Theoretical Physics with an Industrial Placement Year 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

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Qualification

Master of Physics - MPhys

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Main Site

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Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

5 Years

Course info

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Qualification

Master of Physics - MPhys

Location

Main Site

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

5 Years

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Physics & Astronomy
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A level
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Scottish Advanced Higher
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Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
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Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
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Course info

Develop the skills for a career in research, then put this into practice on your industrial placement. Previous students have completed placements in data science in the civil service and joined the Large Hadron Collider team at CERN. After your placement, you’ll join the theoretical physics research team here in Sheffield and run your own project.**Answering complex questions in areas like quantum mechanics and applying your knowledge to a real-world challenge - this is where your research ...Read more

Develop the skills for a career in research, then put this into practice on your industrial placement. Previous students have completed placements in data science in the civil service and joined the Large Hadron Collider team at CERN. After your placement, you’ll join the theoretical physics research team here in Sheffield and run your own project.


Answering complex questions in areas like quantum mechanics and applying your knowledge to a real-world challenge - this is where your research career begins.

Taught across two departments, the Theoretical Physics with Industrial Placement Year 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 in topics like dark matter and mathematical biology.Year three is where you take what you’ve learned into the real world. Our students have worked on new particle accelerators and nuclear waste management at government laboratories. They’ve applied their analysis skills to data science jobs in the civil service, and joined the Large Hadron Collider team at CERN as part of their placement year.Finally, in your fifth 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.-


Research opportunities

- physics students can access incredible research projects, 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.-


The latest equipment

- you’ll study in our newly refurbished teaching laboratories, and access loads of specialist technologies – including two telescopes on the roof of our building which you’ll be able to use from your first year.-


Graduate to a career

- our graduates solve practical problems at major employers – they include data scientists at Channel 4 and Manchester United FC, researchers at CERN and the European Space Agency, and technology experts at IBM and Nissan.-


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.

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
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)
Modules (Year 5)
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

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
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How Theoretical Physics students rated:

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( 4.4) 1,575 reviews
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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

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University of Sheffield
Western Bank Sheffield S10 2TN United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Sheffield  0.7 miles away
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