Theoretical Physics (Placement Year) (Hons) Lancaster University

Overview

Theoretical Physics (Placement Year) (Hons) at Lancaster University starts with a first year that is common across all our single-honours physics degrees as we teach the fundamentals to provide you with a solid foundation for Years 2 and beyond. You may discover that your interests change throughout the year, and you have the flexibility to switch to any other of our degree schemes until the end of Year 1. 

Core topics include mechanics, quantum physics, thermodynamics, and electricity and magnetic fields. It’s so much more than lectures and workshops; you’ll spend time gaining hands on experience with experimental physics in our state-of-the-art labs.

As you progress into Years 2 and beyond, you will delve deeper into key physics concepts, such as Lagrangian mechanics, group theory and symmetry. You will take modules tailored towards your interests, enabling you to explore the frontiers of physics research from our expert lecturers.

Your placement

In Year 3, you will undertake a placement that will enable you to apply the knowledge and skills learnt so far and gain invaluable experience that will then inform your studies in Year 4 and your career beyond.

Although it’s up to you to find your placement, we will support you all the way. Our Careers Service will provide guidance on CVs, applications, interview techniques and creating a digital profile.

Careers

Theoretical Physics and Theoretical Physics with Mathematics are disciplines that are fundamental to advancements in modern society. Theoretical Physicists are highly numerate with advanced problem-solving skills, programming knowledge, critical thinking abilities and project management experience, all of which are developed and refined over the course of your degree. These skills open a wealth of career options from the very pure, such as expanding knowledge through scientific research, or very practical like exploring the world of data science and software development. Many of our graduates continue their studies to PhD level and embark on a career in academia. A wealth of additional opportunities also exists, such as teaching or careers within the business and finance sectors. Our graduates are well-paid, with the median starting salary of our Physics degrees being £32,000, 15 months after graduation (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025).

Here are just some of the roles that our BSc and MPhys Theoretical Physics and Theoretical Physics with Mathematics students have progressed into upon graduating:

• Software Engineer – Capital One
• Software Automation Engineer – Cortex Intelligent Automation
• PhD Candidate – Lancaster University
• Tech Consultant – QA
• Research Assistant – Quantum Base
• Software Engineer – Cambridge Consultants
• PhD Researcher – Cardiff University
• Research Software Developer – Riverlane
• Principle Scientist (Radar Protection) – Defence, Science and Technology Laboratory
• Project Scientist – DNV
• Physics Teacher – Bolton School
• Data Scientist – Office for National Statistics (ONS)