BSc Theoretical Physics (International)

Programme overview

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements are available on the Course Search entry

Programme specification

The programme will provide students with:
- a sound knowledge and understanding of the core observations, concepts and quantitative theoretical structures that constitute our contemporary understanding of the physical world;
- problem solving skills, including the mathematical, numerical and computational skills necessary to formulate and solve problems in Physics;
- knowledge and skills in advanced areas of mathematics relevant to a theoretical understanding of the natural world;
- an appreciation of areas of Physics which reflect their special interests and the nature of scientific inquiry, through the study of modules linked to the research interests of the School;
- the opportunity of planning and executing a major project, involving either original research or a thorough literature review of an advanced topic in theoretical physics;
- the opportunity of developing independent learning skills and of acquiring information technology and communication skills, including the presentation of work in both written and spoken form;
- a sound preparation for a professional career in academic or industrial research.

The International programme gives the students an opportunity to study a foreign language, live in a foreign country and learn Physics within a different framework of teaching and learning styles. The programme also provides the opportunity for students to undertake a research project in a Physics Department that has complimentary equipment and skills to our own, thus giving them wider experience.

Year 1

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

Compulsory Modules

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
PHAS1000	First Year Physics Assessment	100	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP
PHAS1010	Mechanics, Relativity and Astrophysics	0	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP
PHAS1020	Thermodynamics	0	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP
PHAS1030	Electronics, Solid State and Introduction to Quantum Physics	0	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP
PHAS1040	Vibrations, Waves and Optics	0	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP
PHAS1050	Coding and Experimental Physics	0	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP

Optional Modules

Candidates can study up to 20 credits from the following optional modules:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
MATH1110	Real Analysis	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
MEDP1002	Introduction to Medical Physics	10	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
PHAS1500	Introduction to Nanotechnology	10	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
PHAS1510	Planets and the Search for Life	10	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
PHAS1700	Artificial Intelligence for Scientists	10	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Discovery Modules

Candidates can study up to 20 credits of Discovery modules, ensuring that they study for 120 credits in total.

Candidates who have chosen 10 credits of optional modules must take a 10 further credits of Discovery modules.

Year 2

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

Compulsory Modules

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
PHAS2000	2nd year Physics Assessment	80	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP
PHAS2010	Quantum Mechanics	0	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP
PHAS2020	Statistical Mechanics and Computation	0	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP
PHAS2030	Condensed Matter Physics	0	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP
PHAS2040	Electromagnetism	0	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP

Optional Modules

Candidates will be required to study 40 credits from the following optional modules, making certain that there is an even balance of modules across both semesters:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
MATH2120	Rings and Polynomials	10	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MATH2130	Further Linear Algebra and Discrete Mathematics	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MATH2140	Introduction to Logic	10	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MATH2150	Calculus, Curves and Complex Analysis	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MATH2380	Calculus of Variations	10	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MATH2400	Mathematical Modelling	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
PHAS2300	Theoretical Astrophysics	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)

Year 3

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

Compulsory Modules

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
PHAS9002	Year Abroad for BSc Students	120	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)	PFP

Year 4

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

Compulsory Modules

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
PHAS3000	Project	40	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
PHAS3400	Advanced Quantum Physics	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

Optional Modules

Candidates will be required to study 60 credits from the following lists of optional modules:

Candidates must choose at least 10 credits in semester 1 and at least 30 credits in semester 2

Candidates can choose to study up to 60 credits from list A:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
MATH3130	Differential Geometry	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MATH3300	Methods of Applied Mathematics	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MATH3350	Computational Applied Mathematics	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MATH3400	Fluid Dynamics	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MATH3430	Entropy and Quantum Mechanics	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
PHAS3100	Star and Planet Formation	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
PHAS3110	Cosmology	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
PHAS3200	Advanced Optics with Photonics	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
PHAS3300	Quantum Matter	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
PHAS3310	Magnetism and Ferroic Materials	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
PHAS3410	Theoretical Elementary Particle Physics	20	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
PHAS3420	Advanced Mechanics	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
PHAS3500	The Physics of the Molecules of Life	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
PHAS3510	Molecular Simulation with Machine Learning: Theory and Practice	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)

Candidates may study up to 20 credits from list B:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
PHAS3600	Physics in Schools	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
PHAS3610	Group Innovation Project	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)

Candidates can choose to study up to 20 credits from list C:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
CAPE3331	Nuclear Operations	20	Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
MEDP3512	Magnetic Resonance Imaging	10	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MEDP3514	Ultrasound Imaging	10	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MEDP3531	Medical X-ray imaging	10	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MEDP3532	X-ray Computed Tomography	10	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
PHIL3852	Philosophy of Modern Physics	20	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
SOEE3151	Dynamics of Weather Systems	10	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
SOEE3410	Atmosphere and Ocean Climate Change Processes	10	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
SOEE3535	Atmospheric Physics	10	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
SOEE3610	Oceanography in the Earth System	10	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

Last updated: 12/05/2026 16:36:54

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