Theoretical Physics MSci (Hons)
Royal Holloway, University of London
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( 4.0)

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Different course options
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Qualification

Master of Science (with Honours) - Msci (Hon)

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Location

Main Site

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

23-SEP-24

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Duration

4 Years

Course info

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Qualification

Master of Science (with Honours) - Msci (Hon)

Location

Main Site

Study mode

Full time

Start date

23-SEP-24

Duration

4 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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Access to HE Diploma
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Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
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GCSE/National 4/National 5
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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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Wales
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Northern Ireland
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EU
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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 four-year Theoretical Physics MSci, ...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 four-year Theoretical Physics MSci, 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.Your fourth year is intercollegiate, which means you can pick choices from other University of London colleges – modules can include Quantum Computation, Nanoscale Physics and others. You’ll also develop experimental, conceptual and observational skills from your final year Major Project, which will make you an attractive candidate in a range of sectors, including management and finance, as well as scientific, technical, engineering and teaching careers.Develop the underlying mathematical and theoretical skills required for physics.Potential final projects in theoretical physics include topological quantum matter, super-conductivity and fluidity, quantum optics, quantum information processing, standard model phenomenology, particle cosmology and quantum field theory.Take modules from the Department of Mathematics, such as Non-linear Phenomena and Chaos.

Key stats

CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2024
28th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2024
37th
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)
Modules (Year 4)
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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.

GCSE/National 4/National 5:

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

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme:

32 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.

We require at least five GCSEs at grade A*-C or 9 - 4 including English and Mathematics.

6,6,6 at Higher Level including 6 in Maths at Higher Level and 5 in Physics at Higher Level with a minimum of 32 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 is subject to change. Please confirm the most up to date fee with the individual institution.

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this is subject to change. Please confirm the most up to date fee with the individual institution.

£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 is subject to change. Please confirm the most up to date fee with the individual institution.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this is subject to change. Please confirm the most up to date fee with the individual institution.

£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 is subject to change. Please confirm the most up to date fee with the individual institution.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this is subject to change. Please confirm the most up to date fee with the individual institution.

£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 is subject to change. Please confirm the most up to date fee with the individual institution.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this is subject to change. Please confirm the most up to date fee with the individual institution.

£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 is subject to change.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this is subject to change.

£26,500 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.

£26,500 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.

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

UCAS/IDP Connect

Uni info

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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