Theoretical physics aims to understand and predict phenomena in the physical world based on a conceptual and mathematical understanding of the laws of the universe.

This course includes topics such as quantum physics, quantum information, relativistic field theory and condensed matter physics. Our MSci Theoretical Physics degree incorporates a greater level of mathematics and theory with less laboratory work than MSci Physics.

You will join a friendly department with a very active, award-winning student society. Many theoretical physics graduates pursue further academic research then progress to careers in research and teaching. The problem solving and mathematical skills you can gain during this degree are highly valued in finance, IT and management, as well as a wide range of other careers.

The course is accredited by the Institute of Physics.

Find out more about the course structure and units available for Theoretical Physics

A-level Standard offer	A*AA including A*A (in any order) in Mathematics and Physics
A-level Contextual offer What is a contextual offer?	AAB including AA in Mathematics and Physics
International Baccalaureate Diploma Standard offer	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
International Baccalaureate Diploma Contextual offer What is a contextual offer?	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
Cambridge Pre-U offer	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.
Access to HE Diploma offer	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. Mature students can contact mature-students@bristol.ac.uk to check the suitability of their Access course.
BTEC offer	D*DD in Engineering BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in 6 specified Physics units, AND A in Mathematics at A-level (or equivalent).
Scottish Qualifications Authority offer	Advanced Higher: AA in Mathematics and Physics, and Standard Higher: AAAAA
Welsh Baccalaureate offer	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.
European Baccalaureate offer	88% overall, with 9.0, 8.5 in Mathematics and Physics (in any order)
UK qualifications	Further information about UK qualifications
International qualifications	Accepted international qualifications

Applicants must also meet these requirements

GCSE profile requirements	Profile: No specific subjects required. Further information about GCSE requirements and profile levels.
English language requirements	If English is not your first language, you need to meet this profile level: Profile E Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.