Program Overview

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BSc 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. You’ll focus on modern theoretical physics methods and applications, equipping you with the knowledge and skills for addressing contemporary challenges in the field. Engage in two extended projects in your final year tackling real-world problems. Experience working as a team and communicating your results to a variety of audiences in different ways. Benefit from access to advanced research facilities including clean rooms, a helium liquefier, a water tank, amplified ultra-fast laser systems, and a suite of instruments for imaging biological materials. From day one, you will develop skills that are highly valued by employers such as data analysis, critical thinking, problem-solving, scientific programming and science communication.

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

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)
• Final year:
  • Compulsory modules:
    • PHY3052: Nuclear and High Energy Physics (15 credits)
    • PHY3062: Methods of Theoretical Physics (15 credits)
    • PHY3068: Principles of Theoretical Physics (15 credits)
    • PHY3072: Physics Project (30 credits)
    • PHY3073: States of Matter (15 credits)
    • PHY3074: Employability and Professional Skills Development III (0 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)

Course variants

• BSc Theoretical Physics with Study Abroad
• BSc Theoretical Physics with Professional Placement

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