Program Overview

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MPhys Theoretical Physics - 2026 entry

Overview

Gain a solid foundation in modern physics, covering essential topics such as classical physics, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, relativity and solid-state physics. Our MPhys degree gives you the opportunity to work on a real-world collaborative, open-ended theoretical physics research project. Gain first-hand experience of how modern research works and develop your skills as a professional researcher.

Entry Requirements

• Typical offer: A-Level: AAA-ABB, IB: 36/666 – 32/655, BTEC: DDD-DDM
• Contextual offers: A-Level: ABB-ABC, IB: 32/655-28/554, BTEC: DDM-DMM
• Required subjects: A in Mathematics and B in Physics, or B in Mathematics and A in Physics
• GCSE: 4 or C in English language
• Access to HE: 30 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade - 24 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 21 L3 credits at Merit Grade
• T-Level: Not accepted

Course Content

Our programme is carefully designed around a skills development roadmap that starts on day one, and continues across your whole degree.

Year 1

• Compulsory modules:
  • PHY1032: Physics of Everyday Life (60 credits)
  • PHY1033: Mathematics Skills (30 credits)
  • PHY1034: Computational Data Analysis (15 credits)
  • PHY1035: Experimental Physics (15 credits)
  • PHY1036: Employability and Professional Skills Development (0 credits)

Year 2

• Compulsory modules:
  • PHY2032: Analytical and Chaotic Dynamics (15 credits)
  • PHY2039: From Fields to Quanta (60 credits)
  • PHY2040: Mathematics for Physicists (15 credits)
  • PHY2041: Experimental Physics II (15 credits)
  • PHY2042: Employability and Professional Skills Development II (0 credits)
• Optional modules:
  • PHY2027: Scientific Programming in C (15 credits)
  • PHY2037: Nonlinear Optics and Imaging (15 credits)

Year 3

• Compulsory modules:
  • PHY3052: Nuclear and High Energy Physics (15 credits)
  • PHY3062: Methods of Theoretical Physics (15 credits)
  • PHY3068: Principles of Theoretical Physics (15 credits)
  • PHY3073: States of Matter (15 credits)
  • PHY3074: Employability and Professional Skills Development III (0 credits)
  • PHY3122: Project and Dissertation (30 credits)
• Optional modules:
  • PHY3051: Electromagnetism II (15 credits)
  • PHY3061: The Biophysics of Cells and Tissues (15 credits)
  • PHY3064: Nanostructures and Graphene Science (15 credits)
  • PHY3066: Galaxies and High Energy Astrophysics (15 credits)
  • PHY3070: Stars from Birth to Death (15 credits)
  • PHY3071: Soft Matter (15 credits)
  • PHY3075: Introduction to Quantum Technology (15 credits)
  • PHY3220: Fluid Dynamics in Physics and Astronomy (15 credits)
  • PHY3222: Energy, Materials and Sustainability (15 credits)

Final Year

• Compulsory modules:
  • PHYM006: Relativity and Cosmology (15 credits)
  • PHYM009: Project and Dissertation (45 credits)
  • PHYM013: Quantum Many-Body Theory (15 credits)
  • PHYM020: Employability and Professional Skills Development IV (0 credits)
• Optional modules:
  • PHYM002: Quantum Mechanics II (15 credits)
  • PHYM003: Condensed Matter II (15 credits)
  • PHYM004: Computational Physics and Modelling (15 credits)
  • PHYM008: Physical Methods in Biology and Medicine (15 credits)
  • PHYM012: Solar and Extra-Solar Planets and Their Atmospheres (15 credits)
  • PHYM015: Quantum Optics and Photonics (15 credits)

Course Variants

MPhys Theoretical Physics with Study Abroad

We strongly encourage you to consider spending a year studying abroad as part of your degree, taking place in your third year. We have agreements with universities across the globe, giving you a huge range of amazing and exciting locations to choose between.

MPhys Theoretical Physics with Professional Placement

Experience of working in your chosen field is a real advantage when entering the graduate job market. It’s also a great way to try out different jobs and to make contacts within companies you’re interested in working for.

Fees

• UK students: £9,535 per year
• International students: £30,900 per year

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships.

Learning and Teaching

Learning and teaching at Exeter is undertaken in a variety of ways, ranging from classic style lecturing, weekly problem-solving classes, computing practical sessions, and laboratory sessions.

Assessment

Assessment in Exeter is performed via a combination of exams and continuous assessments, including problem sets, reports, multimedia presentations, posters and vivas.

Your Future

Employability skills are an integral part of the physics curriculum. The flexibility and adaptability of a well-trained physicist is appreciated by employers: they acknowledge the benefits of excellent problem solving skills, an educated scientific intuition, and the confidence to be able to grasp new concepts quickly.

Career Paths

The largest proportion of our graduates enter science-based industries in positions involving research and development, production and management. Other careers include scientific work in government establishments, hospital physics in the NHS, and technical management in broadcasting and the communications sector. Some work in high-tech start-up companies.

Related Courses

• Physics MPhys
• Physics with Astrophysics MPhys
• Natural Sciences MSci
• Theoretical Physics BSc
• Physics with Quantum Technology MPhys
• Theoretical Physics BSc