This three-year course combines a solid grounding in general physics with specialised study in theoretical and computational physics.

You will develop a sophisticated understanding of the concepts that form the basis of the physical laws of the universe, as well as the key mathematical and experimental methods we use to understand them. You will also learn why theoretical and computational physics are so integral to making sense of the world around us.

Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP), this course aims to prepare you for a wide range of careers, in areas such as research, teaching, industrial development, business, finance, and other roles that require mathematical or computational skills and an analytical approach.

Theoretical physicists often work in close collaboration with experimental physicists. They may spend much of their time developing and experimenting with computer models of systems that are too complicated to model in any other way. Good examples of this are the Earth’s atmosphere and the modelling of weather systems, areas in which interest has grown rapidly over the last few years.

You will be part of a friendly and welcoming department currently housed in the Queen’s Building complex, which contains a wide variety of purpose-built laboratories, lecture theatres and computing facilities.

You will be able to work alongside internationally respected physicists engaged in world-leading research and have access to state-of-the-art equipment, including our super-computers and parallel processor.

Distinctive features

The distinctive features of the course include:

• The opportunity to learn in a department which has a strong commitment to research
• The involvement of research-active staff in course design and delivery
• An emphasis on computational physics
• Frequent opportunities to conduct practical work in the School’s laboratory facilities
• An emphasis on independent learning
• Effective course monitoring and opportunities for student feedback

The course contains all the core content required for the degree to be accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP).