Physics with Theoretical Physics with research placement

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Physics with Theoretical Physics MPhys (Hons) with research placement

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Physics with Theoretical Physics

MPhys (Hons)

4 years with research placement, starting in September 2027

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If you love exploring the deep connections between mathematics and theoretical physics, this course is for you.

Our course will help you develop your scientific computing and theoretical modelling skills to understand and solve complex physical problems. You will also learn about fundamental theoretical physics and the intertwining of space, time, matter and energy. You will develop and apply theoretical models, learn about active matter and general relativity and investigate nonlinear physics and quantum optics.

In your final year, you will have the opportunity to be involved in the field-leading research happening within the department, through your project.

Some of our recent graduates have gone on to enjoy careers in engineering, finance and renewable energies and have gone on to work at companies such as Boeing, KPMG and the National Physics Laboratory.

Flexibility

You'll study the same units as for our Physics and Physics with Astrophysics courses in year one. In later years, core material expands to include more computational physics, further mathematics and foundational theoretical physics. This gives you the greatest flexibility and makes it possible to change between courses if your interests change once you're at Bath. It also allows you to modify your placement or study abroad options, or even whether you are on a bachelor’s or master’s programme after you've started.

In your final year, you’ll carry out a substantial project, choosing from a wide range of topics and types. You’ll study a wide-range of topics in theoretical physics, and you can also choose some broader options to enable you to experience a taster of a field you might be considering for graduate employment.

Master of Physics

The MPhys degree gives you the opportunity to enhance and deepen your knowledge compared to BSc courses. We offer a wide range of MPhys options at the forefront of research, from quantum field theory to graphene and topological insulators. You’ll also carry out a major master’s level research placement during your final year. This offers you an immersive and authentic experience of physics research and is excellent preparation for postgraduate study or a research career.

Get involved with our research

Our courses reflect the wide range of research activities in the Department. You’ll learn about nano-engines and organic electronics, investigate quantum optics, study the properties of graphene and the importance of symmetry in theoretical physics, and explore the structure and evolution of the Universe. We bring the latest developments in physics into our teaching, and you can get involved by working with us on your own research project.

Develop your professional skills

All our courses give you experience of a range of professional skills to add to your CV, including problem-solving, communications, teamwork and research. We also have staff dedicated to supporting you in your search for a placement or a graduate job, including offering CV workshops and practice interviews.

Use specialist facilities

You’ll learn experimental and computing skills in our well-equipped teaching labs. You can carry out projects with research equipment and high-performance computers in our specialist research labs. We also have strong links to research facilities and observatories in the UK and around the world.

Watch a tour of our undergraduate physics labs with two of our students.

Get ready for your future career

With the combination of an analytical approach and practical problem-solving skills, physics graduates are in strong demand by employers. You'll be able to work in a wide range of careers in physics and beyond, such as:

Engineering

Telecommunications

Renewable energies

Many of our graduates also go on to postgraduate study in preparation for academic or industry-based research careers.

Find out more about what our graduates go on to do.

Learn more on our Physics Virtual Experience page

You can find out more about studying a physics degree at Bath by visiting our Physics Virtual Experience page to hear from staff and students in the department.

2027/2028 Academic Year

Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail.

We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.

Course structure

This course lasts 4 years. It starts in September 2027 and ends in 2031. Welcome week starts on 20 September 2027.

Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

At Bath, our courses are made up of units of study. Compulsory units cover core concepts that you'll need to understand as part of your degree programme. Some of our courses also offer the opportunity for you to study optional units. These allow you to specialise in particular areas of knowledge that interest you.

As an undergraduate, you will be expected to take 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) in each academic year. Credits are usually split evenly across your two semesters of study. 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) are the equivalent of 1,200 notional hours of study; this includes contact time with staff and your own independent learning.

All credits displayed on this page are ECTS credits.

Compulsory units

Dynamics and astrophysics

10 credits

Foundations of physics 1

20 credits

Mathematics for physics 1

15 credits

Physics skills 1

Foundations of physics 2

Further physics: from neutrinos to black holes

Mathematics for physics 2

Physics skills 2

5 credits

Techniques for theoretical physics

Year 2 Options

Advanced classical mechanics

Advanced quantum mechanics

Fluid dynamics in physics and astrophysics

MPhys / MSci project preparation

Symmetry and topology

Penultimate Year Options

35 credits

Advanced general relativity

MPhys research placement

30 credits

Phase transitions and critical phenomena

Quantum field theory

Quantum theory of matter

Final Year Options

Placement

In the final year of the course, you'll undertake a research placement. You’ll spend six months (July to December) carrying out a high-level research project in a cutting-edge research institute, before returning to the University for the final semester. You can investigate in-depth an aspect or application of physics, giving you experience of innovation and/or research in an external organisation, and deepening your physics knowledge and skills. We have links with leading research organisations, including:

NTT Basic Research Laboratories (Japan)

European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (France)

Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (UK)

We also offer the course with the research placement and the option of a professional placement or study abroad. This gives you the opportunity to gain more experience, make new contacts or try out a possible career path.

