Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Overview
The Integrated Masters in Theoretical Physics will allow you to explore the fundamentals of this central science, from classical dynamics to the intriguing theories of quantum mechanics and relativity. You will learn how these and other underpinning ideas may be applied in fields such as quantum optics, condensed matter, quantum field theory, and applications of quantum physics.
Accreditation
All St Andrews Physics and Astronomy degree programmes are accredited by the Institute of Physics for the UK and Ireland.
UCAS code
F340
Start date
September 2025
End date
September 2030
Duration
Five years full time
School
School of Physics and Astronomy
Entry requirements
SQA Highers
Standard entry grades:
- AAAA, including A in both: Mathematics and Physics. Minimum entry grades:
- AAAB, including A in both: Mathematics and Physics. Gateway entry grades:
- Applicants who have narrowly missed the minimum entry grades, but meet the University's contextual criteria, may be interested in one of the University’s Gateway programmes.
GCE A-Levels
Standard entry grades:
- AAA, including A in both: Mathematics and Physics. Minimum entry grades:
- AAB, including A in both: Mathematics and Physics.
IB points
Standard entry grades:
- 38 (HL 6,6,6), including HL6 in both Mathematics and Physics. Minimum entry grades:
- 36 (HL 6,5,5), including HL5 in both Mathematics and Physics.
General entry requirements
All applicants must have attained the following qualifications, or equivalent, in addition to the specific entry requirements for individual programmes.
SQA qualifications
SQA National 5 (B) in English and one SQA National 5 (B) from the following:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computing science
- Geography
- Applications of Mathematics
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology.
GCSE qualifications
GCSE (5) in English language or English literature, and one GCSE (5) from the following:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computing Science
- Geography
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology.
Other qualifications
We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry on to our programmes. Please see our entry requirements for more information.
Do I need to have studied this subject before?
Students must have studied both Physics and Mathematics at SQA Highers, GCE A-Levels, or equivalent. Preference will be given to candidates offering strong science qualifications.
Course details
The MPhys in Theoretical Physics is typically a five-year Integrated Masters course run by the School of Physics and Astronomy. It will take four years for those taking direct entry to second year. During your degree, you will be introduced to core topics in mainstream physics – such as mechanics, waves, light, electricity and magnetism – as well as learn the fundamental mathematical and computational skills needed for application to physics.
Modules
In the first two years of your degree (known as sub-honours), you will take the required modules in physics and mathematics, possibly alongside modules in one or more other subjects.
- First year
- Second year
- Honours (third and fourth years)
- Honours (fifth year)
Students are required to take the following compulsory modules in their first year:
- Physics 1A: covers the core elements of mechanics, waves and optics, laboratory work, and the physical properties of matter.
- Physics 1B: covers an introduction to quantum physics, the mechanics of rotation and gravity, lasers, and includes laboratory skills.
- Mathematics: introduces the ideas and techniques required for further study of mathematics or applications to other sciences.
Students are required to take the following compulsory modules in their second year:
- Physics 2A: covers mechanics, special relativity, oscillations, thermal physics, and laboratory skills.
- Physics 2B: covers quantum physics, electricity, magnetism and classical waves, and laboratory skills.
- Linear Mathematics: introduces the theory of vector spaces, linear independence, linear transformations and diagonalisation.
- Multivariate Calculus: extends the techniques of calculus in a single variable to the setting of real functions of several variables.
In third and fourth year, you will cover advanced theory and applications in some of the following subjects:
- atomic, nuclear, and particle physics
- condensed matter physics
- electromagnetism
- Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics
- linear algebra
- magnetic resonance
- mathematics
- optics
- quantum mechanics
- special relativity and fields
- thermal and statistical physics
You will also take ‘Transferable Skills for Physicists’ which provides training and practice in advanced written and oral communication skills, problem solving and teamwork.
During fifth year, you will take advanced research-led modules in your chosen speciality. Advanced modules offered in the past include:
- Advanced Data Analysis
- Applications of Quantum Physics
- General Relativity
- Magnetofluids and Space Plasmas
- Modern Topics in Condensed Matter Physics
- Monte Carlo Radiation Transfer
- Nanophotonics
- Quantum Field Theory
- Quantum Optics
In fifth year, you will also undertake an advanced theoretical physics project on a topic selected from an offered list and with supervision by a member of academic staff. The project allows you to explore an aspect of theoretical physics in some considerable depth, ideally at the frontiers of published knowledge. The project aims to develop students' skills in searching physics literature and in the design of the investigation, the evaluation and interpretation of data, and in the presentation of results.
