Course summary

On this course, you’ll study the maths and physics that govern the universe, and build up your CV by applying that knowledge during a work placement. Our students have used their numerical and problem-solving skills on placements that range from data science jobs in the civil service to the Large Hadron Collider team at CERN. In your first two years, you’ll do the essential physics that all of our students cover, including quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, special relativity and classical physics. You can study more advanced maths topics in the university’s School of Mathematics and Statistics including: calculus, geometry, differential equations, linear algebra, and mechanics and fluids. These subjects give you a much more detailed understanding of mathematical concepts than our standard physics degrees. In practical classes, you’ll run experiments using the equipment in our modern laboratories to help you understand how important theories apply to the real world. In programming classes you can learn skills that are key to theoretical physics and valuable in many graduate careers, from data science to computer game design. There are also optional modules on topics such as particle physics and the physics of music. Your third year will be your placement year. When you return for your fourth year, you can branch out into lots of different areas and complete your own research project in theoretical physics. Your core modules will cover topics like quantum mechanics and statistical physics. Optional modules include dark matter and mathematical biology. Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.