Learning and assessment

You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.

Learning

Research project

Experimental laboratory sessions

Scientific computing sessions

Lectures

Practical sessions

Seminars

Tutorials

Workshops

Assessment

Closed book written examination

Open book written examination

Practical

Set exercises

Visual or recorded presentation

These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.

Learning and teaching

Contact hours

Timetabled contact hours, which may be made up of lectures, seminars, tutorials and laboratory classes, vary throughout your course and between courses but are typically between 18 and 22 hours a week in your first year.

Our teaching for this course is delivered through in-person learning on campus, supported by high-quality online provision. The significant majority of contact hours over the duration of your course will be in-person, and this will be enhanced by some online delivery which will constitute a smaller proportion of these contact hours, depending on your programme of study, year of study and chosen optional units.

The amount of timetabled sessions on campus in later years may vary based on the options you choose, with a greater emphasis on independent learning. Project and dissertation units will generally have fewer scheduled sessions to allow you time for your independent work – this may also mean the number of hours of timetabled sessions each week will vary within a year.

Independent learning

In addition to timetabled contact hours, you are expected to undertake independent learning and assessment activities. Typically, this might be around 13 – 22 hours per week in your first year, and include individual research, reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, preparing course working assignments, presentations, or revising for exams. After your first year, the emphasis on independent learning becomes greater, for example in a final year project.

Assessment breakdown

You will be assessed by a range of methods designed to develop and test your skills and knowledge. These include closed and open-book examinations, problem-solving assignments, laboratory and computing assessments, project reports and presentations.

70 to 75% of your course will be assessed through examinations. 25 to 30% will be assessed through coursework, including practical work. The balance of assessment methods will vary throughout your degree.

In your final year, you will carry out a project. You will primarily be assessed as an individual but may also be assessed as part of a group.

We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities, take a look at our Disability Service’s pages for information.

Professional accreditations

By studying a course with a professional accreditation, you could have the chance to get workplace experience, learn about new developments in the industry and apply for membership with the accrediting body. You may also be able to apply for jobs in the industry without having to do any more exams.

Accredited by the Institute of Physics for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirements for a Chartered Physicist.

Recognition of professional qualifications

As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).

The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.

I think physics is quite a future proof degree given the rise in AI at the moment. Having those technical skills is really crucial.

Joe Hannaway

BSc Physics with Theoretical Physics with Professional Placement (Graduating year, 2029)

Entry requirements

Your application, especially your personal statement, should demonstrate your enthusiasm for studying physics. This might include relevant reading, voluntary or work experience, areas of interest from your current studies or other relevant extra-curricular and co-curricular activities.

You will need a strong performance in both Mathematics and Physics as part of your entry qualifications.

We know that the context in which you are studying can have an impact on your ability to perform your best in exams and coursework, or limit which subjects or qualifications you are able to study at your school or college. We consider any application based on its merits, including your background and circumstances, including through:

our contextual admissions process

our approach to considering mitigating circumstances

Origin of qualifications

Select the country or region where your qualification comes from.

-- Country/Region not listed --

Australia

Bulgaria

European Baccalaureate

Hong Kong

Lithuania

Malaysia

New Zealand

Portugal

Singapore

South Africa

South Korea

Thailand

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

United States of America

British qualifications

GCSE requirements

GCSE English Language or Literature grade 4 or C (or equivalent from English language category C)

Read more about how we consider GCSEs.

Typical offer

A*AA in three A levels including Mathematics and Physics with A* in Mathematics or Physics (or Further Mathematics if applicable).

Further Mathematics is not required for this course. If you do study Further Mathematics, you must still achieve A in both Maths and Physics.

Read more about our approach to A levels and AS levels.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level. Read more about our approach to this qualification.

Contextual offer

AAB in three A levels including A in Mathematics and A in Physics.

We seek to foster an outstanding and inclusive community at Bath. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us.

Find out if you may be eligible for a contextual offer.

Contextual offers are automatic - if you receive an offer and meet our eligibility criteria, you will receive the contextual offer instead of our typical or alternative offers.

Alternative offer

AAA or A*AB

We know that you may have study beyond three A levels that will help prepare you for your degree. If you are not eligible for a contextual offer, we recognise these studies through our alternative offers.

