Physics with Theoretical Physics BSc

Program Overview

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Physics with Theoretical Physics BSc

Key Information

Course type: Single honours Delivery mode: In person Study mode: Full time Required A-level: AAA Duration: 3 years Application status: Open Start date: September 2025 Application deadline: 29 January 2025

Course Description

Our Physics with Theoretical Physics BSc will give you a broad understanding of all of the fundamental elements of physics and especially theoretical physics. You will cover topics such as relativity, quantum mechanics, fields and waves, electromagnetism, nuclear and particle physics. The theoretical physics modules introduce advanced mathematical tools used in theoretical physics. Problem solving and project work is an important part of this course and you’ll learn about team work, group organisation and the skills of oral and poster presentations. You’ll be assigned a personal tutor to support your development and our department encourages an atmosphere in which students feel able to easily approach academic staff. Our Student-Staff Liaison Committee provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and feedback on teaching. Staff and students are members of the Maxwell Society, which is the Department of Physics’ social and lecture society.

Base Campus

• Strand Campus Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.

Course Accreditation

• Institute of Physics

Awarding Institutions

• King's College London and Affiliates

Regulating Bodies

• King's is regulated by the Office for Students

Entry Requirements

Subject Requirements

• Required subjects: A-level (or equivalent) grade A in Mathematics and Physics
• Preferred subjects: None

A-Levels

• Required grades: AAA
• Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels.
• Must include grade A in Mathematics and Physics.
• Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.

Contextual A-Level Information

• AAC
• Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels.
• Must include grade A in Mathematics and Physics.
• Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

• 36 points overall or an aggregate score of 18 from three Higher Levels
• Must include grade 6 in Higher Level Mathematics and Physics.
• Notes: The total point score of 36 includes TOK/EE. IB students studying the new Mathematics curriculum would be required to study Mathematics - Analysis and Approaches at Higher Level to meet the Mathematics subject requirement for this programme.

Contextual International Baccalaureate Information

• 33 points overall or an aggregate score of 16 from three Higher Levels
• Must include grade 6 in Higher Level Mathematics and Physics.
• The total point score of 33 includes TOK/EE.
• Note: IB students studying the new Maths curriculum would be required to study Analysis and Approaches at Higher Level to meet the subject requirement for this programme

Alternative Accepted Qualifications

• Access to HE Diploma
• BTEC Nationals/CTECs
• Cambridge Pre-U
• European Baccalaureate
• Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

Standard Requirements

• The Access to Higher Education Diploma must be 60 credits in total.
• Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits overall: 36 credits must be from units awarded at Distinction, with 9 at Merit.
• The Access to Higher Education Diploma must include at least 15 Level 3 credits in Mathematics awarded at Distinction, and at least 15 Level 3 credits in Physics awarded at Distinction.
• The Access to Higher Education Diploma must be in a relevant subject - Science or similar - to be considered.

Contextual Requirements

• The Access to Higher Education Diploma must be 60 credits in total.
• Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits overall: 30 credits must be from units awarded at Distinction, with 15 at Merit.
• The Access to Higher Education Diploma must include at least 15 Level 3 credits in Mathematics awarded at Distinction, and at least 15 Level 3 credits in Physics awarded at Distinction.
• The Access to Higher Education Diploma must be in a relevant subject - Science or similar - to be considered.

International Applicants

Equivalent International Qualifications

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English Language Requirements

• English language band: D
• Please note that nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries (as defined by UKVI) who have successfully completed high school in the respective country, are not required to complete an English language test.
• For information on our English requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.

Selection Process

Contextual Consideration

• We make contextual offers for this programme, which can be found in the entry requirements.
• As part of the assessment process, we take into account contextual information to gain a more complete picture of each application.
• More information can be found on the Contextualised admissions website.

Deferrals

• Applications can be submitted for deferred entry by choosing the appropriate year of entry on the UCAS application.
• If your circumstances change and, therefore, you need to request a deferral after an offer has been made, then we can generally permit these for this programme.
• However, each deferral request will be considered on a case-by-case basis and we reserve the right to decline any post-offer deferral request.
• Requests should be submitted via a message on King’s Apply with an explanation of the reason for making the request.

Foundation Courses

• Applicants studying Foundation Year programmes in the UK are welcome to apply for this programme.
• Foundation programmes from other universities and further education providers in the UK are considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Whether or not we can consider a particular foundation year as suitable for study at King's depends on the content of the syllabus and modules studied.
• In the past we have accepted foundation programmes from a number of other institutions.

