Theoretical Physics BSc (Hons)
Royal Holloway, University of London
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 3.9)

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Different course options
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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

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Location

Main Site

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

3 Years

Course info

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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Location

Main Site

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

3 Years

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Subjects

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Physics & Astronomy
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A level
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Scottish Higher
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Scottish Advanced Higher
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Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
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International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
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Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
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Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
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Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
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England
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Northern Ireland
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Course info

One of the best-known theories in science, Einstein’s theory of relativity, came from the ‘mere’ observation that Clerk-Maxwell’s theory of electromagnetism and the Galilean relativity were incompatible. Beyond this and since the development of quantum mechanics, theoretical physics has played an important part in constantly questioning what we know, by putting forward deeper and usually more mathematical expressions of understanding and explanation.On our three-year Theoretical Physics BSc, ...Read more

One of the best-known theories in science, Einstein’s theory of relativity, came from the ‘mere’ observation that Clerk-Maxwell’s theory of electromagnetism and the Galilean relativity were incompatible. Beyond this and since the development of quantum mechanics, theoretical physics has played an important part in constantly questioning what we know, by putting forward deeper and usually more mathematical expressions of understanding and explanation.On our three-year Theoretical Physics BSc, you will cover all the core material that a graduate physicist would be expected to know, but there will be more emphasis on developing what you will have learned during A Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics, to allow a deeper conceptual understanding of classical and modern physics. This emphasis on theoretical concepts and foundations could help give you a deeper appreciation of the beauty and surprises of Physics.Because of the theoretical nature of this course, you’ll spend less time in the laboratory in later years, with options from more theoretical areas, such as Quantum Theory, Further Mathematical Methods, Stellar Astrophysics, General Relativity & Cosmology and Non-Linear & Chaotic Systems to provide an emphasis on advanced theoretical topics in Physics.We’re based at the heart of the campus, where you’ll have access to laboratories, technical help, academic staff and, on the roof of the department, our astronomical dome, dedicated to undergraduate study. In Egham, Surrey, we’re well away from the light pollution of the big city so our telescopes can give you the best observational astronomy in the University of London. Beyond the specialist equipment, we also have video-conferencing facilities that allow people to take part in seminars and lectures at other institutions.

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
100/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
25th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
38th
Physics
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 85 = 15% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
15%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
95%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
Physics graduate salary at this uni
£23,000
UK Physics graduate salary
£26,000

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 2)
Modules (Year 3)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

Exam type

A level

A level:

AAB - AAA Grades / Points required

Scottish Higher:

AAAAA Grades / Points required

Scottish Advanced Higher:

AAB - AAA Grades / Points required

Access to HE Diploma:

D:33,M:12 Grades / Points required

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme:

34 Grades / Points required

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017):

H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF):

DD Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):

DM Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016):

D Grades / Points required

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Where an applicant is taking the EPQ alongside A-levels, the EPQ will be taken into consideration and result in lower A-level grades being required. Socio-economics factors which may have impacted an applicant's education will be taken into consideration and alternative offers may be made to these applicants.Required subjects: Mathematics and Physics, plus a Pass in the practical element of any Science A-levels being taken

Including Maths and Physics.

Including Maths and Physics.

Including Distinction in all Maths and Physics units.Please note that the Access to Higher Education Diploma will only be acceptable if the applicant has had a considerable break from education.

Applicants with the Cambridge Pre-U are strongly encouraged to apply to Royal Holloway. Offers will be made on the basis of equivalent A-Level grades as can be found on the Royal Holloway website.

6,6,6 at Higher Level including 6 in Maths at Higher Level and 5 in Physics at Higher Level with a minimum of 34 points overall.

Including Maths and Physics

Plus A-level grades AA Maths and Physics, plus a Pass in the practical element of any Science A-levels taken.

Plus A-level grades AA Maths and Physics, plus a Pass in the practical element of any Science A-levels taken.

Plus A-level grades AA Maths and Physics, plus a Pass in the practical element of any Science A-levels taken..

Requirements are as for A-levels where one non-subject-specified A-level can be replaced by the same grade in the Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate.

Popular A-level subjects

Physics

Top 5 A-levels taken by students who study this subject at uni.

Mathematics
100%
Physics
100%
Chemistry
40%
Further Mathematics
23%
Biology
14%
HESA

Tuition fees

Students living in

England

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from England

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Scotland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Wales

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Northern Ireland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Channel Islands

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£28,900 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£28,900 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

This is the fee you pay if you are an International student. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£28900 Per year

UCAS/IDP Connect

Uni info

Royal Holloway, University of London
Royal Holloway, University of London , Egham

Part of the University of London, Royal Holloway was founded over 170 years ago and today offers world-class teaching and research....

Student rating
( 3.9) View reviews
CUG ranking
38th
Royal Holloway, University of London
Royal Holloway, University Of London Egham Hill Egham Surrey TW20 0EX United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Egham  0.6 miles away

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