Theoretical Physics MSc

Program Overview

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Theoretical Physics MSc

Key Information

Study mode: Full time, Part time Duration: 1 year full-time, September to September, 2 years part-time Credit value: UK 180/ECTS 90 Application status: Open Start date: September 2025

Course Essentials

Our Theoretical Physics MSc is a demanding research-informed course that gives you a coherent, comprehensive introduction to the building blocks of modern theoretical physics and the opportunity to explore more advanced topics. The course offers you the choice to study either full or part-time and is made up of optional and required modules. You must take modules totalling 180 credits to complete the course, including 60 credits that will come from a research project and dissertation. Full time students will complete the course in one year, from September to September. Part-time students will complete the course in two years, and can choose to complete the project over the two years or on a full-time basis in second year.

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.

Regulating Bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

Entry Requirements

UK Applicants

• Standard requirements: A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
• Programme-Specific Requirements: Bachelors degree with 2:1 honours in Physics or Maths. Alternatively, a 2:1 in a degree subject related to Maths will be considered on a case by case basis.

International Applicants

• Equivalent International qualifications: Select a country to view equivalent qualifications
• English language requirements: English language band D
• To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.

Teaching and Structure

Teaching Methods

• Lectures
• Group Tutorials
• Independent Study We use lectures and group tutorials to deliver most of the modules on the course. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study.

Assessment

• Coursework
• Written/Practical Examinations
• Class Tests
• Quizzes Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include unseen written exams, class tests, online quizzes and coursework submission.

Structure

Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits.

Required Modules

• Theoretical Physics Project (60 credits) Part time students can choose to take the project on a part-time basis across years 1 and 2, or on a full-time basis in year 2. Full time students are required to take at least six modules and part time students are normally required to take at least six modules across both years of study from a list which may typically include:
  • Foundations of Mathematical Physics (15 credits)
  • Advanced Quantum Mechanics (15 credits)
  • Quantum Field Theory (15 credits)
  • Supersymmetry and Conformal Field Theory (15 credits)
  • Strings, Branes and Quantum Gravity (15 credits)
  • Gauge Theory and Renormalisation (15 credits)
  • AdS/CFT and Related Topics (15 credits)
  • Modern Computational Techniques for Theoretical Physicists (15 credits)
  • Space-time Structure of Black Holes and the Universe (15 credits)
  • Space Time Geometry & General Relativity (15 credits)

Optional Modules

In addition, you are required to take up to two more modules from the list above or from a range of optional modules, which may typically include:

• Manifolds (15 credits)
• Standard Model Physics & Beyond (15 credits)
• Lie Groups & Lie Algebras
• Introduction to Classical and Quantum Computation (15 credits)
• Cosmology (15 credits)
• Dark Matter & Dark Energy (15 credits)
• Gravitational Wave Physics (15 credits)

Employability

Many of our graduates go on to pursue PhD studies in theoretical physics at various universities in the United Kingdom and abroad. This includes students progressing with our group here at King’s, for which the MSc is particularly well tailored.

Our graduates also take up full-time employment in various industries that require good mathematical/computer knowledge. Recent employers of our graduates have included the Algerian Space Agency, FRM Capital Advisors and Lloyds Banking Group.

Destinations

Recent graduates have found employment within the following job roles and companies:

• PhDs at various prestigious universities including King's and Imperial
• Actuarial Analyst, AXA
• Data Scientist, Zeta Biopharma
• Analyst, Barclays
• Cyber Technology Specialist, Darktrace
• Quantitative Analyst, Sporty Group
• Science Teacher
• Software Tester, Zuri Home Care Solutions
• Data Analyst, ClearScore

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

• UK: Full time £13,500 per year (2025/26), Part time £6,750 per year (2025/26)
• International: Full time £31,600 per year (2025/26), Part time £15,800 per year (2025/26)

Deposit

If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.

• Home deposit: £500
• International deposit: £2000

Additional Costs

In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:

• Books if you choose to buy your own copies
• 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.