AAA or A*AB in three A levels including A in Mathematics and A in Physics plus one of:

grade A in an EPQ or IEPQ

grade A in AS level Further Mathematics (except if you are studying an A level in that subject)

grade B in a fourth A level, where your four A levels include A level Further Mathematics

an appropriate grade in any other project qualification we recognise

The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is not accepted in place of an A level for these offers. If you are studying three A levels and this qualification you are eligible for an alternative offer:

AAAB or A*ABB in three A levels including A in Mathematics and A in Physics and B in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

If you receive an offer, you will receive each alternative offer you qualify for alongside the typical offer. You only need to meet one of these sets of conditions to meet your offer overall.

Read more about how our alternative offers work.

International Baccalaureate

7, 6, 6 at HL

International Baccalaureate Diploma

36 points overall and 7, 6, 6 in three Higher Level subjects including Physics and either HL Mathematics.

Read more about how we consider the IB Diploma.

Standard Level in essential subjects.

In exceptional circumstances we may be able to consider you if you are studying either Standard Level Physics or Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches. Our typical offer in this instance would be 36 points overall with 6, 6, 6 or 7, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in Physics or either HL Mathematics plus 7 in Standard Level Physics or Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches.

We cannot consider Standard Level Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations for this course.

International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme

We consider applicants studying the IBCP on a case-by-case basis based on the individual IB certificates and vocational qualifications you study within the programme. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.

Read more about how we consider IB Certificates and common vocational qualifications.

For this course, you will normally need to study either Mathematics course at Higher Level. Your remaining qualifications must include sufficient Physical Science content.

International Baccalaureate Certificates

If you are studying IB subjects as part of the IB Diploma, you will usually need to complete the full diploma programme to be considered.

If you do not follow the IB Diploma programme, we can consider stand-alone IB Higher Level Certificates either on their own or combined with other qualifications. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.

Read more about how we consider IB Certificates.

6, 6, 5 at HL

36 points overall and 6, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in Physics and 6 in either HL Mathematics.

In exceptional circumstances we may be able to consider you if you are studying either Standard Level Physics or Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches. Our typical offer in this instance would be 36 points overall with 6, 5, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in Physics or either HL Mathematics plus 7 in Standard Level Physics or Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches.

Pearson Edexcel BTEC RQF

D*DD plus A at A level

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (RQF)

D*DD in the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF) plus grade A in A level Mathematics.

You must be studying A level Mathematics alongside your BTEC qualification.

We are able to consider BTEC qualifications in Applied Science and you need to have studied as many units in Physical Science as possible. Please contact us to discuss the suitability of your units before making an application.

Suitable applicants progressing via this route will be invited to interview as part of the admissions process.

Read more about our approach to Extended Diplomas.

T levels are not considered suitable preparation for this degree programme and are therefore not accepted for entry. If you require advice on how you may academically prepare to study this degree or present with a mix of qualifications, you should contact our Admissions Progression Team at admissions-progression@bath.ac.uk.

Scottish Highers

AA in Advanced Highers

AA in two Advanced Highers including Mathematics and Physics.

We make offers based on Advanced Highers. You will typically be expected to have completed five Scottish Highers and your grades in these will be considered as part of your application. We prefer applicants who have achieved AAAAA in their Highers.

Read more about how we consider Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

Access to HE Diploma

39 credits at Distinction

A pass in the Access to HE Diploma in Science or Science and Engineering, with at least 39 credits achieved at Distinction. This must include 12 credits achieved at Distinction from Mathematics units and 12 credits achieved at Distinction from Physics units.

Our Physics courses are academically challenging and require solid foundations of knowledge in Mathematics and Physics. We are able to consider Access to HE Diplomas in Science or Engineering, and we are looking for you to be studying a suitable level of Mathematics and Physics to be able to succeed in our courses. You will need to have studied Mathematics graded units worth at least 12 credits (including Calculus) and Physics graded units worth at least 12 credits, and your Access course specification will be reviewed thoroughly when we are considering your application. Most recent successful applicants have studied a significant amount of Mathematics independently, or completed some of the Mathematics A level syllabus alongside their Access studies.

Combinations of qualifications

We accept a range of other qualifications offered in the UK, as well as combinations of qualifications. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.

You must be studying A level Mathematics (or equivalent) and either A level Physics (or equivalent) or sufficient Physical Science content. If you are not studying A level Physics (or equivalent), please contact us to discuss the suitability of your qualifications before making an application.

Read more about how we consider UK qualifications.

AAQ Extended Certificates

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (AAQ) qualifications and Cambridge OCR Level 3 Advanced National Extended Certificate (AAQ) qualifications can be considered alongside A levels.

