Royal Holloway, University of London
Theoretical Physics BSc (Hons)
Royal Holloway, University of London

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 35 graduates of Theoretical Physics BSc (Hons) and other courses in Physics at Royal Holloway, University of London for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Physics.

Overall student satisfaction
79 /100
35 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 £25000 £29500 £32000
25-75 percentile range £22500 - £31000 £23000 - £35000 £23500 - £44500


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

One of the best-known theories in science, Einstein’s theory of relativity, came from the ‘mere’ observation that Clerk-Maxwell’s theory of electromagnetism and the Galilean relativity were incompatible. Beyond this and since the development of quantum mechanics, theoretical physics has played an important part in constantly questioning what we know, by putting forward deeper and usually more mathematical expressions of understanding and explanation.

On our three-year Theoretical Physics BSc, you will cover all the core material that a graduate physicist would be expected to know, but there will be more emphasis on developing what you will have learned during A Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics, to allow a deeper conceptual understanding of classical and modern physics. This emphasis on theoretical concepts and foundations could help give you a deeper appreciation of the beauty and surprises of Physics.

Because of the theoretical nature of this course, you’ll spend less time in the laboratory in later years, with options from more theoretical areas, such as Quantum Theory, Further Mathematical Methods, Stellar Astrophysics, General Relativity & Cosmology and Non-Linear & Chaotic Systems to provide an emphasis on advanced theoretical topics in Physics.

We’re based at the heart of the campus, where you’ll have access to laboratories, technical help, academic staff and, on the roof of the department, our astronomical dome, dedicated to undergraduate study. In Egham, Surrey, we’re well away from the light pollution of the big city so our telescopes can give you the best observational astronomy in the University of London. Beyond the specialist equipment, we also have video-conferencing facilities that allow people to take part in seminars and lectures at other institutions.

Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of partially 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 BSc (Hons) at Royal Holloway, University of London

20% Managers, directors and senior officials
15% Elementary occupations
10% Finance Professionals
10% Information Technology Professionals
10% Sports and fitness occupations
10% Teaching Professionals
10% Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
5% Business and public service associate professionals

Grading & Study Time

Your course will be assessed by a combination of examinations and in-course assignments in the form of essays or presentations.

Grading Distribution

Students of the course received the following grades

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for Physics

Requirements for international students / English requirements

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

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

Costs

Tuition Fees Theoretical Physics BSc (Hons)

International £26500 year 1
Ireland £9250 year 1
England UK £9250 year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 year 1
Scotland £9250 year 1
Wales £9250 year 1
Channel Islands £9250 year 1
EU £26500 year 1

Additional fee information

The tuition fee for UK undergraduates is controlled by Government regulations. For students starting a degree in the academic year 2024/25, the fee is £9,250 for that year.

Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually for overseas fee-paying students. Please be aware that tuition fees can rise during your degree. The upper limit of any such annual rise has not yet been set for courses starting in 2024 but will advertised here once confirmed.  For further information see fees and funding and our terms and conditions.

These estimated costs relate to studying this particular degree at Royal Holloway during the 2024/25 academic year, and are included as a guide. Costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing etc., have not been included.

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 Royal Holloway, University of London in top UK and global rankings.

Rankings of Royal Holloway, University of London in related subject specific rankings.

Natural Sciences

    • #20 
    • #27 
    Physics
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #18 
    • #201 
    Physics
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 19 July, 2022]
    • #19 
    • #284 
    Physics
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]

See all 26 university rankings of Royal Holloway, University of London

About Royal Holloway, University of London

Royal Holloway, University of London, was founded in 1886, and is located in the suburban setting of Egham, South East England. The campus is home to an impressive Victorian era Picture Gallery, which serves as a museum for a collection of highly-valued art. The Royal Holloway Founder’s Building, the main feature of the campus, is where students will find their on-site accommodation, as well as the old style but extensively equipped library.

List of 336 Bachelor and Master Courses from Royal Holloway, University of London - Course Catalogue

Student composition of Royal Holloway, University of London

undergraduates:
9410
postgraduates:
2340
Total:
11750
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Where is this programme taught

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Similar courses

Program University Student satis­faction Unem­ployed Drop­out Tuition (UK) Tuition (Inter­national) UCAS Tariff City
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