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Theoretical Physics BSc Honours

  • UCAS code: F345
  • Full time
  • 3 years

From sub-atomic particles to the large-scale structure of the universe, this Physics degree with an added theoretical emphasis opens up new worlds and new career possibilities.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year: 2024-25


Next start date:

  • September 2024

Fees (per year)

  • Home: £9250
  • International: £26400

Entry requirements and offers

  • A-Level: AAB
  • IB: 34 points

UCAS Institution name and code:

  • NEWC / N21

Course overview

Our three-year Theoretical Physics BSc Honours degree focuses on developing your knowledge so you have a thorough understanding of advanced mathematics and physics. This course covers a range of topics linked to the research specialisms of our staff, so you graduate a well-prepared, dynamic and sought-after physicist.

You will study at the cutting edge of the discipline, with a degree that reflects the world-leading research of our expert staff, ensuring you can be confident your degree education is up-to-date and relevant to your future career.

Your degree will ensure you become a confident physics professional. You'll learn about a range of topics fundamental to the subject, such as: 

  • quantum mechanics
  • fluid dynamics
  • computational modelling
  • astrophysics

BSc or MPhys?

Some of our degrees are offers at two levels:

  • Bachelor of Science (BSc)
  • Master of Physics (MPhys)

Our MPhys degree includes an additional year of advanced study at master’s level, where you will gain a deeper understanding of the subject to prepare you for a career in this challenging field.

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Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions  
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2023-24.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Quality and ranking

Professional accreditation and recognition

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.

Modules and learning

Modules

The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage. 

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

You cover topics in classical dynamics; quantum mechanics; mathematical methods and problem-solving; astrophysics; electromagnetism; states of matter and materials; vibrations, waves and AC circuits; and laboratory physics.

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
Dynamics 10
Introductory Astrophysics 10
Introductory Electromagnetism 10
Introductory Quantum Mechanics 10
Multivariate Calculus and Differential Equations 10
Laboratory Physics 1 20
Introduction to Calculus 20
Vibrations, Waves, AC Theory & Introduction to Solid State Materials 20
Introductory Algebra (for Physics students) 10

You build on your knowledge of core concepts and study modules in thermodynamics; semiconductor devices; optics; materials and solid-state physics; statistical mechanics; vector calculus; differential equations; computational modelling methods and fluid dynamics.

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
Principles of Quantum Mechanics 10
Principles of Materials and Solid-State Physics 10
Vector Calculus 10
Introduction to Observational Astronomy 10
Differential Equations, Transforms and Waves 10
Fluid Dynamics 10
Computational Methods and Professional Skills for Theoretical Physics 10
Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics 20
Optics & Principles of Electromagnetism 20
Scientific Computation with Python 10

You study core subjects to an advanced level, including quantum mechanics, materials and solid-state physics, and electromagnetism.

You will take part in a group project and an individual project in an area of interest under the tuition of our expert academic staff; developing research, practical and presentation skills.

Projects let you explore areas of interest in greater depth and may be computational or theoretical in nature. A wide variety of projects are available, for example: astrophysics and cosmology; quantum theory; photonics; fluid mechanics; and computational modelling of materials.

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
Advanced Quantum Mechanics 10
Relativity 10
Advanced Materials and Solid-State Physics 10
Atoms, Molecules, and Nuclei 10
Group Project 10
Advanced Electromagnetism 10
Theoretical Project 20
Advanced Fluid Dynamics 10
Optional Modules Credits
Geohazards and Deformation of the Earth 10
Career Development for final year students 20
Variational Methods and Lagrangian Dynamics 10
Advanced Astronomy 10
Partial Differential Equations 10
Photonics 10
Stellar Structure and Evolution 10
Cosmology 10
Radiative Transfer and High Energy Astrophysics 10
Instabilities 10
Mathematical Biology 10

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

You will be taught via a range of approaches, including:

  • lectures and seminars
  • small group tutorials
  • problem classes
  • laboratory sessions
  • practical computing sessions

Typically 45 hours in your first year will consist of practical sessions in our laboratories where you will take part in experiments and project work.

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

  • Assessments

  • Examinations – practical or online

  • Group work

  • Projects

  • Reports

Skills and experience

Business skills

In Stage 3 you'll take part in a group project, allowing you to build on your team-working and practical skills. You'll also conduct an individual project in an area of interest under the tuition of our expert academic staff, developing research, practical and presentation skills.

