Lancaster University
Theoretical Physics MPhys
Lancaster University

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 80 graduates of Theoretical Physics MPhys and other courses in Physics at Lancaster University for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Physics.

Overall student satisfaction
90 /100
80 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in Physics

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Physics at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £29000 £25000 £29500
25-75 percentile range £25000 - £32500 £19500 - £30000 £23000 - £36000


Salary of all UK Graduates of Physics

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £28994 £29015 £34497
25-75 percentile range £24988 - £33170 £22931 - £36583 £26874 - £45969

Course Description

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

Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Theoretical Physics MPhys at Lancaster University

20% Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation
20% Teaching Professionals
10% Customer service occupations
10% Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
5% Welfare and housing associate professionals
5% Artistic, literary and media occupations
5% Managers, directors and senior officials
5% Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
5% Business and public service associate professionals
5% Finance Professionals

Grading & Study Time

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 7.0
    • Graduate Degrees
    • 6.5
    • Undergraduate Degrees
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Theoretical Physics, MPhys, if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2025

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Possible Entry Points:

  • year 1 (Default entry point)
  • year 2

University Rankings

Positions of Lancaster University in top UK and global rankings.

Rankings of Lancaster University in related subject specific rankings.

Natural Sciences

    • #4 
    • #4 
    Physics
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #17 
    • #201 
    Physics
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 19 July, 2022]
    • #16 
    • #235 
    Physics
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]

See all 34 university rankings of Lancaster University

About Lancaster University

Lancaster University was established in 1964 and is located in the rural setting of Lancaster. The campus provides a series of amenities, including banks and a post office. Academically, all of this university’s courses and programmes are accredited and approved by MARP, ensuring that the curriculums delivered here are set at a high standard. In terms of facilities, students have access to a variety of study and recreational spaces intended to improve their wellbeing, such as Meditation and Tai Chi classes, and Woodland walks.

List of 452 Bachelor and Master Courses from Lancaster University - Course Catalogue

Student composition of Lancaster University

undergraduates:
12595
postgraduates:
4065
Total:
16660
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Where is this programme taught

Main Site
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