MSci Theoretical Physics (F340)

2025 entry

Course summary

Join a University ranked in the UK top five for Physics research (THE analysis of REF 2021) with an excellent reputation for teaching and learning.

Studying Theoretical Physics, you will learn how to understand and predict phenomena in the physical world, based on a conceptual and mathematical understanding of the laws of the universe.

Your first two years will follow the structure of the MSci Physics course but with a greater focus on developing your theoretical methods. In years three and four you will have the opportunity to study advanced topics which could include:

  • quantum information
  • condensed matter physics
  • general relativity
  • theoretical particle physics.

Our MSci Theoretical Physics course incorporates a greater level of mathematics and theory than MSci Physics, with emphasis on theoretical methods behind the physics and a greater number of experiments grounded in theory.

Join our friendly department with a very active, award-winning student society. We support you to develop a broad range of experimental, theoretical and analytical skills, as well as to develop your understanding of how to apply your skills more widely. These are vital for a career in research or industry.

Our physics graduates have an excellent record of employment post-study. This is a testament to the value that employers place on the transferable skills that you will gain on this course.

Think Big bursaries of £3,000 are available to support first-year international undergraduate students in this subject area.

Accreditations

Our Theoretical Physics MSci is approved by major professional bodies in the UK (IOP) so as a graduate you can gain exemptions from a number of their examinations or credits for prior learning.

Course structure

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Go to programme catalogue

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

A*AA including A*A (in any order) in Mathematics and Physics
AAB including AA in Mathematics and Physics

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
D*DD in Engineering BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in four specified Physics units, and A in Mathematics at A-level.

Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
38 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 7, 6 (in any order) at Higher Level in Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) and Physics
34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level, including 6, 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) and Physics

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
88% overall, with 9.0, 8.5 in Mathematics and Physics (in any order)
Advanced Higher: AA in Mathematics and Physics, and Standard Higher: AAAAA
Access to HE Diploma in Engineering, Science, or Computing (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: at least 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or above; and at least 12 credits at Distinction from Mathematics units (including algebra, calculus and trigonometry); and at least 12 credits at Distinction from Physics units.

More about Access to HE entry requirements
Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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