Theoretical physics provides the tools for constructing the mathematical framework of the physical world.
On a foundation of advanced physics, you'll build your understanding of theoretical techniques. You'll use mathematical analysis and an array of computational methods to address complex problems. You'll learn key skills of analysis and research, write scientific reports to industry standards, and simulate huge physical systems using our supercomputers. In your fourth year, you'll apply and develop your skills on a paid industrial placement. This gives you the chance to gain practical, real world experience, enhancing your degree and your CV. Work with world-renowned physicists using sophisticated equipment to probe the nature of existence and push the boundaries of research. You will learn to utilise supercomputers like York's own Viking cluster, developing parallel code to model complex physical systems.
Apply by 29 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
Course code:
F349
Institution code:
Y50
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of York has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
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.
Application codes
Course code:
F349
Institution code:
Y50
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - AAA
Essential Subjects:
Physics and Mathematics (or equivalent) at grade A are essential.
Information: Applicants taking Science A Levels that include a practical component will be required to pass.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDM + A at A Level Mathematics.
We consider a range of BTEC qualifications equivalent to 3 A Levels, or in combination with A Levels or other qualifications.
A Level in Mathematics (or equivalent qualification) at grade A is essential. A Level in Physics (or equivalent qualification) at grade A is also essential, but we may consider relevant units in your BTEC as A Level Physics equivalent.
Access to HE Diploma - D: 39 credits
M: 6 credits
We will consider the Access to Higher Education Diploma. The syllabus must contain a significant portion of Mathematics and Physics that is considered equivalent to A Level standard. Applications will be considered on an individual basis - please contact the Department before you apply.
Scottish Higher
Please use the course link below for more details on Scottish entry requirements.
Scottish Advanced Higher
Please use the course link below for more details on Scottish entry requirements.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 36 points
We will consider this qualification alongside or in combination with A Levels or other qualifications, as equivalent to one A Level.
Extended Project
We recognise the value of this qualification although it will not be included as a condition of entry. It may be taken in to consideration when you receive your results.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, D3, D3
Cambridge Pre-U Physics and Mathematics at grade D3 are essential.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma
DDM + A at A Level Mathematics.
We consider a range of OCR qualifications equivalent to 3 A Levels, or in combination with A Levels or other qualifications.
A Level in Mathematics (or equivalent qualification) at grade A is essential. A Level in Physics (or equivalent qualification) at grade A is also essential, but we may consider relevant units in your OCR as A Level Physics equivalent.
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
Contextual offers take social and economic factors that may have prevented you from reaching your true academic potential into account.
We know that some students face significant barriers during their journey to university. Contextual offers promote fairness and diversity in our community of talented students.
With a contextual offer, UK students can receive a reduced offer of up to two grades below our typical entry requirements.
This section shows the range of grades students were previously accepted with - learn more. It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Data from:
This course and 14 other physics courses
Date range:
2022-2024
Grades held by accepted students
AAA
Most common
AAA Most common
A*A*A*
Highest grades
BCC
Lowest grades
Offer rate for UK school & college leavers
89%
89% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.
How do you compare?
See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.
N/A
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
54%
54 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
86%
86 Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Location
Fee
Year
Republic of Ireland
£9250
Year 1
EU
£28800
Year 1
England
£9250
Year 1
Northern Ireland
£9250
Year 1
Scotland
£9250
Year 1
Wales
£9250
Year 1
Channel Islands
£9250
Year 1
International
£28800
Year 1
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
Please note these fees are for 2024 entry. Fees for 2025 entry are yet to be confirmed and will be updated as soon as possible.
For additional information please see our web pages at: https://www.york.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/fees-funding/
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