Theoretical Physics BSc (Hons)
University of Sussex
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.2) View reviews

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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

time
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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Physics & Astronomy
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A level
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Scottish Higher
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
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Course info

**7th in the UK for our research environment in Physics in REF 2021 (Times Higher Education)****About the course**If you want to use your mathematics skills to explore the concepts of fundamental physics, this course is for you.Alongside mathematics, you’ll learn the methods of theoretical physics, and apply them to areas such as particle physics, cosmology, and condensed-state and atomic physics. This focus means that you’ll spend less time on experimental techniques compared to other physics ...Read more


7th in the UK for our research environment in Physics in REF 2021 (Times Higher Education)


About the course

If you want to use your mathematics skills to explore the concepts of fundamental physics, this course is for you.Alongside mathematics, you’ll learn the methods of theoretical physics, and apply them to areas such as particle physics, cosmology, and condensed-state and atomic physics. This focus means that you’ll spend less time on experimental techniques compared to other physics courses.You’ll be taught by our world-leading researchers who are at the forefront of physics. Their work includes:- developing next-generation quantum computing devices- using the ATLAS detector at CERN- studying our universe using the James Webb Space Telescope.This work informs your teaching – our modules are based on the latest faculty research. Topics may include:- lasers and photonics- perturbation theory- quantum mechanics- stellar and planetary physicsIn your third year, you’ll join a research team for your final-year project. From sustainability to economics and modern languages, you take electives from other subjects to open your mind to other disciplines and tailor your degree to your interests. You can also apply for a year studying abroad or going on a placement.By graduation, you’ll have gained the skills employers are looking for. You’ll be skilled in Python programming, transforming physics problems into mathematical statements and statistical analysis.


Accreditation

Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.


MPhys or BSc?

We also offer this course as a four-year MPhys. Find out about the benefits of an integrated Masters year.


Location

Study on our beautiful, green campus on the edge of the South Downs National Park and just minutes from the vibrant seaside city of Brighton & Hove. We’re near to Gatwick airport and just over an hour from London.


About the University of Sussex

Our courses, research, culture and campus aim to stimulate, excite and challenge. From scientific discovery to global policy, from student welfare to career development, Sussex innovates and takes a lead. And today, in every part of society and across the world, you'll find someone from Sussex making an original and valuable contribution.

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
72/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
34th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
47th
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%
What students say
A
Asha
21 Nov 24

I love the course and university support from the union and the lecturers. Living in Brighton is amazing but it can be annoying that campus is so far away. Otherwise I’m so happy..Read more

M
Maharnab
04 Nov 24

Great people, lovely campus, good times...Read more

Modules

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

Entry requirements

Exam type

A level

A level:

AAB Grades / Points required

Scottish Higher:

AAABB Grades / Points required

Access to HE Diploma:

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

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme:

34 Grades / Points required

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

DDD Grades / Points required

A-levels must include Mathematics at grade B. Physics A-level is desirable, but we will consider applicants on a case-by-case basis without it. You should have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

Highers must include Mathematics and, normally, also Physics. Applicants without Physics will be considered on a case-by-case basis.Ideally, you will also have an Advanced Higher in Mathematics (grade B).

Pass Diploma with at least 39 level 3 credits at Merit or above including 27 credits at Distinction.In addition to the Access to HE Diploma, you will also need an A-level in Mathematics, with at least grade B.

This score should be from the full IB Diploma.IB Higher Levels must include Mathematics, with a grade of 5. For entry, either Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation at Higher Level will be accepted.

The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma should be in Engineering and must include Distinctions in Engineering Principles, Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems and Further Engineering Maths units.GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics with at least grade 5 is essential (or grade B).

Popular A-level subjects

Physics

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

Mathematics
96%
Physics
89%
Chemistry
37%
Further Mathematics
17%
Biology
13%
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.

£26,250 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 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.

£26,250 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 International

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

£26250 Per year

UCAS/IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Theoretical Physics reviews

Theoretical Physics
Theoretical Physics
A
Asha
21 Nov 24
Theoretical Physics MPhys
I love the course and university support from the union and the lecturers. Living in Brighton is amazing but it can be annoying that campus is so far away. Otherwise I’m so happy...
Read more
M
Maharnab
04 Nov 24
Theoretical Physics BSc (Hons)
Great people, lovely campus, good times....
Read more
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How Theoretical Physics students rated:

Student rating
( 4.6) 5 reviews
5 star
60%
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40%
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0%
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How all students rated:

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( 4.2) 2,923 reviews
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48%
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Uni info

University of Sussex
University of Sussex , Brighton

The University of Sussex is a world-leading research-intensive institution (REF, 2021) based near the popular seaside city of Brighton....

Student rating
( 4.2) View reviews
CUG ranking
47th
University of Sussex
Sussex House Undergraduate Admissions Falmer Brighton Brighton & Hove BN1 9RH United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Moulsecoomb  1.1 miles away

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