Theoretical Physics with Mathematics (Study Abroad)

The technologies of tomorrow will be rooted in our understanding of the physical laws of the universe. Breakthroughs made by theoretical physicists have led to nano materials, solar cells, wireless technologies, and diagnostic imaging. This combined degree gives you an understanding of the mathematical foundations of physics, for example, you will learn how quantum mechanics is underpinned by the powerful mathematical concept of a Hilbert space. As a graduate you will be uniquely equipped with an understanding of physics that sets you up for an exciting, multi-disciplinary future. You could be working on cutting-edge technologies, modelling climate change, or even bringing your advanced mathematical skills to complex issues at the heart of the economy.

Broaden your horizons
Enrich your university experience with a year spent overseas at one of our partner universities. Head out in Year 3 to start your adventure and immerse yourself in a different cultural and academic community. We’ll support you all the way!

Build a degree around two passions
With our five-year MPhys Hons Theoretical Physics with Mathematics (Study Abroad) degree you get the benefit of not one, but two departments where excellence in teaching and research is at the core of what you learn. Taught alongside the School of Mathematical Sciences, your maths foundations are laid down early in the degree, while in the latter parts, the focus shifts to applications of theoretical physics.

What to expect
In the first year, core content will be shared between physics and mathematics covering topics such as quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, group theory and vector calculus. The physics content increases in each subsequent year where you will study topics like solid state physics, ladder operators and variational techniques, complemented by topics from mathematics such as real analysis and linear and abstract algebra. It’s so much more than lectures and workshops; you’ll also spend time gaining hands on experience with experimental physics in our state-of-the-art labs.

There are opportunities to undertake significant project work, applying theoretical physics and maths skills to a key topic in contemporary research.

Master’s-level training
You can advance your degree in Year 5 by studying Master’s modules and conducting a significant, individually supervised research project. This is a great opportunity to build your CV and is a gateway to future research opportunities too.

Personal development
You will develop valuable transferable skills that make you highly desirable to future employers. Through working in collaboration, delivering presentations, communicating your research results, using modern computer programs and taking part in experiments, you will grow skills in analytical thinking, logic and reasoning, digital proficiency and the ability to liaise across teams in the workplace or research environments.

We hope you find your year overseas personally enriching. Our students often tell us that they return feeling more confident, self-assured and with a broader perspective to take into job interviews.

3 things our theoretical physics with mathematics students would like you to know

• It’s a fun and challenging combination of subjects. We get to apply our mathematical brains to theoretical physics questions that need disentangling before heading to the lab to test our models and predictions

• We have great physics-based study and social spaces which are perfect for group work or downtime between lectures. You’ll find us hanging out in the atrium where we work on physics related problems or playing games!

• There are plenty of doors to knock on whenever you need support. You’ll also have a dedicated academic advisor to support your studies