Theoretical Physics MPhys
University of Sheffield
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.4) View reviews

Want to know what it's like to study this course at uni? We've got all the key info, from entry requirements to the modules on offer. If that all sounds good, why not check out reviews from real students or even book onto an upcoming open days?

Different course options
academic-cap
Qualification

Master of Physics - MPhys

location-pin
Location

Main Site

beaker
Study mode

Full Time

calendar
Start date

SEP-25

time
Duration

4 Years

Course info

Select a course option


Qualification

Master of Physics - MPhys

Location

Main Site

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

4 Years

SELECTED

Subjects

Select a subject


Physics & Astronomy
SELECTED

Exam type

Select a an exam type


A level
SELECTED

Scottish Advanced Higher
SELECT

Access to HE Diploma
SELECT

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
SELECT

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

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

Course info

Develop the skills for a career in research, whether you want to help answer complex questions raised by relativity and quantum mechanics, or help solve problems in industry. You’ll run your own research project and be trained by a member of staff who is an expert in the area you want to explore.**Whether you want to help answer complex questions in relativity and quantum mechanics, or apply your knowledge to solve problems in industry, this is where your research career begins.**Taught across ...Read more

Develop the skills for a career in research, whether you want to help answer complex questions raised by relativity and quantum mechanics, or help solve problems in industry. You’ll run your own research project and be trained by a member of staff who is an expert in the area you want to explore.


Whether you want to help answer complex questions in relativity and quantum mechanics, or apply your knowledge to solve problems in industry, this is where your research career begins.

Taught across two departments, the Theoretical Physics MPhys from Sheffield puts an emphasis on the fundamental mathematics that has brought physicists ever closer to a ‘theory of everything’.As well as the foundation of essential physics given to all physics students, you’ll build a much more detailed understanding of mathematical concepts, thanks to lectures delivered by our colleagues in the School of Mathematics and Statistics. They’ll introduce you to calculus, geometry, differential equations, linear algebra, and mechanics and fluids, too.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 many graduate careers, from data science to computer game design.And because curiosity is what powers discovery, we’ll encourage you to dive into optional modules during your third year – exploring topics like dark matter and mathematical biology, alongside core modules in quantum mechanics and statistical physics.Finally, in your fourth year, you’ll mix optional modules with work on a major research project. You’ll choose a research topic in theoretical physics and work closely with a member of academic staff who is an expert in the area you want to explore. The project takes up around half of your final year and can lead to a publication in a scientific journal.


Why study this course?

-


No. 1 physics department in the UK

- 100% of our research and impact was rated world-leading or internationally excellent by REF 2021.-


More astro content than most degrees

- you can study 50% astrophysics content throughout your degree, more than most universities offer.-


Student life

- because you’ll be taught across two departments, you’ll have double the social life. In maths you’ll be able to join pizza socials, the SUMS society ball or football club, or attend film screenings. In physics you might choose to join the Sheffield Space Initiative, and design a Mars rover or launch a rocket.-


Incredible research opportunities

- you can access incredible research opportunities, including a summer research placement, work placements and field trips thanks to our links with organisations like CERN and the observatories on La Palma in the Canary Islands.-


Follow your ambition

- you have the options to complete a research project, industrial group project, Quantum Information Lab, or Physics Education and Outreach project – giving you hands-on experience wherever your career aspirations lie.

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
1/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
17th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
18th
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 - 95 = 5% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
5%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
90%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
Physics graduate salary at this uni
£20,000
UK Physics graduate salary
£25,000
What students say
A
Aspen
01 Mar 23

The student's union is amazing and does everything they can to make our voices heard. We've been able to make some big changes and get the support we need from the University..Read more

M
Mateusz
19 Feb 23

Great student support, very helpful and approachable academics (Department of Physics and Astronomy), plenty of facilities available to study and..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 2)
Modules (Year 3)
Modules (Year 4)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

Exam type

A level

A level:

AAA Grades / Points required

Scottish Advanced Higher:

AA Grades / Points required

Access to HE Diploma:

D:39,M:6 Grades / Points required

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme:

36 Grades / Points required

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

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

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

A Grades / Points required

including Maths and Physics + pass in the practical element of any science A Levels taken

in Maths and Physics + AAABB at Scottish Highers

Award of Access to HE Diploma in Science, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 39 at Distinction (all in Maths/Physics units), and 6 at Merit

with 6 in Higher Level Maths and Physics

including Maths and Physics

+ AA in Maths and Physics at A Level

Popular A-level subjects

Physics

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

Mathematics
99%
Physics
91%
Chemistry
49%
Biology
28%
Further Mathematics
24%
HESA

Latest reviews

Latest Theoretical Physics reviews

Theoretical Physics
Theoretical Physics
A
Aspen
01 Mar 23
Theoretical Physics MPhys
The student's union is amazing and does everything they can to make our voices heard. We've been able to make some big changes and get the support we need from the University...
Read more
M
Mateusz
19 Feb 23
Theoretical Physics MPhys
Great student support, very helpful and approachable academics (Department of Physics and Astronomy), plenty of facilities available to study and...
Read more
Review breakdown
University rating
University rating
Students' union
Societies and Sports
University halls
Facilities
Lecturers and teaching quality
Local life
Career prospects
Student support
Location
Campus look and feel
Student life
Course rating
Course content
Work placements and internships
Tutor contact time
Subject facilities
University location
Cost of living
Safety
Public transport
Part-time work opportunities
Graduate employment opportunities
Diversity
Location
Safety
Room allocation
Internet/wifi
Value for money
Property management

How Theoretical Physics students rated:

Student rating
( 5.0) 3 reviews
5 star
100%
4 stars
0%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.4) 1,575 reviews
5 star
53%
4 stars
39%
3 stars
7%
2 stars
1%
1 star
0%
Search reviews that mention

Uni info

University of Sheffield
University of Sheffield , Sheffield

The University of Sheffield is a prestigious research university in South Yorkshire, known for its excellence in education, research,...

Student rating
( 4.4) View reviews
CUG ranking
18th

Whatuni Student Choice Awards

Winner: Student life

WUSCA award for Students' Union

Whatuni Student Choice Awards

Winner: Overall Rating

WUSCA award for Students' Union

Whatuni Student Choice Awards

Winner: Students' Union

WUSCA award for Students' Union
University of Sheffield
Western Bank Sheffield S10 2TN United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Sheffield  0.7 miles away
Thinking of studying in Sheffield?

Check out our

Sheffield city guide

Similar courses at this uni

Find a course

  • Undergraduate
  • HND / HNC
  • Foundation degree
  • Access & foundation
  • Postgraduate