Read more about how we consider AAQ Extended Certificates.

BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates

Pearson BTEC Level 3 QCF/RQF Diplomas and Extended Certificates/Subsidiary Diplomas can be considered alongside A levels.

Read more about how we consider BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates.

Cambridge Technical Diplomas and Extended Certificates

Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diplomas and Extended Certificates can be considered alongside A levels.

Read more about how we consider Cambridge Technical Diplomas and Extended Certificates.

You can contact us at admissions@bath.ac.uk for more advice.

English language requirements

Category C

If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components

IELTS Indicator: 6.5 with 6.0 in each component

TOEFL iBT (taken up to 21 January 2026): 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

TOEFL iBT (taken after 21 January 2026): 4.5 overall with a minimum 4.0 in all components

TOEFL iBT and iBT Home Edition: 90 overall with 21 in each component

The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element

The Pearson Test of English Academic Online (PTE Academic Online): we do not accept this qualification

Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 180 with no less than 169 in all elements

Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 180 with no less than 169 in all elements

Duolingo (taken up to 1 July 2024): 120 overall with sub scores of Literacy 120, Comprehension 130, Conversation 115, Production 100

Duolingo (taken after 1 July 2024): 120 overall with sub scores of Speaking 110, Writing 110, Reading 110, Listening 105

LanguageCert Academic SELT or LanguageCert Academic (Test Centre or Online): 70 overall, with no less than 65 in each component

LanguageCert International: B2 Communicator High Pass overall, with an aggregate score in Listening, Reading and Writing of at least 101 (with no less than 33 in each component) and a score of no less than 38 in Speaking

SFE Skill for English (SELT) test: B2 Pass with Merit overall and in all four components

See the full list of accepted English qualifications.

Norwegian qualifications

Vitnemål for videregående opplæring (Leaving certificate from upper secondary school)

An average of 4.5 in the common core subjects and an average of 5 across six optional programme courses including 5 in Mathematics R1/NS1 and R2/NS2 and 5 in Physics 1 and 2.

These requirements are for the Specialisation in General Studies programme. Please contact us if you are taking a different programme

We consider your grades in final assessment for each subject, or in examinations where you do not have a final assessment for that subject.

A levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma

We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.

International Foundation Years

If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.

You can study our International Foundation Year delivered through our International Study Centre at our Bath campus. You will be guaranteed progression to your chosen degree at Bath if you achieve the required progression grades - see the relevant Foundation Year pathway for details.

We consider UK International Foundation Years offered by other UK organisations on a case-by-case basis, including those delivered outside the UK. Please contact us for further advice.

Canadian qualifications

High school diplomas from all provinces and territories except Quebec, Ontario and Manitoba

88% average across 5 grade 12 subjects including Physics, Pre-calculus and Calculus with 90%, 88% in Physics and Calculus (or equivalent from your province or territory)

Subjects with a less academic focus may be excluded.

If you would like to find out which subjects we consider equivalent to Pre-calculus and Calculus in your province or territory please email admissions@bath.ac.uk

Quebec diplôme d'études collégiales

88% average in a pre-university programme with 88% in all Mathematics and Physics courses

We accept the following pre-university programmes, depending on the Physics courses you have taken:

Arts and Sciences; Science Computer Science and Mathematics; Science

Ontario Secondary School Diploma and Manitoba High School Diploma

Unfortunately we are not able to accept either the Ontario Secondary School Diploma or Manitoba High School Diploma alone for entry to this course. You will need an additional Mathematics qualification, such as an Advanced Placement Test in Calculus BC or an an IB Certificate in either Mathematics at HL or SL Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches for us to be able to consider your application

USA Curriculum

We accept this curriculum whether you have studied in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States' section.

We accept the IB Diploma and our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section. If you are studying a mixture of IB courses and College Board qualifications please contact us for advice.

Irish qualifications

Irish Leaving Certificate

H1, H1, H1, H2, H2, H3 in six subjects from the Irish Leaving Certificate with H1 in Mathematics and H2, H2 in Applied Mathematics and Physics.

We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.

Bulgarian qualifications

Diploma Za Sredno Obrazovanie

5.7 overall with 6.0 and 5.8 in Mathematics and Physics including at least one of these subjects in a state matriculation exam.

Any subject in your offer in which you do not take a state matriculation exam must be studied in your final year of school.

Cypriot qualifications

Cypriot Apolytirion (Private Schools)

19 in the Apolytirion plus A*A in two A levels including Mathematics and Physics.