Teaching
Teaching format
Theoretical physics modules are taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, workshops and (in year one and two) laboratory work.
In both first and second year, each physics module typically consists of four to five lectures per week (120 to 150 students), along with one problem-solving workshop, one small group tutorial (about 7 to 15 students), and 2.5 hours in the teaching laboratory. Laboratory work is usually undertaken in pairs in first year and individually in second year.
At Honours level, modules typically consist of three lectures per week (6 to 140 students). Some modules also have small group tutorials (5 to 12 students).
In your final semester, you will focus solely on your final year project.
When not attending lectures, tutorials and labs, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve:
- working on individual and group projects
- undertaking research in the library or online
- preparing for laboratory work
- preparing coursework assignments and presentations
- preparing for examinations
Assessment
During first and second year, most modules are assessed by a mix of coursework and written examinations. In Honours years, assessment depends on the nature of the specific module. Most modules give a higher weighting to written examinations, but some are assessed solely through coursework.
Coursework includes:
- critical comparison of research papers
- laboratory work
- classroom tests
- tutorial participation
- tutorial solutions
- oral and written presentations
Most examinations are held at the end of the semester during a dedicated exam diet and revision time is provided beforehand.
The School aims to provide feedback on assessments and coursework within a time specified for the assignment – in some cases two days, in some cases two weeks. Feedback is given with a view to improving your performance in the future.
Fees
Scotland
£1,820
England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man
£9,535
EU and overseas
£31,670
More information on tuition fees can be found on the undergraduate fees and funding page.
Additional costs
There are no additional fees for labs and lab equipment in the School. Most students in the 'Transferable Skills for Physicists' module are normally expected to attend the residential conference weekend in the Scottish countryside, and are asked to make a contribution (currently £40) towards the costs of the weekend.
Accommodation fees
Find out about accommodation fees for University accommodation.
Funding and scholarships
The University of St Andrews offers a number of scholarships and support packages to undergraduate students each year.
Joint Honours degrees
You can also take Theoretical Physics as part of a joint Honours degree in which you will take core modules of your chosen subjects.
- UCAS code FG31: Bachelor of Science (Honours) Mathematics and Physics
- UCAS code FV30: Bachelor of Science (Honours) Philosophy and Physics
- UCAS code FGH1: Master in Physics (Honours) Mathematics and Theoretical Physics
- UCAS code FF13: Master in Science (Honours) Chemistry and Physics
Careers
Graduates from the School enjoy a range of career options. Some use their physics knowledge and skills every day, for example, in research and development. Others use the more general problem solving, programming and mathematical skills developed in the course in IT, finance, and management careers.
At the end of the degree, graduates should be equipped with the following skills that are valued in a wide range of occupations:
- knowledge and understanding of fundamental physical laws and principles
- the ability to determine what information is needed to solve a problem, and a knowledge of where to find or generate such information
- the ability to analyse data and evaluate the level of uncertainty in results
- skills to identify relevant principles and laws of physics when dealing with problems
- communication skills including the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely
Graduates from the School of Physics and Astronomy have found employment in fields including:
- banking and commerce
- biophysics
- computing
- geophysics
- medical physics
- meteorology
- research and development in industry and in government agencies
- software development
- teaching
The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.
University of St. Andrews
Overview:
The University of St. Andrews is Scotland's first university, established in 1413. It is renowned for its academic excellence, particularly in postgraduate studies, and consistently ranks among the top universities in the UK.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services for students, including:
MySaint:
A student portal for accessing various resources and information.Moodle:
An online learning platform for course materials and communication.Library:
A well-equipped library with extensive resources and study spaces.MMS:
A student support system for managing academic and personal matters.Accommodation:
On-campus housing options for students.Fees and Funding:
Information on tuition fees and financial aid opportunities.Scholarships:
Various scholarships available for eligible students.Student Life and Campus Experience:
The university offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, characterized by:
Close-knit community:
A strong sense of belonging fostered by the small town setting.Academically stimulating environment:
Opportunities for intellectual growth and engagement.Active research:
Involvement in cutting-edge research projects.International community:
A diverse student body from around the world.Numerous extracurricular activities:
Opportunities for social interaction and personal development.Key Reasons to Study There:
Top-ranked university:
Consistently ranked among the best in the UK.World-leading research:
Access to cutting-edge research facilities and resources.Excellent postgraduate programs:
A wide range of taught Masters degrees and online courses.Strong academic reputation:
A prestigious institution with a long history of academic excellence.Supportive and welcoming community:
A close-knit environment that fosters a sense of belonging.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including: