more complex content later in the course. As you progress through the course the level of theoretical content increases, extending your knowledge in areas such as electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, particle theory and advanced mathematical theory.
In Years 3 and 4 the curriculum is more closely aligned to real-world issues through a combination of theory and project work, including a final-year project on a topic at the forefront of developments in one of our research institutes.
Course structure
Year 1 modules
Core modules:
Foundations of Physics
introduces classical aspects of wave phenomena and electromagnetism, as well as basic concepts in Newtonian mechanics, quantum mechanics, special relativity and optical physics.
Discovery Skills in Physics
provides a practical introduction to laboratory skills development with particular emphasis on measurement uncertainty, data analysis and written and oral communication skills. It also includes an introduction to programming.
Optional modules:
- Single Mathematics
- Linear Algebra
- Calculus.
Please note: it is compulsory to study two Maths modules (as background mathematical knowledge for the Foundations module).
Year 2 modules
Core modules:
Foundations of Physics A
develops your knowledge of quantum mechanics and electromagnetism. You will learn to apply the principles of physics to predictable and unpredictable problems and produce a well-structured solution, with clear reasoning and appropriate presentation.
Foundations of Physics B
develops your knowledge of thermodynamics, condensed matter physics and optics.
Mathematical Methods in Physics
provides the necessary mathematical knowledge and understanding to successfully tackle the Foundations of Physics modules. It covers vectors, vector integral and vector differential calculus, multivariable calculus and orthogonal curvilinear coordinates, Fourier analysis, orthogonal functions, the use of matrices, and the mathematical tools for solving ordinary and partial differential equations occurring in a variety of physical problems.
Theoretical Physics
provides a working knowledge of classical mechanics and complements the quantum mechanics content of the module Foundations of Physics A. In this module you will explore the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of classical mechanics and the rotational motion of a rigid body. You will learn to describe elements of quantum mechanics in a rigorous mathematical way and to manipulate them at the operator level.
Laboratory Skills and Electronics
builds lab-based skills, such as experiment planning, data analysis, scientific communication and specific practical skills. It aims to teach electronics as a theoretical and a practical subject, to teach the techniques of computational physics and numerical methods and to provide experience of a research-led investigation in physics in preparation for post-university life.
Optional modules:
- Stars and Galaxies
- Physics in Society
Year 3 modules
Core modules:
Foundations of Physics A
further develops your knowledge to include quantum mechanics and nuclear and particle physics. You will learn to apply the principles of physics to complex problems and produce a well-structured solution, with clear reasoning and appropriate presentation.
Foundations of Physics B
includes the study of statistical physics and condensed matter physics.
Theoretical Physics
introduces more advanced methods in electromagnetism that can be used to investigate more realistic problems and concepts. It also builds your quantum mechanics knowledge and addressing further applications and conceptual issues of measurement and interpretation.
Computing Project
is designed to develop your computational and problem-solving skills. You work on advanced computational physics problems using a variety of modern computing techniques and present your findings in a project report, poster and oral presentation.
Mathematics Workshop
introduces some of the mathematical tools you will need to solve a variety of physical problems. These include vectors and matrices, complex analysis, calculus of variations, and integral variations.
Optional modules:
- Team Project
- Advanced Laboratory
- Physics into Schools
- Planets and Cosmology
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Modern Atomic and Optical Physics.
Year 4 modules
Core modules:
Research-based MPhys Project
This can be carried out individually or as part of a small group. It provides experience of work in a research environment on a topic at the forefront of developments in a branch of either physics, applied physics, theoretical physics or astronomy, and develops transferable skills for the oral and written presentation of research. The project can be carried out in one of the Department’s research groups or in collaboration with an external organisation.
Advanced Theoretical Physics
provides a working knowledge of non-relativistic quantum mechanical problems. You will explore some of the modern theories of electronic structure and vibrational properties of materials including superconductivity; the quantum nature of light; and the concepts of entangled states and mixed states and their relevance in experiments.
Particle Theory
will familiarise you with some of the key results of relativistic quantum mechanics and its application to simple systems; the principles of quantum field theory and the role of symmetry in modern particle physics; and the standard model of particle physics and its experimental foundations.
Optional modules:
- Atoms, Lasers and Qubits
- Advanced Condensed Matter Physics
- Advanced Astrophysics
- Theoretical Astrophysics
- Planets and Cosmology
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Modern Atomic and Optical Physics.
Additional Pathways
Students can apply to be transferred onto either the with Year Abroad or with Placement pathway during the second year. Places on these pathways are in high demand and if you are chosen your studies will extend from three years to four.
Accreditation
Not only will the MPhys advance your research skills, knowledge of experimental methods and technology, it also develops a wide range of in-demand skills such as problem-solving, communication skills, group work, data interpretation, experimental design and project work.
This blend of academic, research and practical skills developed on MPhys Theoretical Physics will provide you with an excellent all-round base to progress to higher level learning and research roles as well as careers in the field of physics and beyond.