Cypriot Apolytirion (Public Schools from 2019)

We can often consider applications from students taking the Apolytirion in public schools in Cyprus without any additional A levels. This will depend on your subject stream and the advanced level subjects you are taking. Please email admissions@bath.ac.uk to find out more about our requirements.

Malaysian qualifications

Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)

AAA in three subjects including Mathematics and Physics.

We do not accept General Studies as one of these three subjects. We do not accept grade A- in place of grade A.

Malaysian United Examination Certificate (UEC)

A1, A2, A2, A2, A2, A2 including Advanced Mathematics I or Advanced Mathematics II and Physics.

Swedish qualifications

Högskoleförberedande Examen (Higher Education Preparatory Diploma)

Pass with A in 200 credits in Mathematics including Mathematics 4 or 5 and A in Physics 1 and 2 plus A in a further 800 credits and B in a further 800 credits.

New Zealander qualifications

National Certificate in Educational Achievement (NCEA)

Level 3 Diploma achieved with Excellence including one Level 3 subject with 18 credits at Excellence (E) and two Level 3 subjects with 14 credits at Excellence (E) including Mathematics and Physics.

Greek qualifications

Apolytirion

19 in the Apolytirion plus A*A in A level Mathematics and Physics.

We cannot accept the Apolytirion unless it is studied alongside A levels. We do not accept Pan Hellenic examinations in place of an A level.

German qualifications

1.3 overall with 14, 13 in Mathematics and Physics.

The required grades in Mathematics and Physics must be achieved in your final examinations if you take them. If you do not take one of these subjects in your final examinations, you will need an average grade across 4 semesters in it.

Danish qualifications

Studenterexamen (STX)

A weighted average mark of 11 with 10 in Mathematics A and Physics A.

If you sit written and oral examinations in a subject, you must achieve the required grades in both.

We may be able to consider your application if you are taking the Højere Handelseksamen (HHX), Højere Teknisk Eksamen (HTX), Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF). Please contact us to discuss our requirements.

Portuguese qualifications

Certificado Nível Secundário de Edução

Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto this course on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need some recognised additional study in Mathematics. Please contact admissions@bath.ac.uk for further advice.

European qualifications

85% overall with 9.0, 8.5 in both Mathematics (5 periods) and Physics (4 periods) with 9.0 in either Mathematics or Physics.

Indian qualifications

Higher Secondary School Certificate (12th Standard)

An average of 85% across four subjects with 85% in Mathematics and Physics.

We do not accept Physical Education as one of these four subjects. Other subjects with a less academic focus may also be excluded. Please email admissions@bath.ac.uk if you would like to discuss your subject choices.

These requirements are for the CBSE and CISCE boards. Please contact us if you are taking this qualification with a different board.

If you are taking CBSE examinations, you must be studying Mathematics and not Applied Mathematics.

If you are taking CISCE examinations, we will consider either Mathematics or Applied Mathematics.

American qualifications

Advanced Placement Tests

5 in Advanced Placement Calculus BC plus 5 in both Advanced Placement Physics 1 and Physics 2.

We assess applications from students taking AP examinations on an individual basis.

When assessing your application, we will also be looking for evidence of a high academic standard across a breadth of study, for example through additional AP Tests, your wider school curriculum and SAT or ACT scores if you have taken them.

If you would like advice about your own set of qualifications, please email admissions@bath.ac.uk

Honours or Dual Enrolment classes

If you are unable to take the Advanced Placement tests required above, we may be able to consider your application if you can demonstrate a high level of academic achievement through honours, dual enrolment or equivalent ‘advanced’ level classes on a case-by-case basis. Typically, we would be looking for one honours, dual enrolment or equivalent ‘advanced’ level class in place of each Advanced Placement test. If you do not have Advanced Placement tests in Calculus BC and Physics, we may be able to consider honours, dual enrolment or equivalent ‘advanced’ level classes in these subjects.

When assessing your application, we will also be looking for evidence of a high academic standard across a breadth of study, for example through your wider school curriculum and SAT or ACT scores if you have them.

Please send a copy of your high school transcript and details of any pending classes to admissions@bath.ac.uk if you would like to discuss your application.

Associate Degrees

3.5 GPA including sufficient credit in Mathematics and Physics

We consider applications from students with Associate Degrees on a case-by-case basis and will carefully review the content of the classes you have studied, particularly in Mathematics and Physics. We will be looking for a high standard across a breadth of academic study and for you to have studied sufficient credit with high grades in Mathematics and Physics to be suitably prepared to enter this course.

Please email admissions@bath.ac.uk with a copy of your university and high school transcripts and details of any pending classes if you would like to discuss your application.

Spanish qualifications

Titulo de Bachiller

A score of 9 overall with 9 in Mathematics and Physics in the final year.