Graduates

• Our general entry requirements are based on A-level or equivalent.
• However, where an applicant is completing/has completed a degree, we are able to consider the degree study as part of the assessment of the application.
• Generally, we would consider a minimum of a UK Bachelor degree with a 2:1 grade profile (or overseas equivalent) as meeting the entry requirements for our undergraduate degrees.
• However, those who have achieved/are predicted a high 2:1 or a First may be considered more competitive.

Personal Statement

• Your personal statement is one of the many factors in the overall assessment of your application, and is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the university and inform us of your commitment to the programme and profession as well as any work experience or extracurricular activities you have done.

Resits

• We are able to consider applicants who have retaken or are retaking their qualifications.

Transfers

• We are able to consider applications for transfer into Year 2 of this programme.
• Please see our Transferring to King’s website for more information.

Teaching Methods - What to Expect

• Lectures
• Laboratory classes
• Tutorials
• Project work

Assessment

• Coursework
• Written/Practical Examinations
• Exams
• Quizzes
• Weekly Problem Sheets
• Project Work
• Lab Work
• Presentations

Structure

• Courses are divided into modules.
• You will normally take modules totalling 360 credits.

Required Modules

• Physics Skills & Techniques (30 credits)
• Mathematics & Computation for Physics (30 credits)
• Classical Physics (30 credits)
• Introduction to Modern Physics (15 credits)

Optional Modules

• In addition, you are required to take 15 credits from a range of optional modules, which may typically include:
  • Introduction to Biophysics (15 credits)
  • Introduction to Astrophysics (15 credits)

Employability

• Our Physics graduates are in high demand because employers recognise the wide range of skills that they possess.
• We train physicists to be good problem solvers, to think logically and to apply mathematical and computational techniques to real problems.

Destinations

• Recent graduates have found employment within the following job roles and companies:
  • Investment Manager, Manthan Capital
  • Project Engineer, Cryogenic Ltd
  • Researcher, Institute of Scientific Instruments
  • Risk Analyst, City Index
  • Maths Part III, Cambridge
  • Software Engineer, IBM
  • Physics teacher, London

Tuition Fees

Full Time Tuition Fees UK

• The UK tuition fee for the academic year is currently £9,535 per year.
• This is based on the UK Government's cap.

Full Time Tuition Fees International

• The International tuition fee for the academic year is £35,800 per year.
• Please note that the International tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions.

Additional Costs

• In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
  • books if you choose to buy your own copies
  • clothing for optional course related events and competitions
  • library fees and fines
  • personal photocopies
  • printing course handouts
  • society membership fees
  • stationery
  • travel costs for travel around London and between campuses
  • graduation costs

Funding

• To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.

Program Outline

Students will explore topics such as relativity, quantum mechanics, fields and waves, electromagnetism, nuclear and particle physics.

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Structure:

The program comprises a total of 360 credits, divided into modules across three years. Each year consists of a combination of required and optional modules. However, the context mentions some required modules for each year:

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Year 1:

• Physics Skills & Techniques (30 credits)
• Mathematics & Computation for Physics (30 credits)
• Classical Physics (30 credits)
• Introduction to Modern Physics (15 credits)

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Optional Modules (Year 1):

• Introduction to Biophysics (15 credits)

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

The program uses a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations to evaluate student performance. This may include:

• Exams
• Quizzes
• Weekly Problem Sheets
• Project Work
• Laboratory Work

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Teaching:

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Unique Approaches:

The program emphasizes problem-solving and project work to promote teamwork, organization, and communication skills. Students are also encouraged to gain teaching experience by working with schools.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

The program equips graduates with a broad range of skills valuable in various sectors. They can pursue careers in research, academia, industry, etc., in fields such as:

• Physics
• Engineering
• Finance
• Data analysis
• Education

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Opportunities:

The program's focus on theoretical physics opens doors to advanced research opportunities and postgraduate studies. Graduates can also pursue careers in various industries requiring strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

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Full time tuition fees UK: The UK tuition fee for the 2024-25 academic year is currently £9,250 per year. This is based on the UK Government's cap. Full time tuition fees International The International tuition fee for the 2024-2025 academic year is £33,450 per year. Please note that the International tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions. All International applicants to Undergraduate programmes are required to pay a deposit of £2000 against their first year's tuition fee. Additional Costs library fees and fines personal photocopies printing course handouts society membership fees stationery travel costs for travel around London and between campuses graduation costs