Research skills

You will benefit from our interdisciplinary approach and the diverse research strengths of our expert academic staff. We have research expertise in:

  • novel electronic materials
  • semiconductor devices
  • computational physics
  • quantum fluids
  • astrophysics
  • relativity
  • nanoscale properties of materials

Opportunities

Work placement

Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.

You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.

If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Your degree title will show you have achieved the placement year.  Placements are subject to availability.

Find out more about work placements.

Facilities and environment

Facilities

As a physics student at Newcastle University, you'll be based at our city-centre campus in the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics' Herschel Building. 

The School has high-specification laboratory facilities equipped with leading experimental and computational physics capabilities, such as:

  • cryogenics labs
  • semiconductor labs
  • High Performance Computing
  • data from the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope

The Herschel Building also has dedicated study and social spaces, and a computing area.

Support

To support you in your studies, all new students entering year 1 or year 2 will receive a tablet so you can download the online learning resources you'll need for your course (helping us to make our campus more sustainable).

You'll have the support of an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues.

Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have when starting university.

There's also a dedicated member of staff whose responsibility is to help our students manage the transition from A Levels to undergraduate study.

The Transition Officer works with Stage 1 undergraduates to provide:

  • Stage 1 pastoral and academic support
  • attendance and academic performance monitoring
  • Stage 1 induction
  • weekly drop-ins

Your future

We have research links with the following companies and external organisations:

  • Littelfuse
  • the De Beers Group
  • DEFRA
  • Science and Technologies Facilities Council
  • NASA
  • LOFAR
  • intel
  • CPI

Physics graduates report earning average salaries close to £27,000 on graduation (www.savethestudent.org).

Possible career paths for physics graduates include:

  • engineering
  • medicine
  • finance
  • nanotechnology
  • oil, gas and renewable energy
  • telecommunications

You'll be equipped with transferable skills that are highly valued by employers such as problem-solving, analytical, mathematical, communication, presentation, teamwork and computing skills.

Further study, including postgraduate courses for secondary school teaching and PhD courses, is also available to physics graduates.

Make a difference

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Careers support

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2024 entry.

A-Level
International Baccalaureate

Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications

Contextual Offers

Through one of our contextual routes, you could receive an offer of up to three grades lower than the typical requirements.

What is a contextual offer? Find out more and if you’re eligible for this or our PARTNERS Programme supported entry route.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English Language requirements

Entrance courses (INTO)

International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO. 

Find out more about International Pathway Courses

Admissions policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course.

Additional information

Advice on maths and science requirements

If you don’t think you will have the exact mathematics and science qualifications referred to in our entry requirements by the time you need them, you may not be sure what to do.

  • If you have a maths qualification but will not have it at A Level (or equivalent) when you start your degree, you should apply for the relevant degree with Foundation Year. We may give you the opportunity to take the Newcastle University Pre-Entry Maths Course* and the option to start in Year 1 if we think that this will be the best route for you.
  • If you have A Level Maths (or equivalent) already but not at the required grade, you should contact us for advice. We may decide that you could be considered for Foundation Year entry, or it may be that this course is not the best option for you.
  • If you will not have the equivalent of an A Level in the science subject (if any) required, you should apply for the relevant degree with Foundation Year.

If you are still not sure, don’t worry. Whatever you apply for, our Admissions Tutors will help you decide which is the best route for you. They may, therefore, make you an offer for a different course from the one you apply for (eg Foundation Year entry instead of Year 1 entry).

*The Newcastle University Pre-Entry Maths Course aims to provide the requisite mathematical skills and concepts needed on our engineering, maths and physics degree courses and to prepare students for the modes of learning they will encounter. The materials for the course are delivered electronically and include opportunities to practise your skills. You study the materials in your own time and, when you are ready, you book your exam with the Engineering School to which you have applied. A fee of £150 is payable at the time of booking the exam or shortly before the date set for examination.

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for 2024 entry (per year)

Qualification: BSc Honours

Home students

full time 3 years

Tuition fees (per year)

9250

International students

full time 3 years

Tuition fees (per year)

26400

Year abroad and additional costs

For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year. 

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.

Find out more about:

Scholarships

Find out more about:

Open days and events

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:

  • the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
  • the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
  • the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college

If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.

Apply through UCAS

Apply through an agent

International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.

Visit our International pages

Get in touch

By phone

Call us on +44 (0) 191 208 3333 and press option 1. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 10am until 4pm.

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