You must be studying Mathematics I and II from the science stream. We cannot accept Mathematics for Social Sciences for this degree course.

Australian qualifications

High School Certificates and Certificates of Education

An ATAR of 94

We will also be looking for a high performance in Maths and Physics at a suitable level. If you would like further information on the requirements for your state or territory please email admissions@bath.ac.uk with details of your courses.

You will also need to successfully complete your state or territory's high school certificate or certificate of education.

Polish qualifications

Certificate of Maturity

90, 85, 85 in three extended subjects including Mathematics and Physics with 90 in either Mathematics or Physics.

South African qualifications

National Senior Certificate

77766 in five subjects with 85% in Mathematics, Further Studies Mathematics (Standard) and Physical Sciences.

We do not accept Life Orientation as one of these five subjects.

South Korean qualifications

Ilbankye Kodung Hakkyo (General High School Diploma)

Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.

Hong Kongese qualifications

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

5,5 in core Mathematics and the Algebra and Calculus extended paper plus 5 in Physics and 4 in either one further elective subject or English.

French qualifications

General Baccalaureate (Baccalauréat Général)

15 overall with 16, 15 in two speciality subjects in the final year including Mathematics and either Physics/Chemistry or Engineering Science

BFI (Baccalauréat Français International) or OIB (Option Internationale du Baccalauréat) awarded prior to 2024

14 overall with 16, 15 in two speciality subjects in the final year including Mathematics and either Physics/Chemistry or Engineering Science

By speciality subjects, we mean the subjects studied as 'enseignements de spécialités' as part of the General Baccalaureate. The grade we require is the grade awarded in the speciality subject from the written examinations taken in your final year.

Singaporean qualifications

Singapore A levels

AAA in three H2 level subjects including A in Mathematics and Physics.

Polytechnic Diploma (3 years)

We are unable to consider a Polytechnic Diploma for our Physics degrees.

Turkish qualifications

Turkish High School Diploma, Private High School Diploma, Science High School Diploma or Anatolian High School Diploma

CGPA of 85% with 85% in Physics and either Calculus or Mathematics in the final year.

Hungarian qualifications

Érettségi Bizonyítvány (Secondary Education Graduation Certificate)

5 in all subjects with 85% and 80% in Higher Mathematics and Physics.

Emirati qualifications

Secondary School Certificate (Tawjihiyya)

Indian Higher Secondary School Certificate (12th Standard)

We accept the Indian 12th Standard and our entry requirements are listed under the 'India' section.

Ukrainian qualifications

Atestat pro Povnu Zagal’nu Sersdniu Osvitu (Certificate of Complete General Secondary Education)

Зовнішнє незалежне оцінювання (External Independent Evaluation EIE)

НАЦІОНАЛЬНИЙ МУЛЬТИПРЕДМЕТНИЙ TECT (National Multi-Subject Test)

Unfortunately, we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of these qualifications alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course.

If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider a Foundation Year or if you are located here in the UK, explore the qualifications that may be available to you.

Please contact us for further advice on admissions@bath.ac.uk

Belgian qualifications

Certificat d'Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur / Diploma van Hoger Secundair Onderwijs / Abschlusszeugnis der Oberstufe des Sekundarunterrichts

Due to the variety, structure and grading of these qualifications, applications are welcomed from students with these qualifications but we consider them on on a case-by-case basis. If you are interested in applying, please contact us on admissions@bath.ac.uk for further advice. Please provide copies of your school reports within your email for our consideration.

Chinese qualifications

National College Entrance Examination (Gaokao)

80% overall including 85%, 80% in Mathematics for Science and Physics.

AST - Aptitude Scholastic Test

230, 210, 210 in three subjects including 230, 210 in Mathematics and Physics.

Thai qualifications

Higher Secondary School Certificate (Mathayom Suksa 6)

Lithuanian qualifications

Brandos Atestatas (Secondary School Leaving Certificate)

9.0 overall with 95, 90, 90 in three state exams including Mathematics and Physics with 95 in Mathematics or Physics.

Jordanian qualifications

General Secondary Education Certificate (Tawjihi)

Russian qualifications

Certificate of Secondary Education (Attestat o (Polnom) Srednem Obshchem Obrazovanii)

Romanian qualifications

Diplomă de Bacalaureat (General or Theoretical branch)

9.0 overall with 9.5, 9.0, 9.0 in three subjects including Mathematics and Physics with 9.5 in Mathematics or Physics.

Italian qualifications

Diploma di Esame di Stato

An overall score of 95% in the scientific pathway with 10, 9, 9 in three subjects from your final report card including Mathematics and Physics with 10 in Mathematics or Physics.

