Physics with Theoretical Physics
  • Undergraduate
  • MSci

Physics with Theoretical Physics

Develop your appreciation of theoretical physics in this professionally accredited integrated Master’s course.

Develop your appreciation of theoretical physics in this professionally accredited course

Engage with mathematical methods and their application in relation to theoretical physics

Complete a substantial project exploring a topic area of your choice during your final year

Showing course information for 2024 View 2025 course information

Course key facts

  • Qualification

    • MSci

  • Duration

    4 years

  • Start date

    October 2024

  • UCAS course code

    F390

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • £9,250 Home

    • £41,650 Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

  • Applications: places

    8 : 1 (2022)

Minimum entry standard

  • A*A*A (A-level)

  • 40 points (International Baccalaureate)

View full entry requirements

Course overview

Investigate how the principles and laws of physics underpin most science and engineering disciplines on this four-year course.

You'll develop your appreciation of physics, mathematics, computational and experimental methods over the first three years of study.

You'll then complete an additional year of Master's level study. During your final year, you'll apply your expertise to a substantial project exploring a given theoretical physics topic in depth.

Problems in physics can relate to phenomena on gigantic scales such as the cosmos, minutely small ones, and virtually any other scale in between.

This course will enhance your problem-solving skills and is particularly suited to those with a specific interest in mathematics and its application in physics.

You'll be situated in a department at the forefront of research, with teaching guided by world-leading researchers with a high level of expertise in their specific field.

You'll explore a range of topics including electromagnetism, relativity and quantum physics, and improve your mathematical skills on dedicated modules.

The third and fourth years offer you greater flexibility to specialise across a variety of optional modules, enabling you to take advantage of the department's diverse research specialisms.

Structure

This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.

Find out more about potential course changes.

Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.

You’ll study these core modules.

Core modules

You’ll take the following core modules.

You’ll also choose one I-Explore module, and one optional module.

 

Core modules

Optional modules

You'll study all core modules and choose one of the project modules.

You will also choose four or five optional modules. Most of these will be theoretical optional modules.

Core modules

Project modules

Optional modules

Theoretical optional modules

You'll study all core modules.

You will also choose four or five optional modules. Most of these will be theoretical optional modules.

 

Core modules

Optional modules

Theoretical optional modules

Professional accreditation

This degree is professionally accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP).

With a professionally accredited degree, you’ll be able to demonstrate to employers that you have achieved an industry-recognised standard of competency. Professional accreditation also provides international recognition of your qualifications, which you can use to launch a career abroad.

Our MSci Physics courses also fully satisfy the academic requirements for professional registration as a Chartered Physicist (CPhys). This is a highly respected qualification earned by professionals working in physics, and can help you to enhance your career prospects and earning potential.

Our accreditation agreement with the Institute of Physics is renewed every five years. The current accreditation agreement was recently renewed through 2027.

Associateship

In addition to your degree, you’ll receive the Associateship of the Royal College of Science (ARCS) upon completion of this course. This associateship is awarded by one of our historic constituent Colleges.

Testimonials

Teaching and assessment

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Lectures, tutorials and laboratory work
  • Independent study
  • Research project

Years 1 & 2

  • 50% Lectures, tutorials and laboratory work
  • 50% Independent study
  • 0% Research project

Year 3

  • 17% Lectures, tutorials and laboratory work
  • 83% Independent study
  • 0% Research project

Year 4

  • 8% Lectures, tutorials and laboratory work
  • 52% Independent study
  • 40% Research project

Teaching and learning methods

  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • Laboratory classes
  • Computing labs
  • Person giving feedback
    Office hours
  • Individual research project
    Project work
  • Blackboard virtual learning environment
    Virtual learning environment
  • A person studying independently
    Independent learning

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Coursework
  • Practical
  • Written examination

Year 1

  • 25% Coursework
  • 15% Practical
  • 60% Written examination

Year 2

  • 20% Coursework
  • 10% Practical
  • 70% Written examination

Year 3

  • 15% Coursework
  • 5% Practical
  • 80% Written examination

Year 4

  • 35% Coursework
  • 15% Practical
  • 50% Written examination

Assessment methods

  • Computing reports and laboratory reports
  • Mastery tests
  • Oral presentations and assessments
  • Poster project
    Poster presentations
  • Project reports
  • Progress tests and quizzes
  • A person completing a written exam
    Written examinations
  • Papers from a written report
    Written problems

Entry requirements

We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.

How to apply

Applications for 2024 entry are now closed

Applications are closed for 2024 entry.

Tuition fees

Home fee

2024 entry

£9,250 per year

Overseas fee

2024 entry

£41,650 per year

Your future career

Person in a bubble surrounded by 4 skills

Improve your career prospects by developing a broad range of professional skills.

Graduate Cap above rolled Degree

Approximately half of Imperial students also pursue MSc or PhD degrees.

Computer screen with cog

Many Imperial graduates move into traditional technical jobs because of their analytical and problem-solving skills.

Oil derrick

Oil and gas, telecommunications, business consultancy, banking, and finance are among them.

Man standing under a sign pointing different directions

Other potential career prospects include the civil service, cyber risk modelling, the energy industry, and the automotive industry.

Course data

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Terms and conditions

There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.

Read our terms and conditions

You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.

Programme specifications