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Theoretical Physics at Durham University - UCAS

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2025 - 2026
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Durham University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Course summary

This integrated Master's degree is the first step towards Chartered Physicist status. It will suit those looking for an accredited course that focuses on the mathematical and theoretical aspects of physics. Many graduates progress to higher level education followed by careers in research or teaching. For others, the course has opened the door to a range of professions where advanced analytic, numeric or computational skills are in demand. Undergraduate physics degrees at Durham offer a high level of flexibility. We offer four Institute of Physics accredited courses - MPhys qualifications in Physics, Physics and Astronomy, and Theoretical Physics and the three-year BSc in Physics - which follow the same core curriculum in Year 1. Subject to the optional modules chosen, it is possible to switch to one of the other courses until the end of the second year. You can also apply for a one-year work placement or study abroad opportunity with one of our partner organisations, increasing the course from four years to five or substituting the existing Year 3. The first year lays the foundation in physics theory, mathematical skills and laboratory skills that you will need to tackle more complex content later in the course. As you progress through the course the level of theoretical content increases, extending your knowledge in areas such as electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, particle theory and advanced mathematical theory. In Years 3 and 4 the curriculum is more closely aligned to real-world issues through a combination of theory and project work, including a final-year project on a topic at the forefront of developments in one of our research institutes.

Modules

Year 1 Core modules: Foundations of Physics introduces classical aspects of wave phenomena and electromagnetism, basic concepts in Newtonian mechanics, quantum mechanics, special relativity and optical physics. Discovery Skills in Physics a practical introduction to lab skills with emphasis on measurement uncertainty, data analysis and communication skills. Plus an introduction to programming. Year 2 Core modules: Foundations of Physics A develops your knowledge of quantum mechanics and electromagnetism. Foundations of Physics B develops your knowledge of thermodynamics, condensed matter physics and optics. Mathematical Methods in Physics provides mathematical knowledge and understanding to tackle the Foundations of Physics modules. Theoretical Physics provides a working knowledge of classical mechanics and complements the quantum mechanics content of the module Foundations of Physics A. Laboratory Skills and Electronics builds lab-based skills, such as experiment planning, data analysis, scientific communication and specific practical skills. Electronics is taught as both a theoretical and a practical subject, and computational physics and numerical methods provide experience of research-led investigation in physics in preparation for post-university life. Year 3 Core modules: Foundations of Physics A further develops your knowledge to include quantum mechanics and nuclear and particle physics. Foundations of Physics B includes the study of statistical physics and condensed matter physics. Theoretical Physics introduces more advanced methods in electromagnetism that can be used to investigate more realistic problems and concepts. It also builds your quantum mechanics knowledge and addresses further applications and conceptual issues of measurement and interpretation. The Computing Project is designed to develop computational and problem-solving skills. You’ll work on advanced computational physics problems using a variety of modern computing techniques and present your findings in a project report, poster and oral presentation. Mathematics Workshop introduces mathematical tools you’ll need to solve physical problems including vectors and matrices, complex analysis, calculus of variations, and integral variations. Year 4 Core modules: The research-based MPhys Project is carried out individually or as part of a small group. It provides experience of work in a research environment on a topic at the forefront of developments from physics, applied physics, theoretical physics or astronomy, and develops transferable skills for presenting research. This can be carried out in one of the Department's research groups or in collaboration with an external organisation. Advanced Theoretical Physics provides a working knowledge of non-relativistic quantum mechanical problems. Exploring modern theories of electronic structure and vibrational properties of materials including superconductivity; the quantum nature of light; and concepts of entangled states and mixed states and their relevance in experiments. Particle Theory will familiarise you with key results of relativistic quantum mechanics and its application to simple systems; the principles of quantum field theory and the role of symmetry in modern particle physics; and the standard model of particle physics and its experimental foundations. See our courses database for more details about these modules and examples of optional modules - https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/courses/f344/

Assessment method

Assessment is mainly by end-of-year examinations and by project reports and presentations. The range of assessment methods is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of the course content, test your capacity to solve problems, enhance your written and oral communication skills, and assess your ability to relate your learning to real-world scenarios.

How to apply

29Jan

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:
F344
Institution code:
D86
Campus name:
Durham City
Campus code:
O

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

Durham has a long and proud history of welcoming students from countries across the globe.https://www.dur.ac.uk/study/international/

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

Our contextual offer for this programme is A level A*A in Mathematics and Physics and B (or equivalent). To find out if you’re eligible, please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/how-to-apply/what-happens-to-your-application/contextual-offers/

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://www.dur.ac.uk/study/ug/apply/entry/

English language requirements

Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.

English language requirements

https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
57%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
87%
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

England £9250 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 Year 1
Scotland £9250 Year 1
Wales £9250 Year 1
Channel Islands £9250 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9250 Year 1
EU £33250 Year 1
International £33250 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

The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government. The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees are subject to an annual inflationary increase. In deciding the annual level of increase the University will take into account inflationary pressures on the costs of delivery. Tuition fees will rise annually by up to the higher of 6% or the latest annual percentage increase in the Consumer Prices Index. There may also be additional course costs for things like books (if you want to purchase them), field trips etc.

Sponsorship information

We're committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances. https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/scholarships/

Theoretical Physics at Durham University - UCAS