Japanese qualifications

Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho)

Other qualifications

If your qualification is not listed, please email admissions@bath.ac.uk to find out more about our requirements.

Nigerian qualifications

West African Senior School Certificate / Nigerian Senior School Certificate

Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of these qualifications alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.

Higher National Diploma

Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Physics with Theoretical Physics MPhys (Hons) with research placement

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees

Fee information is not yet available for this course. Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students.

Find out more about student fees

Extra costs

If you choose to take 'Science education in practice' as an optional unit, you may need to pay for an enhanced DBS check and for travel to local secondary schools. The DBS check is payable before the start of your penultimate year at an approximate cost of £55.

How to pay

Tuition fee loans

If you are studying an undergraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.

Read more about tuition fee loans

Scholarships and bursaries

You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. This is in addition to your student loan and you do not have to pay it back.

Read more about bursaries and scholarships

Other payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.

Read more about your payment options

Budgeting

You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.

Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.

If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement. If you are thinking about studying or working abroad as part of your course, you may have to prove that you have a certain amount of money in your bank account to get a visa.

Please read the information about planning your finances for your placement year which includes potential sources of funding, travel insurance, and visas.

Application information

Course title

Final award

Mode of study

Full-time

Course code

Institution code

Department

Department of Physics

Location

Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY

Home application deadline

13 January 2027

Overseas application deadline

Application eligibility

Home and Overseas students are eligible to apply

Regulator

The Office for Students (OfS)

Selection process

We will usually assess you based on your UCAS application. If you are studying certain qualifications, such as an Access to HE Diploma or BTEC Extended Diploma, you will be invited to attend an interview as part of our selection process.

Very exceptionally we may invite you to an interview if you have circumstances we cannot assess from an application alone.

Our interview page gives more information on what you should expect from an interview.

Immigration requirements

This MPhys degree is covered by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS). Unless you are a citizen of the UK or another country exempted from ATAS clearance, you will need an ATAS Certificate to join this course. Find out more about applying for an ATAS certificate.

Exemptions include citizens of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) member state and citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, and the USA.

Course enquiries

Undergraduate Selection

admissions@bath.ac.uk

Learn more about studying at Bath

Visit our undergraduate virtual experience page

Related courses

Physics with Theoretical Physics BSc (Hons) – 4 years with professional placement or study abroad

Physics with Theoretical Physics BSc (Hons) – 3 years

Physics with Theoretical Physics MPhys (Hons) – 5 years with professional placement, research placement or study abroad

Physics with Theoretical Physics MPhys (Hons) – 4 years

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The study of matter in motion has underpinned our understanding of the physical world, from Newton's laws of motion to Einstein's theory of relativity. You will learn how these theories are developed and applied, taking a more mathematical approach than in pre-University courses, and explore the foundations of astrophysics, including the solar system, exoplanets, stars and galaxies.

You will advance your knowledge and understanding of fundamental areas of Physics, including quantum mechanics, states of matter, thermodynamics, vibrations & waves, optics and the laws of electromagnetism, developing a platform for your studies throughout your undergraduate course.

Physics and mathematics are disciplines with a natural affinity; mathematics lies at the heart of our understanding of the physical world, and the study of the equations of physics has motivated large areas of mathematical analysis. You will learn the core mathematical techniques required to study physics and explore how these can be applied to physical problems.

Experimental laboratory work, scientific computing, the understanding of measurement, data & applied statistics, scientific writing, presentation and problem solving are skills that are fundamental to your development as a physicist. You will work individually and in groups to advance your confidence and competence in these key areas, to provide a platform for higher-level project work in future years.

Building on Foundations of Physics 1, you will deepen your knowledge of key concepts underpinning our understanding of the physical world. You'll learn how quantum theory is built from a set of fundamental postulates that enable you to understand the properties of atoms and solids, how Maxwell's equations unify the laws of electricity & magnetism and explain the properties of electromagnetic waves, and how simple counting rules make fundamental sense of the concepts of temperature and entropy.

One of the great things about physics is that the fundamental ideas, laws and theories hold from the smallest, most ephemeral sub-atomic particles to the largest scale structures in the Universe. You will explore the foundations of particle physics and nuclear physics, learn about the life cycle of stars and expand your knowledge of cosmological models and the Big Bang.

Vector calculus, Fourier analysis and methods to solve linear partial differential equations are important parts of the physicist's mathematical toolbox. You will learn about these more advanced mathematical concepts and techniques, that will be applied in second year and higher-level Physics units, and further develop your problem-solving skills and understanding of mathematical results.

