Course summary
Theoretical Physics addresses the meaning of everything by employing the language of mathematics to understand the universe. From quantum information and grand unified theories of particle physics to dark matter and cosmology, this subject can take you anywhere. Our five-year MPhys Theoretical Physics with a Year In Industry degree is ideally suited to students wanting to become professional physicists. You will learn how fundamental physics and mathematical techniques are applied to understand advances in quantum information, machine learning, cosmology, semiconductors, lasers, nuclear & particle physics. The third year of this 5-year course with a Year in Industry will be spent on placement. You will have the opportunity to gain real-world industry experience and develop your employability skill set. We have a strong network of industry contacts, and you will receive dedicated support from our employability team, ranging from CV advice through to mock interviews. You will explore the big questions, such as how did the universe begin, what are space and time made of and is it possible to recreate in a laboratory the conditions that existed seconds after the big bang? You will work on a year long advanced MPhys project and learn how to do research at the cutting edge in these fields, under the supervision of internationally recognised theoretical physicists. Why Theoretical Physics at Swansea?
- 11th in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2025)
- 3rd in the UK for Teaching Quality (Guardian University Guide 2025)
- 5th in the UK for Teaching on my Course* (NSS 2024) * Based on the average positivity score across questions 1 to 4 in the NSS 2024 when ranked against universities featured in the Times Good University Guide.
- Top 201-250 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025)
- A flexibly structured degree path means you have the opportunity to study abroad for a year or work in industry for a year, either locally, nationally or overseas.
- Our common student & staff space (the Event Horizon) overlooking spectacular views of Swansea Bay, provides an ideal location for quiet study, informal discussions and lunches.
- The Physics department and the Swansea University Physics Society sponsor frequent social, and academic events such as departmental colloquia and distinguished lectures to bring students and staff together.
- Elected student reps for each year and for the Swansea University Physics Society (PhySoc) ensure that every student voice is heard through regular meetings with HoDs.
- Our groups in Particle Physics and Cosmology Theory, Applied Materials, and the ALPHA anti-matter collaboration with close ties to CERN, ensure that our teaching is informed by the latest research. Students have the opportunity to do a summer internship at CERN and undertake final year projects with any of our major research groups.
Modules
In Year 1, you will typically study areas including: Classical Mechanics; Astronomy and Cosmology; Mathematics for Physicists; Quantum Mechanics I; Special Relativity; Mathematics for Physicists; and Practical Physics. In Year 2, you will typically study areas including: Electromagnetism; Practical Physics; Mathematics for Physicists; Thermal and statistical physics; Quantum Mechanics; Theoretical physics and astrophysics; and Professional Development and Career Planning. The third year of this 5-year course with a Year in Industry will typically be spent on placement. You will have the opportunity to gain real-world industry experience and develop your employability skill set. We have a strong network of industry contacts, and you will receive dedicated support from our employability team, ranging from CV advice through to mock interviews. In Year 4, you will typically study areas including: Nuclear and Particle Physics; Condensed Matter Physics; Gravity and Cosmology; Theoretical Physics Project; Advanced Theoretical Physics; Science Communication with Placement; and Atomic Physics. In Year 5, you will typically study areas including: Quantum Field Theory; Atomic and Quantum Optics III; Machine Learning for Physicists; Medical Imaging and Spectroscopy: From MRI to photonics; Advanced Particle Physics; Modern Laser Systems; Quantum Gravity; Quantum Information Processing; and a Research Project.
Assessment method
We are proud to provide an outstanding educational experience, using the most effective learning and teaching approaches, carefully tailored to suit the specific needs of your course. Our programme consists of in-person, on-campus teaching, enabling full engagement with your lecturers and fellow students. We believe in fostering a learning environment where students actively engage with physics concepts through experimentation, data analysis, and problem-solving. We offer informal weekly Maths drop-in support sessions to assist with developing and enhancing problem solving skills. These are mentored by postgraduate students. We use inquiry-based learning, labs and practical work and diverse assessment types throughout the programme. The labs and practical work promote active engagement, hands-on learning, diverse skills development and real-world experience. The research project modules gives you the opportunity to participate in real-life research, working on real-world problems/questions. Lectures take place in larger group sessions, in a lecture theatre setting. The course content is explored in further detail in workshops, allowing for further collaborative working with your peers. Lecture recordings allow for more flexibility to revisit material, to revise for assessments and to enhance learning outside of the classroom. Some modules have extra resources in Canvas, our virtual learning environment, such as videos, slides and quizzes enabling further flexible study. This course may offer some modules taught through the medium of Welsh or bilingually for students who consider themselves to be fluent Welsh speakers. For more details on the provision available see the Welsh Provision expander below. This course may offer some modules taught through the medium of Welsh or bilingually for students who consider themselves to be fluent Welsh speakers. For more details on the provision available see the Welsh Provision expander below.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Physics, Institute of
How to apply
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:
- F857
- Institution code:
- S93
- Campus name:
- Singleton Park Campus
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
If you are an International Student, please visit our International pages for more information about entry requirements: http://www.swansea.ac.uk/international/students/requirements/
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
A level - AAB - ABB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Scottish Higher - ABBBC
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 34 points
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
Extended Project
English language requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English we require a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent) and no less than 5.5 in each component.
English Language Requirements at Swansea University
https://www.swansea.ac.uk/admissions/english-language-requirements/
Student Outcomes
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
No fee information has been provided for this course
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
Provider information
Swansea University
Singleton Park
Swansea
SA2 8PP