Many Theoretical Physics graduates go on to study for higher degrees. Others have progressed to roles in business, industry, commerce, research, management and education.
Take a look at some of the roles taken up by recent graduates from the Department:
- Technical Business Analyst at Acturis Ltd
- Graduate Developer at Barclays
- Quantitative Developer at Coremont Investment Banking
- Cyber Threat Operations at PwC Security
- Physics teachers at various schools in the UK
Learning
Lectures are the starting point of the learning process. You will actively engage with the topics introduced in lectures through a combination of laboratory classes, problem exercises, tutorials and workshops.
Laboratory classes give you the chance to plan experiments and to interpret data. You will also be set regular problem exercises which develop your theoretical understanding and problem-solving abilities; these exercises form the basis for discussions in small-group tutorials.
Assessment
Assessment is mainly by end-of-year examinations and by project reports and presentations.
The range of assessment methods is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of the course content, test your capacity to solve problems, enhance your written and oral communication skills, and assess your ability to relate your learning to real-world scenarios.
Entry requirements
A level offer – A*A*A
Contextual offer – A*AB
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – D*D*D and A levels as above.
IB Diploma score – 38 with 776 in higher level subjects, including 77 in Mathematics (maths analysis & approaches) and 77 in Physics.
In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:
- We also consider other level 3 qualifications, including T-levels.
- Science A levels: Applicants taking Science A levels that include a practical component will be required to take and pass this as a condition of entry. This applies only to applicants sitting A levels with an English examination board.
- We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study.
- Entry requirements for all four Physics degrees are the same and transfer from the BSc degree to the MPhys degree is possible and is based upon first and second-year examinations.
- We may request further information such as UMS marks and/or predicted grades if this information is not available on the UCAS application. This is to ensure that we have an equal amount of information for all applicants. If for some reason this cannot be supplied, the candidate’s application will not be disadvantaged.
- If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take an International Foundation Year pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.
- We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry.
including A*A* in Physics and Mathematics.
B
Alternative qualifications
International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.
Fees and funding
The fees for this academic year have not been confirmed yet.
Full-Time Study
The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full-time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.
The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full-time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and will be subject to an annual inflationary increase expected to rise throughout the programme of study. The fee listed above is for the first year of the course only; fees for subsequent years will be confirmed not less than 3 months before the start of the academic year to which the increase is intended to apply and will be published on the Finance webpages.
In deciding the annual level of increase, the University will take into account inflationary pressures on the costs of delivery. Tuition fees will rise annually by up to the higher of:
- 6%, or
- the latest annual percentage increase in the Consumer Prices Index.
Part-Time Study
The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of part-time study and are charged proportionately to the Full-Time fee. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.
Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances and are delighted to offer a range of funding opportunities.
Find out more about Scholarships and BursariesCareer opportunities
Physics
We seek to develop the practical and intellectual skills sought by employers and we are regularly ranked among the country's top performers for graduate employment. Our graduates have progressed to careers in business, industry, commerce, research, management and education, and typically more than a fifth of our graduates go on to study for higher degrees.
The Department also has an impressive track record of spin-out technology companies that commercialise our knowledge in areas of semiconductors, composites and advanced instrumentation. Examples of high-profile employers include BT, Procter & Gamble, Rolls Royce and BAE Systems.
Of those students who graduated in 2020-21:
- 91% in work or further study.
Of those in employment:
- 98% in highly or medium skilled employment.
- £35,000 is the average salary.
(Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk)
Department information
Physics
With recent ground-breaking discoveries in astronomy, the Universe, subatomic particles and nuclear fusion there’s never been a better time to study physics. Join one of the UK’s leading teaching and research departments and become a part of this exciting discipline.
When you study physics at Durham you will work with experts across a range of specialisms to explore subjects such as the Big Bang, black holes, the Higgs boson, high-temperature superconductors, lasers, cold-atom Bose-Einstein condensates, biophysics and more.
Our undergraduate physics degrees offer outstanding teaching, learning and employability outcomes for students. We offer four Institute of Physics accredited BSc and MPhys qualifications which share a common first year. Course content ranges from fundamental topics, such as elementary particle physics and cosmology, to applied areas which include material physics and biophysics.
All courses allow you to select a number of modules tailored to your interests and career aspirations, and the course structures have been designed to provide flexibility in your final choice of degree. This means, depending on modules chosen, you need not make a firm decision about your course until the end of the second year. You also have the option to apply for a year-long work placement or study abroad opportunity with one of our partner organisations.
For more information see our department pages.
Rankings
3rd The Complete University Guide 2025 and The Guardian University Guide 2025
Top 100 The QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
7th The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
Staff
For a current list of staff, please see our department web pages.
Facilities
Our Department lies in the heart of the University on the main campus among the science and engineering departments and the University library.
Apply
Find out more:
Use the UCAS code below when applying:
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F344
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