Program Overview
The Theoretical Physics at The University of Edinburgh is a MPhys programme in Natural Sciences over 60 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of natural sciences. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Theoretical Physics programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across United Kingdom and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 60 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 6.5
- Tuition: GBP 23,200 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 1,820 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
- Location: Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Theoretical Physics programme are prepared for diverse careers in natural sciences:
- Research Scientist
- Environmental Consultant
- Laboratory Manager
- Science Writer
- Policy Advisor
- Academic Researcher
Program Curriculum
You will take two compulsory courses plus a selection of courses that will bring you to an advanced level in subjects such as general relativity, cosmology, statistical physics, condensed matter physics, quantum field theory and the standard model of particle physics.
You may also take courses drawn from a wider pool including specialist courses in mathematics, computing and climate science.
Compulsory courses
During the MSc programme you will take three compulsory courses:
- Problem Solving in Theoretical Physics
- Research Skills for Theoretical Physics
- Dissertation in Theoretical/Mathematical Physics
Option courses
You will select between 50 and 90 credits of Standard Courses. Courses will include, among others:
- General Relativity
- Advanced Cosmology
- Radiation Processes in Astrophysics
- Galaxy Evolution
- Hamiltonian Dynamics
- Classical Eletrodynamics
- Quantum Theory
- Symmetries of Particles and Fields
- Quantum Field Theory
- Gauge Theories in Particle Physics
- Advanced Statistical Physics
- Electronic Structure Theory
- Geometry and Physics of Soft Condensed Matter
In addition, you will be able to select further courses from the School of Physics and Astronomy, School of Informatics and School of Mathematics. Courses might include, among others:
- Astrophysics Galaxies and Cosmology
- Symmetries of Quantum Mechanics
- Methods of Mathematical Physics
- Solid State Physics
- Statistical Physics
- Physics of Extreme Environments
- Biological Physics
- Particle Physics
- Scientific Image Analysis
- Nuclear Physics
- Detectors in Particle and Nuclear Physics
- Data Analysis & Machine Learning
- Current topics in Particle Physics
- Quantum Cyber Security
- Introduction to Quantum Computing
- Introduction to Quantum Programming and Semantics
- Algebraic Geometry
- Topics in Ring and Representation Theory
- Functional Amalysis
- Fourier Analysis
- Linear Analysis
- Classic field theory
- Essentials in Analysis and Probability
- Galois Theory
Find courses for this programme
Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed.
The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme.
Full-time
We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
Typical offer
The typical offer is likely to be:
- SQA Highers: AAAA.
- A Levels: AAA.
- IB: 37 points with 655 at HL.
Minimum entry requirements
- SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S5 or ABBBB/AABB from S4-S6, to include Mathematics at Grade A and Physics. Sixth-year work in Mathematics is strongly recommended.
- A Levels: ABB in one sitting, to include Mathematics at Grade A and Physics.
- IB: 32 points overall and award of IB Diploma with 655 HL to include Mathematics at Grade 6 and Physics.
English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 23,200 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 1,820 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
Tuition fees: GBP 23,200 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 1,820 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
IELTS requirement: 6.5
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact The University of Edinburgh directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
University of Edinburgh (Universitas Academica Edinburgensis) is a historic and globally respected public research university in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, founded in 1583, making it one of the...
University Profile- Application Deadline 2015-01-18
- Start Date 2018-09-01
- Language English
- Duration 60 months