Theoretical Physics (Hons)

Overview

The Theoretical Physics (Hons) degree at University of Birmingham draws on the expertise of Birmingham physicists engaged in cutting-edge research. This will enable you to gain strong theoretical and practical skills from experts in this field, during your modules and your final-year project too. You will become a member of one of our research groups and tackle a real open ended research problem for your project.

In addition to project work you will study a range of mathematical physics modules and also have a choice from a wide range of optional modules across all areas of physics. This will allow you to tailor your degree to your own interests, you can keep your choices broad or focus on a couple areas of physics if you wish. Additionally some modules from the Mathematics department are open to you, giving a wealth of choice. 

The Theoretical Physics MSci course provides you with a choice of either a ‘lab’ or a ‘no lab’ flavour. Both cover the essential core of theoretical physics, but the ‘lab’ option allows you to carry out experimental work too. Choosing the ‘no lab’ option means you’ll take courses in data analysis and some additional mathematical physics courses instead. By the middle of the second year the ‘Lab’ and ‘No Lab’ options combine with neither at a disadvantage.

Career

As a graduate in Physics, the choice of career remains wide open. You may go on to apply your physics knowledge directly in a scientific environment, or you might be employed in a high-profile job for your problem-solving and computational skills, in the worlds of finance and information technology. 

Physicists are problem solvers at heart, and throughout your degree you’ll learn how to tackle a variety of problems so you can apply your breadth of understanding to many different areas.

Over 40% of our students go on to further study after graduating, with around two thirds of those being research leading to a PhD, a route open to you directly after completing an MSci degree. As well as being the main route into academic research, a PhD also opens the door to many careers that need specific advanced scientific knowledge. The most compelling reason to do a PhD is love of the subject, and the high number of our graduates choosing this route illustrates the satisfaction of students who study with us.