Conduct Physics experiments in pairs, developing skills in experimentation, science, and presentation. You'll work together on high-level electronic experiments and strengthen your scientific computing skills in Python through numerical methods and computational investigations. Collaborating in teams, you'll investigate physical phenomena using theory, simulation, and experimentation.

This unit is aimed at more theoretically-minded students who want to broaden their mathematical knowledge and skills, both for its own sake and for its application in higher-level theoretical physics units. You will study calculus of variations, Sturm-Liouville theory, Green's functions and functions of a complex variable and see how beautiful mathematical physics can be!

In Semester 2 you can choose how you would most like to advance your physics skills, to provide a strong foundation for your extended project work in your final year. You will learn to use a high-level compiled programming language such as C++ to solve more complex scientific problems.

You can also choose between options such as:

- Learning to use physical computing to control and measure electronic circuits and experiments

- Using a range of data modelling techniques to analyse and visualise astrophysical “big-data” sets.

Classical Mechanics is an area of fundamental physics where a mathematical treatment is essential to appreciate the subject. You will study the underlying principles of the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalisms of classical mechanics, use these to formulate and solve a range of problems, and see the fundamental connection between symmetry and conservation laws. You'll also learn how the theory is extended to continuous fields, currently understood to be the most fundamental objects in nature.

You will further develop your knowledge of the concepts, techniques and applications of quantum mechanics, exploring how many-particle quantum systems are described, using approximation methods to calculate properties of stationary and time-dependent systems, and seeing how the postulates of quantum mechanics and special relativity lead to the Dirac equation and its solutions.

Further develop your understanding of the fundamental concepts and equations of fluid dynamics in a physical and astrophysical setting. You will learn about the behaviour of gases and liquids on earth, as well as a range of phenomena in astrophysics, from the life of single stars, interstellar and intergalactic gas to the evolution of entire galaxies and the Universe as a whole.

You will gain an insight into the practice of research, enabling you to prepare for your final year MPhys/MSci research project or placement. This unit enables you to develop the skills and knowledge needed to make the most of your time during your project or placement. As well as further developing your transferable skills, you will also begin to learn the physics relevant to your final year MPhys/MSci research project or placement.

Symmetry and topology are fundamental concepts that underpin our understanding of the physical world, from the symmetry of space-time, the properties of molecules and crystals, the modes of optical fibres, to the recent discovery of topological insulators. You will be introduced to the mathematics of group theory, representation theory and topology, and explore examples of their application in describing and understanding physical systems.

Our penultimate year MPhys options give you the opportunity to develop your skills and deepen your knowledge and understanding, to provide you with a sound foundation for your final year master's level research project or placement. You will further deepen your knowledge and experience of scientific computing, and you can choose whether to apply this to computational physics or computational astrophysics projects.

You can also choose from a wide range of final year options to match your individual interests and preferences. You can choose to focus more strongly on fundamental or applied physics, or to keep a more equal balance between the two. A range of astrophysics topics are included in these options, as are broader topics to enable you to experience a taster of a field you might be considering for graduate employment.

Through this unit, you will develop a more mathematically rigorous understanding of general relativity, including deriving the Einstein field equations and exploring the black hole and cosmological solutions.

Investigate in depth an aspect or application of physics, developing your experimental and/or computational skills, and giving you first-hand experience of innovation and research. Our 6-month research placements enable you to carry out cutting-edge research at prestigious research organisations, both in the UK and abroad, and are a great opportunity to expand your horizons and broaden your network of contacts, as well as developing your physics knowledge and transferable skills.

You will deepen your knowledge of statistical mechanics, by learning about key concepts in the theory of phase transitions and critical phenomena, including the scaling hypothesis and the renormalisation group.

You will learn how fundamental particles, such as electrons, quarks and photons, are described as quantum fields. You will also explore how quantum field theory can be used to describe and understand interactions between particles.

You will learn about how many-body techniques and topological band theory can be applied to a range of topics in condensed matter physics, including graphene and topological insulators.

We offer a wide range of final year MPhys options. You can deepen your understanding of observational cosmology, learning about the techniques and observations that have constrained current cosmological models, and learn how galaxies form and evolve. Or explore high-energy astrophysical phenomena, such as cosmic rays, pulsars, black holes, active galactic nuclei and astrophysical jets.

Alternatively, you can study new developments in electronics, photonics and spintronics, learning about properties of materials at the nanoscale, including electronic, ferroelectric, magnetic and optical properties of advanced functional materials. You can explore fibre photonics, from the underlying mathematical theory of light propagation in optical fibre to the practical applications of advanced optical fibre technology. Or learn about the physics underlying nonlinear optical processes, and how the fundamental concepts of quantum optics are used to generate, control and measure quantum states of light

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