Theoretical Physics

Quite possibly the most astonishing aspect of the world around us is that so much of it can be understood by using a relatively small number of physical laws. Theoretical physicists devote themselves to uncovering the most appropriate mathematical laws for deducing the essence of physical phenomena on all scales, from the quantum world of microscopic matter and nanomaterials to the geometry of curved space-time and the large-scale structure of the cosmos.

The core curriculum includes subjects such as quantum physics and electromagnetism in your first year, quantum mechanics and relativity in your second year, and particle physics, atomic physics and condensed matter physics in your third year. In addition, in Years 2 and 3 you take specialised modules covering topics such as classical fields, gravitation and cosmology, and particle physics. You also have a choice of modules such as Quantum Information and The Early Universe.

Project work is carried out in both your second and third years. In the final year of the MPhys, you will take part in an extended investigative project in one of our leading research groups alongside advanced optional modules such as Gauge Theory and Advanced Relativity and Gravity.

Example core modules:
- Dynamics and Content of the Universe

- Classical Fields

- Quantum Mechanics

Example optional modules:
- Quantum Information

- Physics of Fluids

- The Early Universe